39

Chapter 39

The air in the dance studio was tense as the dance master’s sharp voice echoed across the room.

“You’re out!” He snapped at one of the girls, who left with her head hanging low. One by one, the weaker dancers were weeded out until only three remained: Kate, Grace, and another girl, Hayley.

Kate stood at the barre, her body aching from hours of practice, yet her heart raced with a mix of anticipation and dread. She glanced at Grace, who looked effortlessly composed as always, and then at Hayley, whose sly grin suggested she didn’t mind the chaos around them.

When practice ended, the three girls retreated to the changing room, shedding their leotards for more comfortable outfits. The harsh fluorescent lights softened in this space, and for the first time, they felt like they could let their guards down.

“Finally,” Grace said, breaking the silence. “I was starting to think this practice would never end. Can you imagine how ridiculous the others must feel, being cut like that?” She flipped her hair over her shoulder, her tone both smug and casual.

Hayley snorted. “Guess it pays to be good at everything, huh, Grace?”

Grace smirked. “Well, I’ve always been good at everything I do. Dancing is no exception.”

Kate stayed quiet, tying her sneakers and pretending not to listen, but Hayley noticed. She leaned closer to Kate with a teasing grin. “And what about you, Kate? Your mom still running your life?”

Grace jumped in, laughing. “Oh, you have no idea. Kate’s mom is something else. Did you know her parents tried to engage her to her childhood crush? It’s like they’re living in the 1800s.”

Kate’s cheeks flushed. “Can we not talk about my mom?” she muttered, her voice tight.

Hayley frowned, her playful demeanor shifting. “That’s insane. Kate, why do you let them control you like that? Everyone’s got a reason to stay quiet, but at some point, you’ve got to kick it in the ass and take control. You’ll do it when you’re ready, right?”

Kate shrugged, feeling the weight of Hayley’s words. She wanted to believe she could stand up for herself, but it wasn’t that simple.

Grace, clearly bored with the serious turn in the conversation, changed the subject. “Anyway, we should celebrate. Tomorrow’s our last class, and after that, it’ll just be the final two of us left to compete.”

Kate sighed. “I’m not even hoping to win.”

Grace raised an eyebrow. “Oh, please. That’s just because your mom wants you to win. You’ve got this rebellious streak now, don’t you? But let’s not pretend you don’t want it for yourself, too.”

Without waiting for a response, Grace grabbed her bag and left.

Kate leaned back against the lockers, feeling strange. Her body felt off—like something was shifting inside her. She chalked it up to the stress of the competition, but the feeling lingered.

Hayley, noticing Kate’s distraction, gave her a nudge. “You okay?”

Kate nodded. “Yeah, just tired.”

Hayley smiled. “You’ll be fine. You know, I love to dance too, but I don’t let it define me. I’m graduating with a degree in psychology soon. And yeah, I sing sometimes, but it’s just for me. At the end of the day, you’ve got to be your own biggest fan because you’ll face it all alone.”

Kate looked at her, surprised by the depth of her words. “You’re full of wisdom, huh?”

Hayley laughed. “It’s just the truth. Listen, Kate, I know you want to win for yourself, not for anyone else. So stop holding back. Just go for it.”

Kate smiled, a genuine one this time. “Thanks, Hayley. Guess we’re best friends now.”

Hayley grinned. “Guess so.”

Kate’s phone buzzed, and she checked the screen. “Seth’s outside waiting for me. I should go.”

“Have fun,” Hayley called after her.

As Kate walked to Seth’s car, she felt a mixture of excitement and nerves. Sliding into the passenger seat, she started some small talk as the car moved.

“So,” she began, glancing at him, “why the sudden change in lifestyle? You’re different these days.”

Seth laughed, his hands steady on the wheel. “What do you mean?”

Kate hesitated, then asked bluntly, “You’re not into drugs, are you?”

He burst out laughing, the sound easing some of her tension. “No, Kate. I’m not into drugs. My job is honest, I promise.”

Before she could respond, he leaned over and kissed her. “That’s for now,” he said softly.

Kate’s heart raced as they pulled up to his apartment building. She followed him inside, only to stop short when she saw a familiar figure waiting in the lobby.

Liam.

His presence was a shock, and the tension in the air was immediate. Kate’s eyes darted to Seth, whose expression hardened.

“What are you doing here?” Seth asked, his voice low and controlled.

Liam turned, his gaze settling on Kate. “I came to talk to her.”

Kate froze, unsure of what to say. The funny feeling in her body intensified, a mix of fear and adrenaline coursing through her.

Seth stepped in front of her protectively. “You’ve got no business here, Liam. Leave.”

Liam didn’t move. “This isn’t over,” he said, his eyes narrowing before he turned and walked out.

The tension lingered even after he was gone. Seth looked at Kate, concern etched on his face. “You okay?”

Kate nodded, but she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in her chest. Whatever Liam wanted, it couldn’t be good.