Page 169
A small sense of forgiveness falls between our glances.
Pulling the two of us from our comforting bubble, Shannon, of all people, scoffs and says, “What are we supposed to tell our family when they don’t see us on stage for that?”
Haven pays no mind to her attention-seeking antics.
“You’ll be on stage for the other two and a half hours. I think they’ll survive not seeing you for three minutes.”
Cutting her eyes to me, Shannon’s seething. I didn’t think one person could pose such a problem, but evidently, I do for Shannon. Some people never get rid of jealousy; it fuels them, and for her, it’s the only thing that can help her come to terms with the fact that I’m a better dancer.
But right now, I have the upper hand. As mean as she tries to be, I was the one given the opportunity, and she won’t ever be able to take that from me.
Letting everyone know about the new routine was an unexpected weight off my shoulders. Some reactions were expected, but Haven’s unwavering support and the small sparkle in Taylor’s eyes are all the confirmation I need.
After a few more announcements, Haven dismisses us for the weekend. Leaving tonight feels lighter, but a small pressure fills my chest when I fish my phone from my bag and see there aren’t any messages from Jett.
I can’t believe I’ve turned into a sappy bitch.
After zipping my bag, I rise from where I’m hunched at my locker and sling the duffel over my shoulder, almost hitting Taylor.
“Shit, sorry, I didn’t see you there.”
“Congrats.” Her stare doesn’t meet mine as she scans the room to make sure no one else can hear her.
“I think everyone’s gone. You don’t have to be scared to talk to me.”
“Fia, I—”
Holding up my hand, I stop her, wanting to get out what I have to say first.
“I’m sorry,” I start. “I know it’s way too late for an apology, but I need you to know that I didn’t plan on leaving you that night. I shouldn’t have left you. It was just…that night took a bad turn for me.”
Taylor’s tense shoulders deflate, the sincere, sweet friend I once had finally present after almost two years.
“What happened?” she asks softly.
“It’s too much to get into right now, but just know, I didn’t mean to leave you. I just had to get out of there as fast as I could.”
Taylor’s brow furrows, and I watch as what little dots I’m giving her slowly connect. I’m not able to give any more than context clues just yet, but girl to girl, she knows.
“Are you okay now?”
My heart warms at her concern. It may have been a strained couple of years, but our friendship always felt strong enough to withstand any obstacle.
I smile. “I’m okay now.”
“How about we call it a truce?” Dimples liven her cheeks, her sweet heart on her sleeve.
“I’d love that.”
“Tay, Fia, we’re going to Sympathy. You guys coming?”
Titi, a dancer who keeps to herself most of the time, peeks her head inside the changing room door.
Looking back at me, her mouth tilts in a silly grin.
“Should we go dance it out like old times?”
Going out with this group hasn’t led me in the best of directions. An apprehensive curdle churns my stomach, but the second Taylor’s arms wrap around my shoulder, the bitter aftertaste settles.
