Chapter 25
TALLY
Iknock, but I doubt anyone can hear me over the whirr of the skill saw.
After a few seconds, I poke my head in the studio.
I’m holding a tray of coffees and a box of pastries.
I don’t believe these treats will magically make the studio useable, but Flip suggested it yesterday, so maybe I can at least get an idea of when it will be.
A man in his mid-twenties puts the saw down and approaches. “Hey, how can I help you?”
“I just wanted to stop by with some coffees.” I hold out the tray and the bakery box. “And snacks.”
“Are you the dance instructor?” he asks skeptically.
I laugh. “No. I’m a student who regularly uses this studio.”
“Oh.” Understanding dawns. “A lot of you have stopped by to ask when it’ll be finished. You’re the first to bring snacks, though.”
“I’m sorry for the interruption.” I look down at the bare plywood floor. “I guess you’ll be a while yet?”
He transfers the coffee and snacks to one hand and thumbs over his shoulder with the other. “The prep work is almost done, but the flooring is special order, and it hasn’t been delivered yet.”
“Ah, okay. So at least a couple more weeks?” I hedge.
“Once the flooring arrives, it should only take a few days to lay, but then it needs to be sealed, so a couple of weeks is optimistic,” he explains. “That’s probably not what you want to hear, eh?”
I shake my head. “No, but it’s easier to plan this way. Thanks for taking the time to explain.”
“No problem. Thanks for being understanding.”
I can only imagine what other people’s reactions have been. A couple of students in my class have broken down in tears over studio time. I’ve felt the pressure building lately, too.
The final showcase isn’t until the end of the semester, but it’s not the only thing I need studio time for. I have mini solo and group in-class performances that need my attention as well. I might have to bite the bullet and deal with driving across town to use Flip’s yoga studio.
My phone buzzes with a new message.
Flip
Hey, kitten. How’s your morning?
I smile at the term of endearment.
Tally
I brought the guys working on the studio coffees and pastries. It was appreciated, but it looks like the studio won’t be finished for at least another few weeks. I’m worried we don’t have enough practice time booked, and the other on-campus studios are waitlist only.
Flip
I’m sorry. I know this is stressful for you. I’m about to get on the ice, but I’ll pick you up when I’m done, and we’ll see if we can find a solution.
Tally
Do you have time for that?
He flies out early tomorrow morning. I’m sure he has things he needs to take care of that aren’t me related.
Flip
I’ll always make time for you, kitten.
That hits me right in the heart. I haven’t mentioned the studio situation to my family.
My mom has recently mentioned getting a part-time job.
I don’t know how she’ll make that work with Fenna’s cello practices and performances.
And I won’t ask my dad. We still haven’t managed to find a day that works to make up for the missed dinner.
Flip has taken me on a date, we’ve gone for fajita night at Rix and Tristan’s, and he’s driving across town to spend time with me before an away series.
He keeps making time for me, and as much as I love it, it shines a bright light on how bad my dad is at putting anything ahead of his job.
I shake off the sudden swell of emotion and type out a quick response.
Tally
Okay.
I head into my marketing lecture. Ten minutes before the class ends, my phone buzzes with another message. I brace myself because Fenna has been having issues at school lately. Our parents’ divorce has become public fodder, which means everyone knows our business. It isn’t Fenna, this time, though.
Flip
Want to pin drop me your location so I can meet up with you?
Tally
Class is over in a few. I can meet you at my building?
Flip
I’m already on campus. I’ll drive to you.
My stomach churns with anticipation as I share my location.
Flip
See you soon.
Tally
Can’t wait!
I’m excited that he’s here, but so far the media hasn’t caught wind of us. That won’t last forever. Especially if he keeps showing up on campus or at my apartment.
When class ends, I shove my books in my bag and wipe my damp palms on my thighs as I leave the lecture hall. Flip is easy to spot when I step outside. He towers over everyone. He’s wearing dark jeans, thick-soled boots, a black winter jacket, a beanie, and sunglasses.
The whole world disappears as he wraps his arms around me and drops his head, his lips soft and warm. “Hey, beautiful. How you doing?”
“Good. Great. You?”
“Better now that I get to see your gorgeous face.” He glances around. “We should probably get out of here before someone recognizes me, eh?”
“Probably a good idea.”
He laces our fingers, and we walk to the nearby parking lot. “You’re done for the day, right?”
I love that he pays attention to my schedule. “Yeah. I just have studio time this evening.” It was the only slot left in one of the less-appealing studio spaces. It’s always freezing in there, which makes it tough to be limber.
“We have some time then.” He helps me into the passenger seat and rounds the hood. It’s bitterly cold today, and a gust of frigid air follows him into the car. He turns over the engine and blasts the heat, then stretches his arm across the back of my seat. “Hi.”
I smile. “Hi.”
He tosses his sunglasses on the dash. “It’s nice to see you.”
“It’s nice to see you, too.”
His maple eyes rove over my face. “You look pretty.”
I bite my lip. “So do you.”
He laughs. “I look pretty, eh?”
I grin, a flush working its way over my cheeks. “Maybe yummy is a better word.”
“Mm...” He leans in closer, eyes heating. “You definitely look yummy.”
“Want a bite?”
“Yeah. Actually.” He sucks my bottom lip. “More than one, if I’m honest.” He flicks my top lip with his tongue.
I angle my head and curve my hand around the back of his neck, hoping to keep him close.
His tongue sweeps my mouth, gently, sweetly.
I savor the feel of his wide, warm palm against the side of my neck.
This going-slow thing will probably result in my spontaneous combustion, and I’m pretty okay with that.
It’s the first time I’ve dated someone who isn’t in a rush to get me into bed, and I like it.
Flip’s thumb sweeps the edge of my jaw. “I like you, Tally.” He kisses the end of my nose and settles back in his seat.
“I like you, too.” I buckle my seat belt. “Where to? Should we grab a coffee off campus or something?”
“I have a surprise first.”
“What kind of surprise?”
“It’ll be a time-saver, and that’s all I’m saying.”
“Hmm… Sounds practical.” I go with it and stare at his profile while we drive. “How was practice this morning?”
“Good. I think we’re solid going into this away series,” he replies.
“How’s my dad doing?”
“Okay. Lexi’s been stepping in to lead a bit lately.” Flip glances at me for a moment. “Have you talked to him?”
“The other day, yeah.” He threw out a couple of times to get together, but they were both during dance practice or classes.
“Things okay with the two of you?” he presses.
I shrug. “I don’t think he’ll ever stop being married to his job.”
“I’m sorry, Talls.” Flip slips his hand under my hair and gently squeezes the back of my neck.
My phone buzzes with a call.
“Do you need to get that?”
“It’s my mom. It’s like she has a sixth sense.” I answer the call and bring the device to my ear. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Just thinking about you and wanted to check in,” Mom says.
My parents are so vastly different. My mom will call out of the blue, no reason, just to tell me she loves me. I feel like an afterthought with my dad. “I’m good. Are you good? How about Ties and Fenna?”
She chuckles. “I’m good and so are your brother and sister. It sounds like you’re in a car.”
“I am. I’m not driving, though.”
“But you’re with friends?”
I glance at Flip who’s paying attention to the road. “Yeah, I am.”
“Call me later when you’re home.”
“It might not be until after nine. I have dance practice tonight.”
“That’s fine. I’ll be up until nine thirty.”
“Such a night owl,” I tease.
“Real partier over here. I love you, sweetheart.”
“I love you, too, Mom.”
I end the call as Flip turns into a strip mall with a café, a used-clothing store, an independent grocery store, a print shop, and two other businesses that appear closed. This plaza isn’t far from the cat shelter I volunteer at.
“Things good with your mom?”
“Yeah, they’ve been a lot better lately.”
“That’s good. I’m glad your relationship with her is solid.”
“Me, too.” I told Flip about her visit after he took me out for dinner and how it helped smooth things out between us a little. Our relationship isn’t perfect, but we’re working on it.
He parks in an empty spot, and I hop out, meeting him at the hood. I take a step toward the coffee shop, but Flip grabs my hand. “We’ll stop there after.”
I reluctantly let him lead me away from the decadent smell of freshly ground beans and baked goods. He stops in front of a dark storefront and pulls a set of keys from his pocket.
I glance up at the sign above our heads that reads Make Your Move as he unlocks the door.
I recognize the name. “I thought this place was closed.” I looked up studio rentals in the area, hoping I could find something reasonable.
For a few seconds I was excited, until I realized this place wasn’t open anymore.
“The owner moved to a new location. Check it out.” He flicks on the light.
I step inside the empty studio. It would be the perfect location to practice. “Whose is it now?”
“It’s yours,” he says.
I frown. “I can’t afford this.” Based on my research, renting space in a studio off campus is expensive. Before my parents announced their divorce, I might have tossed out the idea, but not when my parents’ individual expenses have suddenly doubled.