Page 20 of Dare to Dance
“Dillon, can you help?” I asked in an uneven tone. I was trying to be calm, but questions were on the tip of my tongue, aching to get out, aching to get answers. I was also desperately trying to keep my body from convulsing like a fish out of water.
Ruby waited for Norma at the base of the stairs.
Norma ran back and snagged the first-aid kit from me. “I’m sorry.” Then she scurried to catch up with Ruby.
Dillon ran up to them. “Ruby, please. Let us clean your cuts, or let us take you to the hospital. You might have a concussion.”
Tommy observed us as though he was watching an intriguing movie.
“I’m fine,” Ruby said, but her face twisted as she glared at me.
I wasn’t one for panic attacks, but all the signs were washing over me—racing heart, chest pains, sweat coating my body, and the room was swirling like a F2 tornado.If you let her walk out, you might never find her again. Don’t lose your chance.
I stalked closer to Ruby, careful not to crowd her space. Apologizing to her might help. After all, that was my plan when I’d gone up to the Berkshires. “I’m sorry for not returning your calls.” I stood three feet from her, itching to get closer and touch her.
“It’s too late for apologies,” Ruby said as she began her ascent up the stairs.
Fuck.I took in a deep breath, closed my eyes, and shook my head. “Star.” I swallowed then tried again. If she wouldn’t listen to my apology, she might listen to this. “S-Star light. Star bright.” My deep tone carried throughout the deserted basement. “You’re the first star I see tonight.” I pictured us on the lawn at Greenridge Academy on a dark night, in the wet grass, music playing from my phone, the two of us dancing under the stars, or me watching her dance. “I wish I may. I wish I might. You’re the wish I wish tonight.”
I opened my eyes and found Dillon with his eyes as wide as basketballs, his jaw touching the floor. Tommy’s expression matched Dillon’s.
Yeah, I was fucked up. But the nursery rhyme, or my variation of it, had always made her jump into my arms and plant kisses all over my face. Not that I was ready for her to do that. Hell, I didn’t deserve her in my arms. But I hoped the sentiment still worked enough to at least keep her from leaving.
Norma hadn’t moved from the bottom step, except she now had her hand over her mouth. Ruby stood beside her, tears streaming down her face.
I shuffled over to her. My fucking heart was beating out of my chest. I shoved my hands into my jeans pockets so she wouldn’t see them shaking even though I was relieved she hadn’t left.
She held up her trembling hand. “Please don’t come any closer.”
I honored her request. “Ruby, can we go somewhere and talk?” My subconscious was telling me to break the ice. Or better yet, maybe if we got to know one another again, she might open up to me. I quickly erased that thought. We needed time to get to know one another, and at the moment, my heart and soul didn’t have time to wait.
She ran her gaze over me, her one eye swollen shut. “I can’t.” Pain laced her tone, but whether it was emotional or physical, I couldn’t tell.
Norma nudged her in the arm.
“At least let us clean your cuts,” I said.
Even with her drawn features and bruised face, Ruby was still pretty. Beneath the dirt and blood was skin of silk. I remembered how I would drag my fingertips over her nose, her cheeks, and down her neck, feeling her softness. I reached for her, dying to touch her, help her, and protect her.
She shuffled backward.
“I’m not going to hurt you.” I had no idea what had prompted her to fight in this dive, but I wanted to help her, especially if fighting was her gig. I knew sanctioned places that were far better, with laws and rules governing fighters to keep them safe.
She coughed. Then she took off up the stairs, holding her stomach.
“Ruby, please. I just want to talk,” I said loudly. “I know about the baby.”
Norma gasped.
Ruby zeroed in on me from above. “You don’t know shit.” Then in a flash, she was gone.
I clenched my teeth. “Norma, tell me the truth.”
Sadness swam in her brown eyes. “It’s not my story to tell.”
I growled, wanting so fucking desperately to get Norma to at least tell me something. “Please. I can help.” I couldn’t force Norma to tell me, and deep down, I wanted to hear whatever the story was from Ruby. “I train and work at Crandall’s Gym on Newbury Street. Tell Ruby I’m there most days. If not, ask for Jay. He’ll know how to get a hold of me.”
“I’ll relay the message,” Norma said. Then she bolted out the door.
