Page 4 of The Last Pirouette
A collective murmur rippled through the room. Harper frowned, her mind already racing with objections. She didn't need a partner. She needed solitude, space to grieve, and the freedom to push herself at her own pace, without the added pressure of someone else's expectations.
Dr. Reese smiled reassuringly. "The idea is simple: we'll be pairing you up based on your individual needs and personalities.You'll be responsible for checking in with your partner, offering support and encouragement, and holding each other accountable for meeting your therapy goals."
Harper's stomach dropped. This was a disaster. She could already envision the forced conversations, the awkward silences, the constant comparisons. It was going to be a complete and utter nightmare.
Dr. Reese picked up a clipboard and began reading the pairings. "Sarah and Michael, Emily and David…"
Each name felt like a countdown to her own personal doom. She clenched her fists, willing Dr. Reese to skip over her, to somehow forget that she even existed.
"…Harper Quinn and Liam Hayes."
A flicker of shock, then horror, crossed Harper's face. Her breath hitched in her throat.No. This couldn't be happening.
She instinctively looked over at Liam, who caught her eye and gave her a broad, infuriatingly charming grin and a thumbs-up. He looked utterly delighted, like he'd just won the lottery.
Harper wanted to scream. Or throw something. Preferably at his head.
Dr. Reese continued, oblivious to the internal turmoil she had just unleashed. "These pairings are designed to complement each other's strengths and weaknesses, to provide a balance of different energies and perspectives. I'm confident that you'll all benefit from this program."
Harper seriously doubted that. In fact, she was absolutely certain that she would be worse off.
The group was dismissed, and a wave of chatter erupted as people began discussing their new partnerships. Harper remained frozen in place, her mind struggling to process the sheer absurdity of the situation.
She watched as Liam made his way toward her, weaving through the maze of equipment with an easy confidence that made her want to trip him. He was like a golden retriever bounding across a field, radiating an enthusiasm that felt entirely misplaced in a physical therapy center.
Before he could reach her, Harper intercepted Dr. Reese, her voice low and tight. "Dr. Reese, can I talk to you for a minute?"
Dr. Reese nodded, her expression calm and understanding. "Of course, Harper. What's on your mind?"
Harper pulled her aside, away from the prying ears of the other patients. "I don't think this partnership is going to work," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I work best alone. I need to focus on my own recovery, and I don't think Liam's…circus actis going to be conducive to that."
Dr. Reese listened patiently, her gaze steady and non-judgmental. "I understand your concerns, Harper. I know this is a change, and change can be difficult."
"Difficult?" Harper scoffed. "It's a disaster. He's going to distract me, annoy me, and generally make my life miserable."
"I chose this pairing specifically because I believe you can both benefit from it," Dr. Reese said gently. "You have a remarkable level of focus and discipline, Harper. You're incredibly driven and dedicated to your recovery. But you're also isolating yourself, and that solitude is amplifying your despair. Maybe a little bit of Liam's 'circus,' as you call it, is exactly what you need to break out of that cycle."
Harper crossed her arms, unconvinced. "And what am I supposed to offer him? I'm not exactly a ray of sunshine these days."
"You can offer him your focus, your determination, your unwavering commitment to excellence," Dr. Reese said. "Liam is a talented athlete, but he sometimes struggles with consistency. He needs someone to help him stay on track, to push him to reach his full potential. You can be that person for him, Harper."
Harper doubted that she could be anything for anyone, least of all Liam Hayes. But she could see that Dr. Reese's mind was made up. Arguing further would be futile.
"I'm willing to try," she said reluctantly, "but if it doesn't work, I want to be reassigned."
Dr. Reese smiled. "That's all I ask, Harper. Give it a chance. You might be surprised at what you discover."
Harper doubted that very much.
As she turned to leave, she saw Liam waiting for her by the water station, his energy practically vibrating in the air. He grinned as she approached.
"Looks like we're linemates, Ballerina," he declared cheerfully, completely misreading her stony silence. "Ready to get back in the game?"
Harper gritted her teeth. "Don't call me that."
Liam blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Sorry. Didn't mean to offend. So, uh, rehab buddies? Recovery partners? What's our official title?"
"I don't think we need an official title," Harper said coldly. "Just do your exercises and leave me alone."
