Page 23 of Becoming Cinderella

“Can I say something first, because I think you need to hear it?”

I turn to face him so we aren’t having this conversation through the mirror, a little worried what he might possibly say. Is he going to tell me I should move on from Jared? Tell me there isn’t much he can do to help after all?

“There aren’t many places I go without being recognized. Clearly you saw that. Nothing about my life is normal. But times like this-” he opens his arms to showcase the studio, “-it seems normal. Times like last night,” he steps towards me and my stomach twists. “That felt normal.”

I’m not sure where he’s going with this. Why he feels this is something I need to hear right now but I find myself leaning towards him as he continues.

“I have a hard time letting people in, worried they’re just using me, because it’s happened before. A lot, actually.” He rubs at the back of his neck. “But things feel different with you. You don’t see me as a celebrity and the only thing you’re using me for is to win over the guy you like, which is fine since I’m using you too.” His smile is crooked as he drops his hand from his neck. “Anyway, the important part to all of this is I really appreciate it. I appreciate what you’re doing for me that goes beyond dance lessons. So just know in terms of Jared, you’re not in this alone, okay? I’ll make sure to pull out all the stops to get this guy to realize he has feelings for you.”

I know he’s trying to comfort me, but it just makes me feel worse. I don’t think he’d be able to say these things if he knew I’ve memorized a couple of his interviews because I’ve watched them so many times. Does he not think I’m a fan because of my lack of reaction to him at the store? Because I am entirely convinced that was due to the adrenaline coursing through my body from trying to escape the near rabid group of girls. Is this why he feels he can even work with me in the first place?

Liam grabs my hand, pulling me towards him as he locks us into his framing position.

I can’t tell if the feeling in my stomach is butterflies or guilt. Maybe a little of both?

“Now that that’s said, let’s dance.”

The next afternoon at work the door chimes and I look up from the computer to see Liam stride in with his navy-blue cap pulled low.

“What are you-” I start to ask when he places a saran wrapped pie on the counter.

He looks around conspiratorially as he takes off his sunglasses. “This is to Jared, from you. Got it?” he whispers.

“What?” I stare at the pie which looks like a freshly baked apple pie. Where did he get this?

“It’s his favorite.”

“I know that, but how do you know that?” I match his whispered volume.

“He tweets about it a lot. Like, more than should be considered normal.”

Jared then comes out of the stock room and Liam and I both stand straighter.

“Then I was like no, that’s your fish, Nan.” Liam says without hesitation, like he was in the middle of telling me a story.

I fake a laugh and Liam cuts me a look that makes me stop. I evidently didn’t get any natural acting abilities.

“Liam Taylor? Is that you?” Jared asks after looking around to make sure the store is safe this time to say his name out loud.

“Oh, yeah, hey. We haven’t officially met.” He extends his hand out to Jared who comes to stand next to me behind the register.

“Look man, about last time. I’m sorry I shouted your name.”

Liam waves him off. “Don’t worry about it. It’s all part of the job.”

He slides his sunglasses back on. “Anyway, I should be going. You two kids have fun now.” He gives me a smile before turning around and exiting the store without a look back.

“I can’t believe Liam Taylor was here again. What did he want? Was he buying something?” Jared stares at the door after Liam.

“No, he um,” how do I explain this? “So, you see, we’re kind of friends now. And I made you this apple pie that I forgot to get, so he was bringing it to me.” I pick up the pie and hold it out to him. I really hope it’s a good pie since I have no idea where it came from. Am I even supposed to say I made it, or just that I bought it for him? Why did Liam not leave me with better instructions? I try to casually lift it up to take a peek at the bottom of the pie tin just to make sure there isn’t a price sticker on it.

“You made this for me?” He seems dumbfounded as he takes it from my hands.

“Yep. I haven’t made it before, so I hope it’s good.” I try to cover my bases, just in case it’s bad.

He stares at the pie and I can’t read his expression. Does he hate it? Does he think it’s weird? Oh no. He totally thinks it’s weird.

“Carter,” his voice is low as he looks up from the pie, “nobody has ever made me something before.”

---