Page 217
Taylor steps ahead of both of them, and Haven trails just slightly behind.
“You fucking scared us.” Her words are almost as strong as the hug she pulls me into.
“Sorry,” I mumble.
Pulling out of our hug, she looks at me, then at Jett. “You should’ve been here.” A little sass layers her tone, and I love that she’s being protective of me.
“I should’ve; you’re right. But I’m here now, and I’m here to stay.”
Jett floats behind me, rubbing gentle patterns on my shoulders, guarding my heart like he’s at war for it, even though he’s already won it.
It’s Haven who steps forward next, her eyes soft and compassionate as she grabs my hands within hers.
“I ruined the show, didn’t I?”
“There will be plenty more shows. You’re my concern. How are you?”
“I’m better. I probably should’ve eaten more before the show, but the stress I was under certainly didn’t help.”
Behind me, Jett’s voice is silly. “I’ll take credit for that too.”
The room erupts into a fit of laughter, and Haven remains attached to my hands.
“I meant what I said in Tennessee, Fia. You’re one of the most talented dancers I’ve ever worked with, but maybe you should take a break? Get back to coaching? Do what you love again. If you ever want to come back, be part of my team, choreograph a number or two,” she says with a wink, “the job is yours. But take care of yourself. You’re more important.”
I give a knowing nod, squeezing her hands a little tighter.
“Thank you. For everything.”
She nods at both Jett and me, her sights set on him now.
“Get her home and take care of her for us, okay?”
Looking at all the support in this room, I crane my neck behind me to the foundation of it all. With a promising glance at me, then one to my parents and friends, he grins.
“With pleasure.”
Only an hour later, we were on the first plane out, and I haven’t left Jett’s arms since.
“That was really hard.” My voice is low as the lights in the cabin dim.
“Being away from you was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, baby. I won’t do it again, do you hear me?”
Tucking his finger under my chin, he forces my tired eyes to his.
“I need to know you understand me, Sofia baby. I don’t need time to think, all I need is you.”
“What made you come tonight?”
We’re so close, he could probably fish the thoughts right out of my brain if he wanted to.
“I came to all the Toronto shows.”
“What?” I sit up in his lap, shocked. “Why?”
He smiles, his thumb tracing circles under the waistband of my pants. “You know I love to watch you dance.”
Memories of our time in every different studio flash through my mind. I love to dance for him too, more than I love to dance for big crowds. His eyes on me as I move feel better than anything I’ve ever felt.
