Page 17 of Just Like Home

“Wow,” Charlotte said. “Do they have a lot of events out there?”

Brinley shook her head. “They used to. Mr. Kent and his wife put on the most amazing musicals. Turned that place into a real tourist attraction, but about five years ago, the wife died and Silas practically boarded up the place. I don’t think he ever recovered.”

Charlotte thought of Connor. Would it be the same for him?

“We were just a few weeks away from the performance, but then Jules—” She looked away. “Well, I don’t know how to do it without her.”

“That must be hard.”

Brinley’s face fell. “I feel like I’m letting her down. She loved these kids like they were her own. If she knew we didn’t see it through, after all their hard work . . .” Brinley shook her head, leaving the unfinished thought dangling in the air.

Charlotte took a few steps into the studio. “Do you think the students remember their dances?”

Brinley nodded. “Definitely. They worked on them all semester. They’re like little sponges.”

“What if we went ahead and did it?” Charlotte asked, the idea still forming in her mind as she spoke.

“The recital?”

Charlotte nodded. “As a tribute to Jules. Like, a memorial or a celebration of her life.” A wave of excitement rose in her chest.

“You think her family would be okay with that?” A line of worry deepened in Brinley’s forehead. “Connor hasn’t been doing that great.”

Charlotte stilled. That was an understatement. “I think it’s worth a shot. Maybe it would even be helpful. And we could announce that we’re going to keep the studio going—if Connor agrees to sell it to me.”

Brinley’s eyes widened. “You want to buy this place?”

Charlotte felt her cheeks flush. “I was hoping to.”

The younger woman seemed to be holding in a squeal.

“Don’t say anything, though,” Charlotte said. “It’s not a done deal or anything.”

Brinley pressed her lips together and ran her index finger and thumb over them in a straight line like an imaginary zipper. “I won’t say a word. It would be a great way to introduce you to the community,” Brinley said. “And maybe it would get Amelia dancing again.”

Charlotte frowned. “Amelia’s not dancing?”

Brinley shook her head. “Not since the accident. It’s really sad because that little girl loves to dance.”

Charlotte sat with that for a moment. “That’s upsetting.”

Brinley nodded. “Maybe you’re right—maybe this will help.”

“And what if we added a few tribute dances for Jules? Just to make it about her—give the kids a chance to say goodbye,” Charlotte said. “You know, if we can convince people who were close to her to do it?”

Brinley smiled. “What a great idea.”

“Yeah?” Charlotte couldn’t help it—the compliment encouraged her.

“Definitely.” Out of nowhere, Brinley gasped. “And oh, my goodness, Charlotte! You could perform!” Her voice kicked up to its higher register.

Charlotte laughed. “I’m retired.”

Brinley gasped. “What?”

One look at her face and the wave of self-doubt washed over Charlotte again.You’re making a terrible mistake.

“Long story,” Charlotte said lamely.

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