Page 25 of Love is a Dance Step
Lola wasn’t sure what exactly she’d heard as she lurked outside Lauren’s office. She’d never felt more embarrassed than when she’d yelled at her idol. She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. Drew Stone was on the other side of that door.
And he’d only remember her as the girl who kicked him out of the room.
If he thought of her again at all.
She’d been too shocked to do anything but yell. Every fan dreamed of meeting their idols, they imagine how it would go and what they’d say.
No one plans to make a fool of themselves.
Lola checked the time on her phone. She’d danced too long, and there wasn’t even time for a shower before she had to get to Tampa for class. But campus didn’t call to her, not in the way this place did.
Before the last few days, she’d rarely ever missed class. Her mom instilled in her a strong work ethic, but did it matter if the work was for something she didn’t want?
Inside the office, Lauren spoke. “You think we need saving?”
When the rumble of Drew’s voice reached Lola’s ears, she sighed. “Your studio is in trouble.”
An unfamiliar girl chimed in. “You’re behind on rent. Your classes aren’t full.”
How did this girl know all of this?
“We can help you,” Drew said. “All we need is one day, and we’ll pay you whatever your price is.”
Irritation wound through Lola. She didn’t know what Drew Stone could possibly want with the studio, but he couldn’t throw money around and expect to get whatever he wanted. Checking the time once more, Lola slid her phone into the duffle at her feet. Class could wait.
She barged into the room. “Don’t do it, Lauren. You know what tomorrow means to our kids.” On Fridays, the studio held after-school classes for at-risk kids from broken homes. It wasn’t about the dancing for them but just having somewhere safe to go.
Lauren steepled her fingers, but all other eyes in the room fell on Lola. She wrapped her arms around herself and stepped back.
“What’s tomorrow?” Drew’s bright eyes found hers, holding her in place.
Breathe, Lo. Just breathe.He was just a human being. Sure, the human from the videos she obsessed over, but still just human—no different from her.
But he was just so freaking beautiful.
And talented.
And, oh gosh, she was staring. She cleared her throat. “A program for at-risk kids, sir.” She cringed the moment the word was out of her mouth. Sir. Sir! Who was he? A knight of the crown? “I’m just going to go die now.” She turned on her heel and left the room behind, grabbing her duffel on her way down the hall. This was what happened when someone skipped class.
This day: One.
Lola: Zero.
“Hey, wait up.” Footsteps sounded behind her as someone jogged to catch up.
She didn’t stop until he grabbed her arm. Turning, she came face to face with Drew. His blue eyes surveyed her face as if trying to read her.
Lola told herself she wouldn’t be intimidated. She knew Drew’s entire family.
His lips twitched into a smile that turned her insides to goo. “Do I have something on my face?”
She shook her head. “No, it’s just… I called you sir. I’m sorry.”
His smile widened. “You should be. I’m not old enough to be a sir.”
She knew exactly how old he was. “D-did you want something? I have to get to class.” She had no intention of going to class now. Instead, she’d head home and gorge herself on leftover enchiladas.
So she liked to eat. Sue her. Take away her dance club membership.
