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Changed for You

Page 185

by Ken Blakely

Giving a short chuckle, I feel the heat of her compliment, but I don’t know that I deserve it.

“What if he’s not enough?”

The admission I want so badly to tell her shifts between our eyes, eight letters swirling in my head, three words on my tongue. I don’t say it, but it’s clouding every inch of this space. Occupying every cell in my body.

Her face pinches, a tanked expression that fills my heart before she can even speak. Tears build at the corners of her eyes with every blink as she searches mine.

“Jett, you are so much more than enough.”

CHAPTER 55

FIA

Before we came back home, Jett and I were on a timeline. We’d made a deal to finish whatever this was by the end of our last show, but I don’t know if either of us is willing to give this up. Jett and I spent all the following morning wrapped up in each other. We made breakfast, fucked on the counter, had a movie marathon—well, we watched every other movie.

It was another perfect end to the weekend.

Today, we’re back to reality.

Our rehearsals for Haven’s new single are supposed to be later in the evening, but we had to move them up so it wouldn’t overlap with the Blazettes’ game schedule.

The Trailblazers made it to the playoffs this year, by the grace of God, so between Haven having six different shows, and them playing a series at home, the city is bumping.

When the door chimes upon my entrance to the studio, the familiar smells of sweat and hardwood feel just as homey as I’m used to. As the end of our break nears, the dread of being back on the road is slowly creeping in. While still grateful, I hate more than anything to be leaving this place.

“Coach Fia!”

Small voices muffle from inside one of the studio rooms. Behind the tiny window, heads bob up and down for my attention.

With a smile that reaches my eyes, I wave both hands to the girls on the other end, pointing a finger in the direction of their teacher telling them to stay focused.

“Sup, babe? What are you doing here so early?” Vic asks.

Busy on the computer, her focus is on the screen, but the shine in her eyes is for me.

“Our rehearsals got moved up. I guess we’re sharing space today.”

I hate to steal space from the girls; they need the love and attention more than we do.

“No worries. They’re almost finished anyway. Think youth twelve could stick around and watch you guys for a little?”

“I don’t see why not. It could be good for them to see how pros practice.”

Agreeing with a nod, Vic rounds the desk, heading back into the room to help finish out their practice.

My stomach feels uneasy watching her coach them.

It’s not her; she’s great, but her being in the shoes I filled just months ago all feels so wrong. I should be helping them get ready for Dance Tech.

“Do you wish you were still coaching them?”

A voice takes me out of focus beyond the glass ahead. When I turn to Taylor, a sympathetic stare is plastered on her face. My heart cracks a little at the fact that I missed such softness from her for two years.

Our friendship was so real. Even after our reconciliation, I still can’t believe I let things go so far.

“So much,” I admit, keeping my sights set on the window to help hide my emotion.

“I mean, I can see why; you’re an amazing coach. They adore you.”