Bailey nodded, and held up her phone. “I’ve got the app ready to be activated. But don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Now have fun!”
“He seems really nice,” Poppy gushed.
“You be safe, too.”
Poppy saluted and departed, and the studio fell silent.
Bailey stretched, swaying, closing her eyes as she waited for the client. She’d give Ms. Zampa ten more minutes, then she’d need to leave. It was already ten past their agreed-upon start time. She smiled, remembering the times when Luc would come to rehearse, and everything felt so strange. Now, he was like her favorite sweater, comfy, his arms around her like a cozy blanket, sure and strong, able to withstand the winds and chills of life. Hugging him was her favorite thing, apart from kissing, of course. Or dancing like they used to, his body close to hers, his gaze intense, like he wanted to—
Nope. She wouldn’t think like that. She needed to see him, to say in person what tears had stopped her saying on the phone. She couldn’t wait to see him tonight.
“Ahem.”
“Oh!” Her eyes flew open, then she stumbled slightly. “Can… can I help you?”
The man wasn’t her client. And she had the funniest feeling she’d seen him somewhere before.
He smiled, then she recognized him. The man at the rink all those weeks ago. When Luc had taken her skating and she’d wondered about the dynamic between the two men. What was he doing here?
She picked up her phone, checked the time. “I’m sorry, but I have an appointment with someone.”
“I think you’ll find that person is me.”
“You? Are you…” she squinted at the screen. “Are you S. Zampa?”
He nodded.
Funny. She didn’t recall that name at all. And, “You don’t look like a woman to me.”
“I’m glad you can tell the difference.”
His smile took on an edge that made her insides roil. That’s right. Luc had said this man had been involved in some immoral things. He advanced, and she fought the temptation to back away. She’d taught some surly teens hip-hop back in the day, and she’d learned it never paid to let them see her intimidated. But what she’d give for some of Luc’s size and heft about now.
She arched an eyebrow. “I think you need to leave.”
“I think,” he drew closer still, “you need to dance with me.”
That was it. She stabbed her phone’s emergency button, and lifted her chin. “I need you to leave.”
“No. I made an appointment. I’m going to get what I came for.”
“Which is?”
“You.”
Chills rippled up her spine as he reached to touch her. She drew back. “You need to keep your hands away.”
“Who says?”
“I do.” Lord, help me out here. I need Your protection!
“Well, that doesn’t mean much.”
She stepped away again, their strange dance something she hoped the security camera was recording. Dad had paid that bill, right? “I don’t understand why you are here, but I need you to leave. Now.” She put steel into that last word.
“Oh, look who is trying to be a tough girl. Did you speak like that to Luc?”
“Excuse me?”
“You know, your dancing partner. Everyone’s favorite, Luc Blanchard.” He sneered.
“Have you got a problem with him?”
“You could say that. Especially seeing he got me fired from the team.”
“For what? Harassing women?” she dared.
“It’s not harassing when they’re dressed like that,” he pointed to her leotard with its back cutouts, “and basically begging for it.”
Where was Poppy? Oh, she wished Luc was nearer, and not just getting back from the airport! Surely someone should have got the message by now! She had to keep the conversation going until Poppy arrived. Maybe God would give her some wisdom to know what to do.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I need to leave.” She moved to the door, but before she could hurry out he grabbed her arm. “Let go of me.”
“No. I want Luc to know how it feels when something you love is gone.”
“Excuse me?” Her heart thudded with fear. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. “This is ridiculous. I don’t even know you.”
“Yes, you do. He introduced us, remember?”
