Page 168 of Burning Bridges Duet

I look around the empty stage, then turn to Chris.

“Did I miss everyone already?” I ask her.

“No, Liv still needs to perform,” she says. “But Chase and Gunner already went up, and they were fire! I’m even tempted to take some classes myself, despite my lack of coordination.”

I think to myself how lucky we are that the big changes at the studio are seeming to work out so well. I remember when Jaxon decided to leave Tanner Fitness not long after Liv, Ryder, and I graduated. It was clear to all of us that the spark had gone out. He used to work tirelessly and never complained, but after taking a second bullet to the chest, he wasn’t happy with the long hours and workload anymore. Life’s just too short to spend it at work when your family waits at home. Despite this, he still showed up for work every day. It took many conversations with Liv and the rest of us to finally convince him to let go of something that no longer brought him joy.

Now, here we are. Liv bought Jaxon’s half of Tanner Fitness, and together with Chase and Gunner, they put in months of work to transform it from a fitness center with a dance studio to a large, modern dance studio. It’s divided into three sections—one for hip-hop and break dance, one for Latin dances, and one for contemporary and ballet. Liv even convinced Gunner to quit his job at his father’s security firm and become a full-time Latin dance teacher. I’ve never seen him happier since he cut ties with his abusive father.

Just as the thought crosses my mind, I spot Gunner making his way through the crowd towards us, holding hands with Gustavo, his boyfriend. They just started dating and look so happy together. It’s funny to think how jealous we all were of him and Liv, but he never looked at Liv the way he looks at Gustavo. We were such blind fools.

“Heeeey, GG!” Chris greets them, using the couple name Liv gave them.

In the gaming lingo, GG means good game, and Liv said Gunner had some good game to catch himself Gustavo. Even I can admit that he’s a very good-looking guy. They met during the search for another Latin teacher for the new studio.

“You guys were amazing up there! The bachata was on fire, but I also loved the tango!” Chris says.

Gustavo blushes while muttering his thanks, and Gunner looks at him dreamily before kissing his temple.

To promote the reopening, Liv and Chase arranged this little dance show in front of the studio on a stage we made in the parking lot. I scan the area, trying to spot Jaxon. He rented a food truck to give out free food today, but I’m sure he’ll take a break to watch Liv perform. We’re all excited to see her dance today. She hasn’t told us what she has planned, but it’s clear from everything I’ve picked up that it’s going to be something special. My phone beeps with a text from Jaxon, interrupting my thoughts.

Jaxon

You here already?

Yup, standing with Chris and GG in the front row.

A minute later, Jaxon appears beside me, a smile on his face. It’s amazing to see the change in him over the past few years. He’s still his brooding, surly self, but happier and much more relaxed. I smile to myself, knowing that Liv has made us all the best version of ourselves.

“Do you know the Muffin Man?” Chris asks me, her eyes comically wide.

“The Muffin Man?” I ask with a chuckle.

“The Muffin Man!” Chris shouts.

Gunner laughs but hides it with his hand when Jaxon scowls at him, crossing his arms over his chest. He recently opened a brunch place near the beach called Sunshine Beach Brunch that has been getting hyped like crazy. Jaxon offers exceptional brunch options, where customers can compile their ingredients themselves or order bestsellers, which was Liv’s idea. In addition, he offers a variety of muffins, including basic ones like chocolate chip or banana and fancy ones like onion basil. The local newspaper tried his creations and wrote a whole article about him, calling him the Muffin Man. We’re still not over it.

“Shut up, Chris, or I won’t bring you muffins anymore,” Jaxon warns.

“You didn’t have to pull out the big guns,” Chris says, putting her hands up in surrender.

Liv steps onto the stage, and we all turn to face her. She looks absolutely stunning in her dance outfit, her scars all on full display. She stands there with confidence radiating from her, and I feel so damn proud to call her mine.

Five years later, and she still knocks the breath out of me. Looking over at Jaxon, I can tell that he feels the same way.

After everything happened, life was rough, but after a lot of counseling sessions and the press finally getting off her back, she truly flourished.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn to see Chase, breathing heavily and sweating.

“Fuck, I thought I missed it,” he says, panting.

“Nope, just in time,” I assure him with a laugh.

“You did good, Chasey boy,” Chris says, playfully pushing him. “Looked really professional.”

“Funny, because I am a professional.”

“Oh really? Haven’t noticed,” Chris says, deadpan, and Chase tousles her hair with a laugh.