Page 1 of A Match Made In Fall

CHAPTER ONE

ISABELLA

Iconsider myself a quick learner. I’ve performed some of the most difficult and challenging moves including lifts, flips, and turns while in heels, wearing a heavy costume and even heavier makeup. That has been my life for as long as I can remember. So why am I having such a hard time using crutches? It’s madness.

If I’m being honest, the past few months of my life have been madness. I’m still having nightmares about that unfortunate night, except in the dream I keep falling and falling into a pit of what am I going to do with my life? questions. In real life I flew and then landed wrong, which resulted in snapping my Achilles. Poor Miles, one of my co-dancers and dearest friends. He told me his guilt was all consuming and that he hadn’t been able to eat or sleep since it all happened. He tends to be overly dramatic, so I’m not sure if that’s true or not.

In his defense the injury was my fault. I forced him to try a move that we weren’t prepared for, and I pushed and pushed until I got my way. In true Isabella fashion I tested the limits, but unfortunately, it didn’t end up in my favor. I told him not to blame himself and I take full responsibility for that night.

And now in a wild twist of fate and bad luck, I’m no longer performing and recovering at my parent’s new home in North Carolina, which is a brand-new experience for all of us. They’ve only been living here a few months, moving to be close to my brother, his wife, and their new baby. Being grandparents has become my parents entire personalities. It’s actually very sweet, and my nephew, Jude, is the most angelic child I’ve ever seen, so I get it.

It’s nice being close to my family again, but I can’t help wishing it had happened in the spring, after I finished my tour. Joining Ballroom Dance America was a dream come true. As a brand-new production, it brought together some of the most talented dancers from around the world, creating an experience unlike anything I’d ever been part of. I had worked for years for an opportunity like this, and I’d hoped to see the entire journey through to the end of the season. I’ve been working toward something like this for as long as I could remember. I gave up a lot to make it happen, and I don’t regret any of it. That hard work paid off when I was hired, and the same dream came to a crashing halt literally when I hit the floor.

One of the biggest issues I’ve faced since moving back in with my parents is I’m not used to resting, and cabin fever is starting to take over. I’ve watched several seasons of Gossip Girl and more movies than I can count. I can’t believe how many TV shows I’ve missed over the years. The truth is that my life has been dance and dance only for as long as I can remember. I glance down at my leg, also known as the reminder of how everything has changed so quickly.

It was just bad luck. I’ve watched similar situations happen to friends and co-workers, and it’s so devastating. The good news is I’m recovering nicely, so I will be able to dance again, just not anytime soon.

I can’t help but wonder if this injury was some sort of sign that I needed to slow down and take some time to reset. And admittedly if this hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have met my nephew while he’s in his adorable baby phase. He’s so tiny and snuggly and smells like a dream (well most of the time). And seeing my brother as a dad is heartwarming. This is a striking shift from the wild risktaker I grew up with.

“Are you ready?” my mom calls, interrupting my thoughts.

“Yes.” I take a deep breath as I move on the crutches. Thankfully I should be done with these things very soon. I’m counting the days until I move on to the next phase of my recovery.

I groan as I hobble toward the living room. “I hate these things,” I mutter.

My mom laughs. “Really? I wasn’t aware.”

I cringe. “I guess I’ve been complaining a little.”

My mom raises an eyebrow. “Um—maybe just a little.”

I sigh. “I know.”

“But we have a fun day planned, so that should take your mind off the crutches,” she says. “Coffee date with Sammy and Jude, and tonight we’re going to a hockey game.”

I stare at her blankly. “A hockey game? Who’s going to a hockey game?”

She types something on her phone before dropping it into her bag. “All of us. Sammy and Dane got a babysitter, so the five of us are going to a Carolina Bears game.”

Hmmm…this is new. I’ve never been to a hockey game in my life, and neither has my mother.

“Interesting,” I say. “Whose idea was this?”

“Dane got free tickets through work,” she tells me. “The Carolina Bears are a big deal here. They are the hometown team, and everyone shows up to support them.”

“Yes. I’ve seen their banners and signs everywhere,” I tell her.

“It’ll be a fun new experience,” she insists.

She’s right. And it’s not like I have any other plans, so a hockey game it is.

When we arrive at the charming little shop, Coffee Corner Café, my sister-in-law, Sammy, is already inside chatting with the woman behind the counter. Baby Jude is tucked into his stroller, fast asleep.

“There’s my baby,” my mom squeals, sprinting toward my sister-in-law and nephew. Of course she’s referring to the baby and not my sister-in-law.

“It’s good to see you too, Michelle,” Sammy says with a laugh.

“You know she doesn’t care about you and Dane anymore,” I say when I finally make it to them as I move slowly on these stupid crutches.