Page 61 of Slow Burn
I couldn't hide my surprise. "You're not?"
A sigh filtered through the line. "No. My mom needs me here, and we're finally breaking down the walls that'd been between us for so long."
I was happy for Lucetta. From the little I knew, I understood that her mother didn't approve of her dancing career. But I couldn't help but wonder, "What's going to happen to Soulbeat?"
In the silence that followed, I wandered to the glass door. Instead of looking out over the ocean, my gaze drifted to Adam's house. "That's actually why I'm calling," Lucetta finally said.
Another beat of silence followed while I waited with bated breath. "I'll be selling the studio, Maddie."
My head was spinning. All I could manage was a muttered, "Okay." Once Soulbeat was sold, I'd have to go back to the hardware store. It was the last thing I wanted. Working in that store would crush my spirit. It sounded harsh, but it was the truth.
I wanted to teach. I'd known from the first moment I stood in for Lucetta. I wasn't destined for a big stage and bright lights and that was completely fine. But not having dance in my life anymore wasn't.
"Are you still there?"
I squeezed my eyes shut and cleared my throat. "Yeah, I'm here."
"Soulbeat has been my life for more years than I care to count," Lucetta began. "I started that studio with nothing more than a degree and a dream." She drew in a deep breath and I opened my eyes; Adam's house still in my line of sight. "I don't want just anyone taking over."
"Of course not," I agreed solemnly.
"This is short notice, I know, and rest assured I won't pressure you into making a decision right away."
A fluttering of hope bloomed in my chest. "Lucetta, what are you talking about?"
"I want you to take over the studio, Maddie. There's no one else I trust more."
My head started to spin again. So much so that I had to smack my hand against the glass door to steady me. Lucetta was still talking, mentioning figures and ways for us to make it work.
"You've given this a lot of thought," I stated when I finally found my voice.
Her response came without hesitation. "I have."
On a shaky breath, I promised her I'd give the decision some real thought and let her know what I wanted to do. By the time we said goodbye and I stabbed the red button, my entire body was shaking.
Frankie appeared by my side a second later. Eyeing her out of the corner of my eye, I let out a nervous laugh. "You're never going to believe what just happened."
The words spilled from my lips without pause. Frankie curled her fingers around my arm and led me to the couch, never once interrupting my frantic ramblings. I loved her all the more for it.
Once I was done talking, I fell back against the couch with a heavy sigh. Tilting my head toward the ceiling, I covered my face with my hands and groaned. "I don't know what to do."
"Well, what do you want to do?"
Dropping my hands, my head rolled to the side. "Of course I want to buy the place. Not only does it have immense sentimental value to me, but teaching…" I shook my head. "It's given me new love for this art."
Frankie's smile spread wide. "There's your answer."
"It's not that simple." I sighed again just thinking about it. "I have savings, but not nearly enough to cover the costs."
Ever the optimistic, my friend patted my leg. The grin on her lips never left as she pushed to her feet. "There's always a way. Now, come on, you can fill me in on those beard burns while you test the new sandwich combinations I want to try out."
My gaze stayed glued to her back as she headed into my kitchen. She made it sound so easy, and maybe it was. The real question though was exactly how far was I prepared to go to chase after my dreams.
28
MADDIE
Adam:I'm sorry I left like that.
