Page 24 of Love is a Dance Step
Just like him.
“Wow,” Piper whispered. “She’s not bad.”
She was so much better than not bad. He could think of a million other words to describe her and none at all. “She’s flawed.”
Piper scrunched up her face in obvious disagreement, but she didn’t understand Drew didn’t mean it as a critique. Perfect dancers, with robot-like accuracy and all the emotion of an ant, didn’t call to him.
But to be flawed… to let your struggles escape through your dancing… that was what he’d always aspired to. Even after his years of experience, he didn’t move like this girl, with his heart in his feet. Something always held him back. Sure, his fans wouldn’t notice something like that because he still rocked the stage.
But he could do more.
He knew he could, and a dancer like this girl could pull it out of him.
The music stopped, and Ben’s clapping had the girl turning on her heel to face them. Her skin glistened with sweat, and her chest heaved. For a moment, she only stared.
He saw her face transform in slow motion from shock to rage.
“Largate!” she yelled.
“What?” He looked to Ben who only shrugged.
“She means get out.” Lauren appeared behind them, her body shaking in silent laughter. She looked to the dancer. “I’ll be in my office if you need anything.” She hooked a finger toward Drew. “Follow me.”
Drew backed out of the room, closing the door behind him before following Lauren, Piper, and Ben. “Who was that?”
“One of our teachers.” Lauren didn’t elaborate as she brushed a hand through thick black hair and shouldered through the half-open door of the office. Papers littered a small desk with boxes piled high behind it. “Don’t mind the mess.” She gestured to the three open seats. “We’ve been a bit busy here lately. You must have really angered my star dancer. She rarely pulls out the Spanish.”
“What did she say?”
“Well.” Lauren leaned in. “It’s very complicated. Are you ready?”
Drew nodded.
“Get. Out.”
His lips curved up. “It’s nice to see you again, Lauren.” He held out his hand.
She shook it. “Last time I saw you, you were a teenage boy who didn’t quite recognize his talent.” She sat. “I’m glad that has changed. Please, sit.” Her eyes widened when she looked to Ben and Piper. “You’re… you’re…”
Great. She didn’t fangirl over Drew, but Ben Evans sits in front of her and —
“Piper Hayes.” Wait, what?
Piper shrank in on herself. She’d always been comfortable in the shadows, not the spotlight. “I’m just Drew’s assistant.”
Lauren shook her head. “No, you writeFate’s songs. They’re amazing. My sister was at the concert in Cincinnati.” Drew knew the one. Ben was a surprise performer, and Piper had joined him on stage. “She sent me a video of your performance. When I spoke with you on the phone, I hadn’t realized it wasyou.Can I get your autograph?” She slid a pad of paper across the desk.
“Oh.” Piper’s cheeks reddened. “Um, sure.”
As soon as she had the autograph, Lauren returned to her businesslike persona. “Okay, so tell me why I should shut down for an entire day on the whims of a rock star.”
Drew leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “Because I can save your studio.”
8
Lola
Because I can save your studio.
