Page 43 of Love is a Dance Step
“No, young middle-class moms are brunch people. Or young single women in the city. You… you’re barely people.”
Drew raised one brow and reached for her clipboard. “Who did we invite back?”
“Take a look.” She sat. “All the headshots are there.”
Headshots. Because they were professionals. Aspiring dancers who never wondered if they were dancers at all.
“You okay, kiddo?” His dad sat in the remaining empty seat.
Drew should have been embarrassed of his dad’s nickname, but he didn’t care what Noah and Jo thought about it. It reminded him he was still here in Gulf City. In a couple days, he’d be off toward his next tour destination, leaving his family behind. Again.
He flipped through the headshots, sure any one of them would make a good addition to the tour if they’d gotten through the first audition. But was good what they all really wanted? Soon, Drew would be alone on this tour. Noah and Jo would leave, and a new band the label had picked up would join his tour. Drew didn’t know them or their sound.
Leah was already gone for the duration.
He’d still have Piper and was forever grateful for that, but he needed more.
It took him a moment to realize his dad was staring at him. He hadn’t answered his question. Clearing his throat, he looked away. “I’m fine. Just ready to get this over with.”
“Well, your mother has told me I’m cooking dinner tonight, but I think it was just so I’d get you to join us so you make sure I don’t burn anything.”
Drew couldn’t help but laugh. “Dad, one of these days we’re going to turn you into a master cook.”
“Yeah, yeah.” His eyes scanned the table. “The rest of you are welcome too. My wife practically bought out Publix.” He rapped his knuckles on the table and stood. “I have to get back to work. Good luck today, kids.” He whistled as he walked away.
Noah stared after him. “I don’t think anyone has ever called me ‘kid’ before.”
“Yeah.” Drew shrugged. “Sorry, it’s his way of letting me know he cares.”
“Don’t apologize, I…”
Jo reached across and took his hand in hers. Drew didn’t know Noah’s story or if he had family back in England, but he’d always known how lucky he was with the parents he’d been born to. Sure, they’d been too young for a kid when they had him, but they made it work, and he’d never wanted for anything.
Noah pushed back from the table and stood. “I’ll see you guys at auditions.”
Drew watched him go before turning to Jo. “Is Noah okay?”
She sighed. “Not all of us grew up in families like yours. I should go after him. Tell your dad we’ll be happy to come tonight. I think Noah could use a family dinner to remind him there are still some normal things out there.”
When she left, Drew rested his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “This day.”
“I think it’s this town.” One corner of Piper’s mouth curved up. “It’s just so… wholesome. Everything about Gulf City is. From this fancy beach club with fruit platters, to the families roaming the beaches instead of bikini-clad spring breakers. There are retired folks everywhere and not a Lion’s Den in sight.”
He laughed, turning his head to look at her. “You’ve been looking for a Lion’s Den?”
“No.” Her cheeks flushed. “But I’m used to seeing signs for them along highways. This town… it’s just so good, Drew. Your dad was telling me guests at the resort don’t go bar hopping, they book horseback rides out on some ranch outside town. See?” She poked his shoulder. “Wholesome. And now, you have bad boy British rocker Noah Clarke tearing up at the idea of a family. I think something’s in the water.”
He’d never looked at his town like that before, but she wasn’t wrong. “Would it be so wholesome if I told you I almost kissed Lola yesterday?” He’d replayed that moment over and over again in his head. When a hand struck him, he jerked his head up. “Hey!”
“You’re an idiot, Drew.”
“I’m aware.” He rubbed the spot on his head where she’d struck. “I’m also fragile.”
“Maybe your ego is. What were you thinking? You wanted to convince Lola to come on tour with you, to dance on stage in front of thousands, toworkfor you. Do you have any idea what it’s like to be a woman in this industry? I’ve seen it time and again. Lola shouldn’t have tosleepwith you to get the job.”
“What?” He reeled back. “Of course, she didn’t have to.”
“I know that, and you know that, but that girl doesn’t know you. She doesn’t know it’s your head that needs some work, not your heart.” She pointed to his chest. “This is good. I’d never question that. But for freak’s sake, Drew, you’re a rock star.No onewill give you the benefit of the doubt.”
