Chapter 1
ONE
KATHERINE
The classical ballet music is drifting throughout the studio and it’s making me dream of a life as a dancer again with each piano note. It’s been years since I’ve danced in a ballet, but my body still knows exactly what to do.
My feet move where my brain tells them to go, my arms following. My head swivels accordingly and I take deep breaths where needed. I might be getting older, but I feel like I’m eighteen again preparing for a ballet recital. The ones that Alpine Ridge used to host before funding fell through with the program we had in town. Ballet in Alpine Ridge only really resurfaced because I opened up my studio.
I’d be damned if I lost every part of me, including ballet.
It allows me to express myself, pushing my body through all kinds of movements that give me empowerment and discipline. Opening up Relevé allowed for ballet and dance to continue to thrive and show little girls the big dreams they can achieve. It’s all I could want, knowing how much it’s helped me when I was their age. And, of course, there are the nightly pole and chair dancing classes that help women find their confidence again.
The sound of the bells jingling takes me out of the rehearsed dance and I slip and fall. I wince at the impact and hold my knee which is starting to burn, turning to look at who is coming in at this time. I thought I put the closed sign up, but I guess I forgot.
It’s Camilla Morales.
She’s wearing a puffy white jacket with some black leggings and winter boots. Pretty positive all of this winter gear is from Chicago, her hometown.
“So sorry, Kat! I couldn’t hear the music until I opened the door. Didn’t mean to mess up your routine.”
She walks further into the studio, and I get up, dusting off my hands.
“It’s fine, I was just going through an old one. Nothing too important.”
Camilla’s brown eyes glisten before she tunes into the music still playing. “Is this The Nutcracker?”
I nod, heading to my phone that’s on the table nearby. It’s connected wirelessly to the speakers installed into the ceiling, a cool feature I added a year ago so I didn’t have to haul around a big speaker.
“It’s Christmastime, so I figured I’d get started with the music.”
“Do you plan to decorate the studio, too?” she asks behind me. I turn to see her admiring the studio.
God, I remember months ago meeting her. It honestly feels like years. She fit so perfectly into this town that I couldn’t bear to hate her. There’s no reason to; she walks into every room holding enough sunshine for herself and others.
Bennett picked a good one.
“Not yet, I think this weekend. Have you decorated your place or the vineyard?” I ask, pressing pause on the playlist.
She nods. “Yeah, Bennett and Birdy have been taking over the vineyard while I decorate my place. I heard you guys try to map out people’s decorated homes so the residents can do a drive-by of some sort?”
“Yeah, it’s a cute thing we try to do for each other. Last year, Birdy had a huge inflatable Grinch on her lawn and the kids loved it.”
“I can’t wait to see how everyone decorates, then!” She beams.
“So what brings you by?” I ask, clearing my throat. I don’t mean to be rude, but I was hoping to practice this dance all night. Call it self-care, or whatever.
Camilla’s eyes widen and her cheeks redden. “Oh! Duh, so sorry. The party next weekend…”
“At the vineyard? I heard bits about it,” I reply. Marla was talking about it when I was dress shopping a few days ago and I was definitely eavesdropping. I assumed it was just a casual party where anyone could go, but I guess not with the looks of Camilla coming to me in person. Was she here to invite me?
“Yeah, it’s going to be really sweet. Birdy wanted me to stop by and give you a formal invite since she’s super busy event planning and decorating.” Camilla pulls an envelope out of her winter coat pocket and hands it to me. I open it, and it’s a beautiful red card with gold lettering.
“Oh,” slips out of my mouth.
A Christmas party invitation, and Camilla’s vineyard address.
“Thanks,” I say with a smile. She nods before pushing hair behind her ear nervously.
“I hope you can make it. I know Morgan would love to see you.”
“She’s coming to town?” I haven’t had time to reach out to Peyton about Morgan this week, so I’m glad I can get some kind of information about them, regardless if it’s from my ex-husband’s girlfriend.
“Yep, Peyton, too. Obviously.” She giggles nervously.
“I’ll be there. I’ll call Peyton too to see if they want to stay with me,” I say.
Camilla’s eyes widen again and my heart drops.
“She’s staying with Bennett. Sorry, I thought you knew.”
I chew on the inside of my cheek for a moment, attempting to not let my emotions get the best of me.
You’re not left behind. You’re not left behind. You’re not ? —
“Of course, silly me.” I dismiss my thoughts with a wave of my hand. “They’ve been doing that since the divorce. It’s nothing new. I don’t know why I even mentioned it.”
Camilla is quiet as she takes in my words. She takes a step closer, and it’s like I can feel her trying to emanate warmth…and a hug. I’m not sure if a hug from her would cure any of my feelings right now. It might do the opposite.
“You’ll always be her favorite, you know.”
My heart stops for a slight second, and I’m not sure if it’s from all of the dancing or because of my racing thoughts, but my body breaks out in a sweat. My hands form into fists before relaxing them. “I know. Thanks for the invite, Camilla. I’ll make sure to be there.” It’s a promise.
She smiles before backing up and heading toward the door. “I can’t wait to celebrate Christmas with you. We’re still on for that dance lesson next week?”
Right, I’ve been teaching Camilla a few dance routines just for fun. Birdy pops in sometimes and even drags Izzy. It’s like a small girl’s night here, and it sometimes makes me want to stay in this town forever.
It makes me feel like I belong once more.
“Yeah, we’re good to go for that.”
Camilla waves before leaving the studio and I stand there, fingers intertwined, picking at the skin of my cuticles.
Christmas in Alpine Ridge will be a good one this year. I’m just not sure if it will be my last.