Chapter 32Felicity
32
Felicity
I enter the studio, the familiar scent of rosin and sweat welcoming me. It’s been a couple of weeks since Siobhan’s first class, and I’m curious to see how she’s progressing. She’s taken a liking to me, but I also adore her, which makes me feel awful each time I consider how closely connected her world is to mine, and the potential for betrayal if I say the wrong thing to the wrong person.
As I set up the music, I hear hushed voices near the changing room.
“Dad’s been so stressed lately,” whispers Siobhan. “He barely sleeps, and he’s always on the phone.”
I pause, straining to hear more without appearing to eavesdrop.
“Is it because of his business?” asks another girl.
Siobhan sighs. “Yeah. He keeps talking about ‘those Russian guys’ and how they’re messing up everything.”
My heart races. Russian guys? Is she talking about Kiril and his men?
I clear my throat, approaching the girls. “Ready for class, ladies?”
They jump, startled. Siobhan’s face flushes. “Yes, Ms. Morris. Sorry, we were just chatting.”
“No worries. Let’s get started with our warm-up.”
As the class progresses, I keep a close eye on Siobhan. Her movements are graceful but distracted. When we break into smaller groups, I seize the opportunity.
“Siobhan, can you help me demonstrate this combination?”
She nods eagerly, joining me at the front of the class. As we move through the steps, I lower my voice.
“Is everything okay at home? You seem a bit distracted today.”
Her expression is evasive. “Oh, um, everything’s fine.”
I give her a gentle smile. “You know, sometimes it helps to talk about things. If you ever need someone to listen, I’m here.”
She hesitates, then nods. “Thanks, Ms. Morris.”
After class, as the other students file out, she lingers. She approaches me, nervously twisting her hands. “Ms. Morris? Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Of course. What’s on your mind?”
She takes a deep breath. “It’s my dad. He’s been really stressed lately. With work and stuff.”
I nod encouragingly. “That must be hard for you to see.”
“Yeah. It’s just that I think I know what he really does for work, and it scares me.”
My heart aches for her. I remember the shock of learning about my history, Santino’s business, and how it affects me, and I was an adult. “What do you mean?”
Siobhan lowers her voice. “I’ve overheard things. Phone calls and conversations with his friends. They talk about territories and shipments, and weapons.”
I keep my expression neutral, despite the alarm bells ringing in my head. “That sounds scary. Have you talked to your dad about this?”
She vehemently shakes her head. “No way. He’d freak out if he knew I suspected anything, but lately, it’s been worse. He’s always angry, talking about Russians and Sicilians messing with his plans.”
I swallow hard. “That must be very stressful for both of you.”
She nods, eyes filling with tears. “I’m worried about him. He doesn’t have anyone else to depend on. It’s just me and him since Mom died.”
I pull her into a hug as my thoughts race. This information could be valuable to Kiril, but using it feels wrong. Siobhan trusts me as her teacher, not as a mafia wife. “You’re safe here. This studio is a place where you can just be yourself, okay? You don’t have to worry about adult problems when you’re dancing.”
She pulls back, wiping her cheeks. “Thanks, Ms. Morris. You’re the only one I can talk to about this stuff.”
As she gathers her things to leave, I’m torn. Do I tell Kiril about this? The information could give him an advantage, but at what cost? I watch Siobhan walk out, her shoulders a little lighter, and I can’t betray her trust, but I can’t ignore the potential danger either. If the Irish mob is planning something against Kiril and his men, I need to warn him, but how do I do that without revealing my source?
I sink onto the studio floor, the cool wood pressing against my skin. The simple life I once knew feels like a distant memory. Now, I’m caught between worlds and loyalties. My husband and our family on one side, my students and my passion for dance on the other.
As I sit there, trying to decide what to do, I realize every decision and every interaction is now colored by the world I’ve married into, and I have to find a way to navigate it without losing myself in the process.
I stand up, my decision made. I’ll tell Kiril about the increased Irish activity, but I won’t mention Siobhan. I’ll respect my student’s trust while still doing my duty to my husband and our family. It’s a delicate balance, but one I’m determined to maintain.