Page 8 of Masked Sins
Twelve identical nods tell me that I’m at least—hopefully—getting through to them. There’s no way in hell I’d let these babies think the things I did about myself at their age. I went through hell and back combating those thoughts, and I’m finallyin a good place with food. I won’t tolerate any negative talk in my class. I just have to hope they’re taking some of what I teach them back home. If I could hand them a shield from the world, I would. But since I can’t protect them, my words will have to suffice.
Olivia’s and Jenicka’s moms could shove that chocolate right up their behinds, for all I cared.
As the kids finish their snacks, I walk over to my purse and pull my phone out. Zoe and Remy have been blowing up our group chat, and I quickly tell them that I’ll respond once this intensive is over in a couple of hours. I glance up to check on my students, but they’re all still happily eating and talking in excited whispers.
I love this age group—twelve to thirteen. They’re still young enough to be optimistic and sweet but old enough that I can get real with them sometimes. I’m sure they won’t think I’m cool in a couple of years, but they adore me for now. And I’ll hold on to that as long as I can.
I look down at my phone, seeing as I have a minute to let them finish eating. A text from my dad comes through just as I’m scrolling through my favorite dark romance Facebook group, so I open it really quick.
Dad
Still on for dinner tonight? I’m making steak.
Sure. Sounds great! Be there around 6. Just need to shower after intensive.
Dad
Okay, sweetheart. I invited Orion too. It’ll be nice to have you both under one roof again.
My breath catches like it always does whenever anyone mentions him.
That’s fine.
I lock my phone and put it away, taking a couple of calming breaths. I haven’t seen Orion since Zoe and Liam’s wedding—my best friend and Orion’s oldest brother—who got married last year. It just so happened to be the same wedding where we kissed for about ten seconds at the rehearsal dinner.
That’s what I get for drinking too much tequila.
Somehow, despite vowing to stay away from him, we’d managed to circle each other like toxic sharks for seven years, both out for blood. I still hadn’t forgiven him for the audition he ruined, which made for volatile reunions whenever we were together. If we didn’t end up arguing, it was something else—such as him punching my date or showing up at my friends’ parties unannounced. It wasn’t healthy, and I hated what our relationship had become. If we weren’t bickering or glaring at each other, we were usually both quiet and brooding around the other.
Except when we kissed.
But that was just the tequila. It meantnothing.
After returning to my students, I guide them through turning preparations before demonstrating pirouettes. It’s not every day that a professional dancer can teach them. Though I hardly consider myself professional despite dancing for the Los Angeles Ballet last season and then recently being cast by the Pacific Ballet Company as Odette inSwan Lakea few months ago. It still seems surreal that I get to do this as my job.
I’m a work in progress when it comes to being proud of myself and my accomplishments.
All the dancers for the Pacific Ballet Company are on hiatus until the next season starts in a couple of weeks, so I’m currently spending my days volunteering to teach ballet intensives for kids.
“Miss Rivers?” Bradleigh, a girl in my class, says quietly, crossing her legs and arms.
“What’s up?”
She shuffles her feet. “Is it okay if I come to class in a t-shirt over my leotard next week?”
I furrow my brows. “Of course.” I don’t continue, instead waiting for an explanation if she chooses to share one.
Bradleigh started the class two years ago, and she went by a different name back then.
She uncrosses her arms a bit. “Thanks. It’s just until my mom can get me my medicine.”
I smile. “Whatever makes you comfortable. Okay?”
She nods. “Okay. Thanks,” she answers, seeming brighter than before.
She joins the others, and I feel silly for not considering her comfort. Of course she might want to cover herself up right now, especially since puberty is hitting them all around now.
Secretly, Bradleigh is my favorite student—resilient, talented, and kind. She’s alluded to having a hard time at school sometimes because of how she identifies, yet even at twelve, she remains positive and willing to learn.
