Page 26 of Flirty Dancing

26

The Finale

Archer woke up with Mateo’s chest pressed to his back, arm around his waist, nose on the nape of his neck, tickling him with each breath. He smiled, chest rising and falling in a deep, contented sigh.

“Can we stay here forever?” Mateo whispered in the silence.

Archer wiggled around, smile growing, sliding his arms around Mateo’s neck. “Yes.” He kissed Mateo’s cheek, then his lips, morning breath be damned.

“Archer,” Mateo murmured, pressing their bodies even tighter together. “Archer,” he breathed again, sliding his hand down Archer’s stomach.

The heights Archer reached with Mateo were like none he had ever known before. His body responded in ways he never thought possible. When he danced with Mateo, it was like he entered another plane that was all electricity and tension and fire. But being with him like this… it was a whole other universe. Stars, planets, comets—they all whizzed by him, through him, compressed space and time down to one singular point of bliss.

“Oh, God,” Archer panted when he sagged onto the mattress again, goose bumps shivering over his skin, pleasure still radiating from his center. “ Fuck . You are… you are really good at that.”

Mateo smiled and planted a kiss on Archer’s shoulder. “So are you.”

“Better than I am at dancing?”

Mateo laughed and gave him a half-hearted shove. “Yes. Even better than you are at dancing.”

Archer let out a low whistle. “Damn. I am good at this.”

Mateo’s laugh vibrated through Archer’s chest, perfectly in time with his heart.

This.

This right here.

“So… we go home tomorrow,” Archer said, tiptoeing up to the conversation after some more cuddling.

“Yeah. Hard to believe the summer’s over already.” Mateo’s fingers drifted up and down his arm.

“Am I really going to move in with you?” Archer asked in a rush. “Are you sure you want me invading your world?”

Mateo’s eyes were serious when they met his. “Archer… I haven’t had anyone in my life in a very long time. And I am absolutely sure. I feel like…” He blushed and looked away to fiddle with the sheet. “I feel like I’ve been waiting for you.”

Tears flooded Archer’s eyes. “I’ve been waiting for you too.”

They kissed again, a slow, gentle kiss that was a promise of many more to come.

“If I don’t get any jobs in a few months though…” Archer had to warn him. “I’m almost out of money. I’ll have to move back to Ohio.”

“Fuck Ohio,” Mateo said with a growl. “Breckon Galloway is going to see you and fall in love. I know it.”

“Hah. If anything, he’s going to fall in love with you.”

“Well, I’m taken.”

Even though he was already rubber, Archer managed to soften further. Joy swelled up his throat as he snuggled under Mateo’s jaw, ear pressed to the steady rhythm of Mateo’s heart.

Mateo paused outside the stage door and squeezed Archer’s hand. “You ready?”

They were meeting early for a dress rehearsal before the night’s finale, and they had officially agreed: no more hiding. A handful of maintenance people had seen Archer coming downstairs with Mateo this morning anyway, all disheveled, and who knows who had seen them sprinting to Mateo’s room the night before. Better to get it all out in the open now so there were no surprises later.

Archer nodded. “Ready.”

They walked into the greenroom, fingers laced.

Betty’s face lit up when she saw them. “Hiii!” she squealed and ran over, hugging them both. “Oh my God, yes! So happy for you two.”

Dominik stood and shouted, “You owe me ten bucks!,” although it wasn’t clear who it was directed at.

“’Bout time,” Caleb said, shaking his head.

“Well, we didn’t want to cause any drama or anything, you know,” Archer said, rubbing the back of his neck.

“It is possible to date without causing drama, you know,” Betty said dryly.

“I don’t really blame them,” Caleb said. “Every other couple ended in disaster.”

“Uh, no they didn’t!” a voice piped up.

It was River. Every head swiveled over to them.

“Gage and I are still together,” they said, alarmed at having so many people staring at them. “No drama.”

An awkward silence ensued.

“Er, right. Well, clearly you two are an example of how to do it,” Archer said. “Well done.”

Once Eva arrived, they did a full rehearsal, and it all went perfectly. When it was over, the dancers gathered in a tight huddle in the middle of the stage.

Mateo spoke, his head slowly turning to meet each person’s eye. “This is it, team. We made it. I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of you. It wasn’t without its bumps”—Caleb studied his feet—“but I truly believe we have put together an incredible show, one that will absolutely blow away Breckon Galloway.”

“Hell yeah, it will!” Dominik cried, backed by cheers and enthusiastic agreement.

“Go get some food and be back here at six. Last one, team.”

They put their hands in and cheered.

Mateo exhaled as the group dispersed.

Archer slid his arms around Mateo and hugged him tight. “Speaking of being proud,” Archer said. “You should be incredibly proud of this show.”

Mateo hummed and tried to deflect the compliment. “Stewart—”

“Nope.” Archer cut off his deflection with a kiss. “This is as much your show as it is Stewart’s, the entire thing. You led us the whole way through. And I’m really proud of you.”

Mateo blinked rapidly. “Thank you, Archer.”

Archer took his hand. “Now let’s go eat.”

Archer was just finishing his last bite of dinner in the dining hall when his phone buzzed. It was a text from Lynn that was only a picture—Sasha’s hand, with a pink teardrop diamond shining from her finger. Behind was a table set for a candlelit dinner and the lake sparkling in the background.

Oh my Goddddd! Congratulations! You did it! I’m so happy for you two!

Thanks, boo! Do you have time to join us for a super quick glass of champagne before the show? We’re on the deck of our cabin.

Archer checked the time—five forty-five. The finale—only one show this time—was at seven, and even though he was technically supposed to be there at six, if he was a touch late arriving, Eva Stiff went on first, so he had a bit of a time cushion. Sure, if I hurry! I’ll be right there!

He kissed Mateo on the forehead. “I’ve gotta go see Lynn and Sasha real quick—they just got engaged! I’ll be at the theater by six though… ish.”

“Okay, hurry back.” Mateo squeezed his waist. “And congratulate them for me too, please.”

Archer pocketed his phone and hurried out the door into the heavy afternoon heat, settling into a jog toward Lynn’s cabin, sweat beading on his forehead. When he came around the bend by the lake, there was a small, lone figure crumpled in the middle of the path.

Archer’s heart wrenched in two when he recognized the purple floral dress.

“Eileen!” he cried, racing to her side. He fell to his knees and reached for her hand. Her eyes were closed, face stark white. “Eileen,” he said again. “Eileen, are you okay?” He pressed his fingertips to her neck trying to find a pulse, but all he could feel was his own hammering heart.

Then her eyelids fluttered.

“Thank God,” he muttered, scrambling to pull his phone out of his pocket and dial 911.

He did his best to answer their questions and listen to instructions. When the dispatcher put him on hold, he sent a text to Mateo with shaking fingers.

Something’s happened with Eileen. I found her unconscious. I’m on the phone with 911.

Where are you? I’ll be right there.

We’re on the path by 101.

“Someone’s coming, Eileen,” Archer murmured to her. “It’s going to be okay. Please, hang in there.” There was no response, but her chest rose in the odd shallow breath.

The dispatcher’s calm voice returned. “An ambulance is on its way. I’m going to give you some more instructions to help Eileen. Are you ready, Archer?”

“Yes. Yes, I think so.” He followed the steps to put Eileen in the recovery position, and he sent a bystander to the front desk to alert them to the situation.

Mateo came running up. A wave of relief flooded Archer’s chest at seeing his face.

“Archer! What happened? Is she okay?” he panted.

“I don’t know.” Archer dragged a hand through his hair and reached for Mateo.

Mateo fell to his knees next to them and followed the same motions Archer had—checking her pulse, listening for her breath, searching for any encouraging signs. “Has she moved at all?” he asked.

“Just an eyelid.” Archer picked up Eileen’s fallen sun hat and clutched it with white knuckles.

A few more curious onlookers gathered, then Mrs. C arrived, carrying a first aid kit.

“She’s breathing,” Archer told her. “Barely.”

Mrs. C checked her over, as well. “Poor thing,” she murmured, brushing Eileen’s hair off her forehead. “She mentioned before that she has poor circulation. I wonder if that has something to do with it.”

“I don’t know,” Archer said, his voice rough. “Is there anything else we can do?”

“They’ll be here soon, Archer. Eileen knows you’re here with her.”

They finally heard the ambulance approaching, and then the siren cut out once the ambulance pulled into the long drive. A minute later, two EMTs came into sight walking down the main path with a stretcher. They waved the crowd back and set their cases down.

“Archer?” one of them asked.

“Yes,” he nodded, mouth dry.

“I’m Caroline and this is James. We are emergency medical technicians and we’re here to help Eileen.”

“Yes, please,” he said, letting go of Eileen’s hand and gripping Mateo’s instead as they moved back.

Caroline and James knelt next to Eileen’s small figure.

“Eileen, can you hear us?” Caroline called.

Eileen’s eyes fluttered again.

“Eileen?” Caroline gave her shoulder a shake.

Her lips moved, as if she were mumbling something, but Archer couldn’t hear any words.

Once their assessment was complete, they lifted Eileen onto the stretcher. Archer, Mateo, and Mrs. C followed the medics up the path.

Eileen’s eyes drifted open as they approached the ambulance. “Archer,” she croaked when she saw him.

“Eileen!” Archer took her hand again. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t know,” she breathed. “I was walking up the path and…” Her voice faded and her eyes closed again.

“It’s going to be alright,” Archer said, doing his very best to keep his voice calm. “The paramedics are here, and they’re going to take you to the hospital.”

She looked so small and frail in the back of the ambulance, surrounded by medical equipment and sterile white walls. Her eyes opened again. “Will you stay with me, Archer?”

“Of course I will.” He turned to Mateo. “I’m going to go with her. I’m sorry, I know—”

Mateo cut him off. “I’m coming too.”

“What? No! Mateo, it’s the final show.”

“I don’t care. I need to be with Eileen. And you.”

“Okay.” Archer nodded, relenting. Of course Mateo would want to go. “Thank you.”

“Do you have a car?” Caroline asked.

“You can take mine,” Mrs. C offered.

“We’re going to St. Luke’s,” James told them. “If you go to registration in Emergency, they can tell you where Eileen is.”

“Okay, thank you so much. Eileen”—Archer turned back to call to her—“we’ll be at the hospital, okay?”

She didn’t reply, her eyes closed again.

It was a blur as Mrs. C handed them her keys and told them where to find her car. They ran to the staff parking lot and, breathless, Archer texted Betty from the passenger seat. Something happened to Eileen. Mateo and I are going with her to the hospital. We’re so sorry to miss the show. We know you guys can fill in the gaps.

Of course, Betty replied right away. Send Eileen our love if you can. Let us know how she’s doing, please.

I will. Love you.

Love you too.

He texted Lynn too, then didn’t remember much of the drive, only staring blankly out the window, watching the trees go by in a green smudge. At the hospital, they were directed to a waiting room and were told someone would come find them with an update once Eileen was stabilized.

Archer paced the dingy linoleum until Mateo handed him a bag of Reese’s Pieces from the vending machine. He sat and ate them in three handfuls, leg jittering.

“Are you Eileen Lamb’s friends?” A woman in a white coat with kind, tired eyes approached them.

Archer shot to his feet again. “Yes, that’s us.”

“I’m Dr. Farag. Ms. Lamb is resting comfortably, and you may see her now.”

“We can?” Tears filled Archer’s eyes. “She’s okay?”

“It was likely heatstroke. Our tests show she was dehydrated, and her blood sugar and blood pressure were low. She might have been overdoing it in this heat for someone her age. She’s doing much better now and will be just fine.”

Archer sighed and pressed a hand to his heart, willing it to slow down. “Thank you, Doctor.”

They followed the instructions to find Eileen’s room. Archer pushed open the door and they crept in.

“Archer. Mateo,” Eileen said when she saw them, her voice thin. “Oh, what you must think of me. How embarrassing.”

“Shhh.” Archer leaned over to leave a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Don’t be silly. We’re glad you’re okay.”

Mateo bent to kiss her too. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We’re just relieved.”

Eileen sighed. “That’s getting old for you. No fun at all.”

“Did they say how long you’ll have to stay in the hospital?” Archer asked, rubbing her shoulder.

“Overnight for monitoring. What time is it?” she asked, squinting at the clock on the wall. “I’ve lost all sense.”

“It’s eight thirty,” Archer said.

She gasped. “Wait—the finale! You didn’t miss it, did you?”

“It’s fine,” Archer said. “It’s only a show.”

“You’re more important,” Mateo said, squeezing her hand.

“Well, that’s utter nonsense,” she grumbled.

Archer laughed. “Glad to see you’re back to your old self.”

Archer texted Betty on the drive back to let her know Eileen was okay, and Betty assured him that the show had gone well. Not as good as if you two had been here. But good!

Did Breckon Galloway like it? Archer asked.

I think so. He was talking with Stewart after.

That’s great!

Drive safe. Come by the cabin when you get back!

By the time they parked and found Mrs. C to return her keys, it was almost ten. But instead of the cabin, their feet took them toward the theater, sitting dark and silent in the still night.

“I can’t believe we missed it,” Archer sighed. After everything that had happened on that stage over the summer, the realization that he would never dance there again left a hollow ache in his chest.

“Yeah.” Mateo studied the old building, then turned to look at Archer. “You want to do it now?”

“What?”

“Come on.” He pulled Archer down the hill.

They giggled as they tiptoed in, grasping for a light switch.

“Should we change?” Archer whispered, for some reason reluctant to disturb the silence.

“Nah.” Mateo led him up the stairs to the stage and kicked his flip-flops off, then tossed his shirt. “Gimme a second to get the music ready.”

Archer similarly stripped down to his shorts.

Mateo turned on a single stage light, then the music began, quieter than normal, just loud enough for them to hear. It was not the same pas de deux they had performed thirty times before this summer. It was a little looser, more dreamlike, their smiles and lines gentle in the white light. When it was over, they hugged, breathing in the stage together one last time.

“That was beautiful.” The voice came out of the shadows.

Archer whirled. A man with a vaguely familiar face was making his way down the aisle of the theater.

That’s not —

“Breckon Galloway,” the man said, stopping below them. “Nice to meet you, Archer, Mateo. My niece has been telling me all about you two all summer.”

Archer’s jaw dropped. “W—Your niece ?”

Breckon turned to wave at somebody who was lurking at the back in the shadows. The shadow began moving toward them. A blond shadow.

“Betty?”

Betty waved sheepishly. “Hi.”

Archer and Mateo shared a confounded look, then Archer turned back to Betty. “This is your uncle ?”

“Yep.”

“Why—why didn’t you tell us?”

“Oh, you know, the old cliché. Wanted to make it on my own, et cetera.”

Archer’s jaw hung open for a second before a question occurred to him. “How did you know we’d be here?”

“I had a feeling. Plus, Breckon saw you go in and texted me.”

Archer turned his attention to Breckon. “We’re sorry we missed the finale, our friend—”

“Yes, Betty told me. I’m sorry to hear that. She’s doing well now?”

“Thankfully. She’ll be okay.”

“What a relief. You know, I actually caught the performance last night, too.”

“You did?”

“Mm-hmm. You’re both stunning, and your chemistry? Insane.” He paused, studying them for a moment, then gave a small nod. “It just so happens, I’m casting my next show in September, and you two would be perfect for it.”

Archer choked on his tongue while Breckon pulled two business cards out of his wallet, reaching up to hand one to each of them. “Send my assistant an email with your contact information. I want to make sure you’re at the auditions.”

“We will,” Archer rasped. “Thank you, Mr. Galloway.”

“Call me Breckon.” He paused and examined Mateo for a moment. “I saw Robin’s Egg twice. You have a gift. Broadway has missed you.”

Mateo gulped. “Thank you, sir.”

Breckon nodded. “We’ll talk soon.”

Betty winked at them as she followed Breckon back up the aisle. The sound of the door swinging closed echoed back at them.

They stared at each other.

“Did that just happen?” Archer asked.

“That just happened,” Mateo replied, a laugh bubbling up.

Archer jumped into Mateo’s arms.

Mateo caught him, as usual.