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It isn’t until I turn around to find her actively staring at me that I speak up. “Can I help you with something?” I ask, keeping my tone casual. After all, she did give me a baby gift back then, and that embroidered blanket came in handy more times than I can count.
“Are you dancing again?”
“Just for tonight. Marlene needs me to cover because one of the girls is going to be late.”
“Oh?”
I pause, raising my eyebrow. “Why? Do you have a problem with that?”
“No, I’m just surprised. I didn’t think you wanted to dance on stage anymore.”
Her tone leaves a lot to be desired, and she almost makes it sound like I think I’m better than everyone. Or that after the pregnancy, I haven’t gotten my old body back. With a curious tilt of my head, I turn around to give her my full attention. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
To my surprise, Bella actually appears apologetic. “I only meant that I know you’re opening your own studio and leaving soon. So, I didn’t expect you to be on stage anymore. Especially after having a kid and everything.”
“Well, I go where I’m needed.” I direct my attention back to the clothes. “Don’t worry, in two weeks, you won’t have to see me ever again.”
“Actually, I was going to ask you what kind of classes you’re teaching.”
I almost drop the outfit I’m holding. “Wait, what?”
“You’re a great dancer, and while I’m fantastic on this stage, I’ve always wanted to try other forms of dance. I want to…evolve.”
Part of me thinks she must be playing a joke on me. But when I study her face, I see no trace of deception or malice. In fact, for the first time since I met Bella, I sense she’s being sincere.
“Oh, well, I’ll be teaching a few different classes to start. Modern ballet and hip hop are the main ones besides burlesque. I can text you the schedule once it’s done, and you can see what you might be interested in.”
“That’d be great.”
She turns to her station to start getting ready, leaving me standing there in shock. I feel like I’ve just fallen through the looking glass and smacked my head on the floor. I think about asking her flat-out if she’s serious, but I can tell she is. Looks like my little theory hit the mark. With my exit on the horizon, I’m no longer a “threat” in her eyes. I guess we all have our own demons to wrestle with.
With a subtle smirk, I say, “Who knows, I might teach you a thing or two.”
She laughs. “Well, I’m not holding my breath. But hey, surprise me.”
Feeling oddly light, I settle on an outfit that feels just right: the black dress from the competition, barely given its moment in the spotlight (unless you count that blink-and-you-miss-it occurrence). I slip it on, skipping the mask and the red wig this time. No need for disguise when you’re stealing the show, right? Instead, I grab a hat to complement the song Marlene has chosen.
Alexis and Lori squeal when they come in and see me sitting at my old station. I hadn’t realized how excited they would be to see me getting all glammed up and ready for the stage again. They also express interest in taking one of my dance classes, and the next thing I know, I’ve got a list of girls who want me to reach out to them when I start sign-ups.
Their support makes me incredibly emotional, and it hits me that my time at the lounge really is coming to an end. I’ve been so busy and wrapped up in my family that I haven’t had a chance to reflect on leaving. It surprises me to realize how much I will miss the lounge and the girls. They have supported me through so much and want to continue to support me even after I leave. As excited as I am to start my own studio, I will absolutely miss the camaraderie that comes with working with all of them at the club.
When it’s time for me to go up on stage, I no longer feel nervous.
In fact, I am a little sad because I know it will be the last time I will dance at the lounge.
32
DILLAN
After leaving the studio and plopping in for a quick but warm hello in the clinic, Isaac and I make our way back home. My staff is now more than double what it was before, which makes managing patients a lot easier. I rarely assist with deliveries unless there are complications, giving me more time for my own family.
With Isaac on my arm, I unlock the door, looking forward to sinking into the couch and going through my emails. That’s when I realize that Lizzie has left her phone by the door. Having the title of “undisputed king” to uphold, I figure I’ll save her the stress of worrying by bringing it to her.
After securing Isaac back in the car, I hop into my seat. Lizzie has already left when I stop by her old place. Just as I’m about to leave, Mrs. Loughty opens her door, peeking out. When I explain to her that Lizzie forgot her phone, she casually provides Lizzie’s work address.
“Here you, go, dear. Tell Elizabeth she’s as forgetful as a goldfish.”
The information is delivered so nonchalantly that, for a few moments, I question whether I’ve imagined Lizzie’s secretiveness about it. Thankfully, Mrs. Loughty is more than willing to watch Isaac so I can run my errand.
