Page 9 of In Step

Terry laughed and shook his head. “You’re lucky they aren’t demanding government-level clearance. Ruby’s mum wanted a police report. We’re a protective lot.”

I laughed. “So, no pressure, then.” I took a swig from my water bottle.

“None whatsoever.” Terry hustled Hannah into the passenger seat and slid her canes into the back before turning to Judah. “Next class is Monday, right?”

Judah nodded. “Abe and I will work on some ideas over the weekend, and then the goal is to have a class Monday to Thursday for the next month, as long as they can manage it. If Hannah or any kid gets too tired, they can be pulled. We’ll leave it to you guys to monitor, but it’s the only way to learn the routine in time. Closer to the recital we’ll need extra rehearsals, but we can play that by ear.”

Terry started his car. “Okay, then I’ll see you both for lunch on Sunday. Hannah’s overnighting at a birthday party, so it’s just me. Have a nice weekend.” Terry reversed and I squinted into the sun to watch as he headed up the hill.

“Sunday?” I cast a look Judah’s way.

He rolled his eyes. “It’s athing. We do Sunday lunch at the homestead for friends and family once a month. It used to be almost every week, but now that Morgan and Fox are in the picture, we’ve finally convinced our mothers that we need some free time as couples,minusthem. Thank. You. Very. Much. But the gruesome twosome want to meet you properly, much to Leroy’s disgust, as I don’t think he had any intention of letting Fox out of their bed for the next month. Fucking late-blooming bisexuals.”

I choked on a mouthful of water. “So, it’s true? Your mother and Fox’s...”

“Are shacked up? Yes. Go figure. Leroy thinks it’s something in the water, so I’d watch out if I were you.” He nodded to my bottle. “It might turn us lot straight. I’ve been checking my wardrobe choices over the last six months just in case, but so far, I think I’m okay. If I start wearing cargo shorts and singing ‘Redneck Paradise,’ Fox knows to send in the drag queens to rescue me.”

I snorted as we walked back to the studio. “I’ll be sure to keep a close eye on you. And by the way, I met Kane this morning.” The change in Judah’s demeanour was palpable, like chalk and cheese.

His shoulders stiffened and his gaze jerked to mine. “Oh.”

“Yeah. Seems a nice guy, if a bit jumpy.”

Judah’s eyes darkened. “He’s okay.”

I shot him a look as we walked through the studio doors. “I sense a story. There’s this weird vibe between you guys.”

Judah turned and shrugged dismissively. “We knew each other in school, although we didn’t exactly travel in the same crowd.” He chewed the inside of his cheek as if weighing his options. “To be honest, Kane was a bit of an arsehole back then,” he finally offered. “Apparently, he’s changed.”

“Apparently?”

Judah’s gaze slid to the door, and he looked... uncomfortable. “Kane works for Leroy. It’s nothing to do with me.”

Yeah, I wasn’t buying it, but I knew a brush-off when I heard one. “It was a good day, right?”

Finally, a smile again. “It was. Thanks for taking point.”

“My pleasure.” I handed him his jacket and frowned as he swayed a little, getting his arms into the sleeves.

“Have you heard from your brother?”

I nodded. “He said Mum was a little sad yesterday when I left, but she knows I’ll visit again before I head off.”

Judah laid a hand on my arm. “I’m sorry, Abe. It sucks.”

“It does. Now go home and let me clean up.”

He shook his head. “I’m fine. Just a bit tired. You don’t need—”

“Judah.” My voice carried a warning. “I’m gonna dance for a bit first, stretch my body properly. It might help me sleep better tonight, and I don’t need you watching this old body go through its moves.”

He sighed. “Jesus Christ, you can’t lie for shit. Morgan spoke to you, didn’t he?”

I said nothing.

“Don’t worry, he told me he was going to, the fucker.” Judah scowled but there was affection there as well. “He’s such a freaking nana. Fine. You can tidy up. And feel free to use the studio any time you like. If I felt better, I might even join you. I haven’t danced with a partner in over a year.” A wistful expression crossed Judah’s face and my heart squeezed at the reminder of what he’d lost.

“Hey.” I caught his eye and held it. “I’d love to dance together when you’re up for it. And for what it’s worth, I think you’re amazing with these kids. They hang on every word you say. You might miss the stage, but those kids need you, Judah. What you’re doing really matters.”

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