Chapter 13 #2
“One more thing, Ms. Black. If you ever challenge me in that manner again in front of anyone else, that will be your last day. Do you understand me?”
I resisted saying anything I knew I’d regret or huffing. “Absolutely, sir. Never again.” With that, I slipped through the door, heading to grab my things. What a practice.
Now I’d need to remember the steps I’d inserted into the piece. Ugh. This was why I would never consider myself a choreographer. Because I wasn’t.
“That was intense,” Tori said as soon as I squeezed into the small room.
“Jasper is intense.”
She laughed. “He’s wound tight. Oh, who am I kidding? The man is an absolute freaking asshole.”
I nodded. Even though he’d offered kind words of criticism, I knew the next time he’d be brutal.
“Yeah, he can be, but he’s good at what he does.
” Since joining the small troupe, I’d never really felt part of the group.
Maybe because I was a couple of years older.
Maybe because this was a make it or break it few months.
Or maybe because I wasn’t interested in being one of the ‘it’ crowd.
They were always in a pack together, including when heading out to bars, which they did all the time.
Money could buy the best fake IDs.
“Just between you and me, I also heard through the grapevine there are some talent agents coming to see one of our performances.”
“What?”
Her eyes were full of excitement. “I’m not kidding.”
“The one on Sunday?”
“I don’t know.”
“Where did you hear that?”
Tori’s family had connections much like mine did. “My mother is best friends with one of the patrons. She mentioned it in passing.”
“Wow,” I muttered. “Well, I guess that means we need to step up our game.”
“Seems like you already have an in.”
Why did I feel like the kitty’s claws were ready to scratch my back? “Oh, I don’t think so. Jasper hates me.”
“Maybe he’d figured out you’re his ticket back.”
“What do you mean back?”
“To the A list, of course. He needs a solid top performer to do that. You’re perfect.”
I wasn’t entirely certain what Tori was insinuating, but I sensed she was purposely trying to dig for information. “I can imagine. You’re very good, Tori. Don’t sell yourself short.”
“After seeing you today, I want some of whatever drug you’re taking. You were amazing.”
“Nothing that a little heartache can’t accomplish.”
Her frown was exaggerated. “You need to get out more. I tell you what. I have an extra ticket for a Seattle Wild game next week. Why don’t you come with me?”
“Not you too.”
“What does that mean?”
“Please tell me you’re not a puck bunny.”
Her laugh filtered into the corridor. “There’s nothing wrong with being a puck bunny. You can’t lie and tell me the guys aren’t hot as sin.”
I felt a moment of heat, but not creeping across my face as I would expect. This time between my legs, a deep core throb that I had no business feeling. “I don’t really know any hockey guys.”
“Bullshit. Your brother plays hockey.”
Now I knew where this was going. “Oh, no. My brother is off limits.”
“Party pooper. You’re that protective of him?”
She barely moved when I pushed my way into the room. “My brother is a confirmed bachelor who thinks all women should treat him as if he’s on a pedestal. Trust me. He doesn’t treat women with the respect they deserve.”
“No hockey player does,” Tori insisted. “They’re only looking for a hookup, but that’s fine by me. That’s all I’m interested in. One long, hot sexy night with a man carved from stone.”
Her statement brought one too many inappropriate thoughts. After the sinful night I’d experienced, which I didn’t want to be reminded of, I had no right to chastise Tori in her choice of men.
But when had protocol or my experiences ever stopped me? “Tori. Trust me when I tell you this. My brother will do nothing but break your heart. I heard what you said, but that’s the truth. He’s only in the game for the show and glow. You’re a nice girl. He’ll eat you alive.”
Before she could retort, Kyle appeared in the hallway. “Hey, Chelse. Your brother is waiting outside for you.”
While Tori’s eyes lit up, her mouth pursing into a perfect O, I took a deep breath.
My brother, no matter his rebellious nature, was just like my father.
He was destined to marry the daughter of someone important, have his two kids and perfect house in the ‘burbs, all while keeping a mistress on the side.
Yes, I loved my brother, but we’d never be friends.
“Thanks, Kyle,” I told him then turned to face her. “Tori. Just trust me. You don’t want to get involved with my brother.”
It seemed everyone involved in the dance industry was melodramatic, her sigh perfect for an Academy award-winning performance. “Fine.” She spun on her heel, leaving me alone.
I took my time getting my things because whatever he had on his mind was likely more about what our father had put into his mouth. By the time I headed to the exit leading to the parking lot, I was in yet another agitated mood. My family had manipulated me my entire life and I was fed up.
Jagger was leaning against his car, acting as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
Sunglasses secured. Team jacket on. I didn’t get three feet out the door when Tori suddenly appeared alongside Sienna, both dancers moving toward him at rapid speed.
I stood back, watching from the protected shadows of the building while they acted like schoolgirls.
There’d been enough of those during high school.
I’d been a sophomore. He’d been a senior and ‘owned’ the private school we’d gone to.
He’d learned then how powerful his position as center of the school’s hockey team had been.
Heartthrob or heartbreaker, he’d gone through more women in one month than I’d had partners in my entire life.
As usual, he was eating it up, allowing the dancers to cozy up to him. Just watching them drape their bodies all over him left a sickening feeling in my stomach. My father had told me once I was jealous, but honestly, I don’t think that was it any longer.
I felt a little sorry for him. He loved hockey.
That I couldn’t deny him, but I had a feeling our father’s thumb was coming down on him just as hard as it was with me.
He’d done his best to gain independence, accepting a contract for a team across the country.
Sadly, he’d fucked it up, his anger getting the best of him.
He’d come home with his tail between his legs, Dad determined to keep him on a short leash. At least I’d escaped that since my dancing career was…
What had my father said the last time we’d discussed it? An embarrassment to the family.
Thanks, Dad. Love you too.
Less than three minutes later, I’d grown tired of watching the lewd act, striding closer. As soon as Tori saw me, she winked, but she wasn’t fooling me or anyone else. If he snapped his fingers, she’d drop to her knees.
“I’d love to see you at the game next week. Wish us luck in Reno. We’re going to need it.”
My pseudo friends waved before walking off, squealing as they did. I folded my arms, curious as to what he had to say.
“Did Dad send you?” My question caused him to snort and shove his hands into his pockets.
“No, why the hell would you think that?”
“Because I know how you work, Jag. If the heat is off you, then you can enjoy living for a couple more months. Rent free, I might add.”