Page 188 of We Shouldn't Be Together
“Hi, Miss Taylor. Good to see you again.”
“Yes, and you. Was that Yvette with you?”
“Yeah. She just left.”
“I was hoping you two were here to return to my class,” Miss Taylor says sweetly.
Kai squeezes my hand, and I let myself float into the good feelings. “You’d let us come back?”
“Of course. Your parents paid the entire tuition, and your spot is still open. I tried calling after you all stopped coming to classes, but none of you answered.”
“Camila didn’t want us to.” Heck, it’s true.
“Yes, I saw there were some issues between her and Penelope.”
“It’s still raw,” I agree.
Miss Taylor tilts her head, studying me with interest. “But you’re considering coming back to class, aren’t you?”
“I, umm…”
“She is,” Kai blurts.
Miss Taylor grins at him. “And who’s this striking young man? You know, I’m always looking for gentlemen to join my…”
“Uh, no,” Kai cuts her off. “I’m just here as Tabitha’s cheerleader. I’m no dancer.”
I giggle, swaying my hand in his. “This is Kai, Miss Taylor. He’s actually quite nimble on his feet. He’s a soccer player. He could be quite an addition.”
Kai’s eyes narrow, and he shakes his head.
Miss Taylor taps her index finger against her lips, considering him. “But I bet you’ve already committed to many soccer practices.”
Kai feigns disappointment. “That’s right. Dang it. Just when I could’ve been a dancer. Oh, well. At least you have Tabitha.”
“Your regular class is tomorrow afternoon,” Miss Taylor says, giving me a supportive nod. “I’ll see you then.”
I flush with heated nerves. “Okay.”
She grins and opens the studio door. “Very good. I look forward to it.”
Miss Taylor disappears inside, and Kai breaks into a cheer. “Yes, Tabby! You’re dancing again.”
I shiver and step away from him. “No. No, I can’t.”
“Yes. Yes, you can.”
“But Camila will…”
“Camila will do nothing.” He holds my shoulders and looks deep into my eyes. “I won't let her intimidate you. She’s done.”
“But she…”
“No,” he says warmly. “I’m not letting her hurt you. You deserve to have some fun.”
I ease under the spotlight of his hazel eyes and let myself smile. “Okay.”
“So, I was supposed to find my own dinner tonight because Dad works late on Mondays, and Mom’s still on her way back from the city. I was banking on Jamie’s aunt making me a burger, but that’s out the window now.”
