Page 63 of The Dance

“Hungry?”

“Starving.” She stepped into the hall, shutting the door behind her. “I was running late today and only had coffee for lunch.”

“You should have grabbed something from the minibar or room service. I wouldn’t mind.”

“It’s fine. I was more focused on getting here and not being late for dinner.”

“Well, order whatever you want.” I pressed the call button for the elevator.

“Don’t worry, I will.” She grinned. “I need to fill my belly so I don’t get sick tonight from drinking too much.”

“Doesn’t the lemon candy work?”

“Only with hangovers. It doesn’t prevent me from barfing.” We entered the elevator.

“True,” I agreed. “I heard avocado is good for hangovers. Maybe we can grab brunch or something before you head back to Houston?”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you never wanted to get rid of me.”

“Maybe I don’t.” I smirked.

“Are you flirting with me, Mr. Bryant?”

“What if I am?”

The elevator opened on the ground level, and I motioned for Stacey to exit before me. “Then I’d say it’s a good thing my mom didn’t marry your dad.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

After we ordered a bottle of wine, I let Stacey know the news I had been dying to tell her in person since we last saw each other. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

“Oh?” She leaned forward, eager for the news.

“Remember how I mentioned I had a connection with Maze?”

She nodded, her eyes widening.

I smiled ear to ear. “I called my contact, and she was able to get you an audition for the summer tour.”

“Oh, my god!” Stacey squealed loudly as she stood with excitement. People looked at us, but I didn’t care. I was thrilled I could do this for her—to hopefully make her dream come true. After she calmed down and sat back in her chair, she asked, “When? How? Where?”

“Well,” I snorted. “Next Saturday.”

She didn’t hesitate as she stood and walked over to my side of the table. I stood just as she wrapped her arms around my neck. “I can’t believe this. Thank you so much!”

“You’re more than welcome.”

* * *

After dinner,we rode the elevator up to the top floor. When we stepped out, the music thumped instantly in my ears.

It was party time.

A time for new beginnings.

I grabbed Stacey’s hand and led her to the closest bar. She didn’t pull away, and I smiled on the inside. Dinner had gone well, and I still felt as though we were on a real date. That maybe, finally, after all these years, I was getting my chance with her. I’d never tried before because of our parents and because she was out of my league. That was partially why I changed how I looked, so I could stop feeling like I didn’t belong.

Girls in high school had never looked at me, or at least they’d laughed at me as I walked by. In college, I wasn’t out of my league, and that was where I lost my virginity, but I never found love. When we launched Sweethearts, and I saw all the babies, I changed. I wanted women to drool over me and wish they were more than a baby to me.