Page 29 of Surprisingly Us

“You both are so sweet. I was so tired, my feet were killing me and all I wanted to do was sleep, but I told James I refused to be in a sexless marriage, so we had a quickie before we passed out.”

I think of Rhys’s words.They’re just going to fuck, then pass out.He might have been right, but at least Hannah thought the decorated suite was a nice touch.

“We’re at the spa now, James is recovering from having too many signature Manhattans, and then we’re off to the Maldives tonight.”

A sharp twinge pulls at my side. I close my eyes and imagine a beach and a lounge chair, the clear calm waters, the warmth of the sun’s rays on my skin. My legs dangling off a ledge into a pool, letting my sore feet push through the cool water.

The peace. The rest.

My body shivers with delight.

“Lettie, you there?” Hannah’s voice cuts through my fantasy.

“Yeah, sorry. I’m here.”

I open my eyes to find the walk signal on and people filtering around my still stationary body. I step off the curb.

I try to remember the last time I took a vacation. A weekend off. Even a day.

I can’t rest until I become a principal dancer.

It’s the thought that has been pushing me forward since I can remember. Embedded at a ripe age of seven when Nana Rose, my mom’s mother, took me to the ballet for the first time. I’d been awestruck by the dancers’ grace and strength, and that had quickly turned into determination. I wanted to be just like the dancers I’d seen on stage, and make it look effortless.

My Nana Rose had beamed ear to ear when I’d proudly declared that I wanted to be a principal dancer someday. She had been a ballet dancer, but didn’t have the feet for it; my mom had the feet, but no desire to pursue it. Nana Rose had been thrilled to discover I had the feet and the heart.

She passed away two years ago, and even though she never said it, I’d felt the heavy weight of disappointment that shedidn’t see me reach the goal we’d shared. But over the last two years, I’ve been more determined than ever to reach it.

I shake the memory of Nana Rose and refocus on my conversation with Hannah.

“You’re going to have such a good time. Send me some pictures.”

“I will, but James wants us to keep our phones off for the next two weeks. That’s a stretch for me, I’m still so plugged into everything that’s happening at the store, but I’m going to humor him if I can.”

“I think that’s great. It’ll give you two a chance to unwind from all the wedding craziness and really enjoy your time together.” It’s what I want for her, but selfishly I’m dying to talk to her about my conversation with Alexei. I hold my thoughts in, though, because now is not the time. Still, a sigh manages to escape, and it comes out heavier than intended. “I’m going to miss you.”

“Well, even though I won’t be back for a few weeks, you know you can call Sophie or Chloe or Emma to hang out, right?”

Hannah is my best friend, but she’s also the one that keeps me in the loop with social events. Without her, my already lacking social life would be nonexistent, and I don’t think I’d have any other friends besides Sebastian and Isabella. Though, I have gotten to know Sophie, Emma, and Chloe better through Hannah’s wedding events and started to form my own friendships with them. It’s a slow process. I’m not easy to get to know. I’m aware of this and so is Hannah.

“You’ll be back for the Leg-Up fundraiser, right?” I ask.

“Of course, I wouldn’t miss it.”

“I love you. Have so much fun.”

“Love you, Lettie.”

The call disconnects and I take a long pull of my athletic greens through the straw in my cup. I used to think it tasted likedirt, but I think all my tastebuds have shriveled up, so now it tastes like nothing. I suck it back, knowing the benefits it’s giving my body.

I open my phone’s notes app and add a few items to my list.

Reschedule dinner with my parents.

Call Chloe, Emma, and Sophie to make an effort.

I lift my gaze just in time to see a pair of loafers peeking out from the sandstone staircase leading to my apartment building.

Hmm.

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