Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
“I ’m so sorry,” Luc said as soon as they were backstage and able to grab a moment’s privacy again. Around them, production assistants raced around barking orders as the remaining couples prepared to dance. “I’m really bad, Bails.”
She smiled at his using the diminutive of her name, like her family and close friends did. “Hey, it’s okay. Judging from what we saw the others do, you’re not too bad.” They were supposed to go to the green room where they could relax and watch the other couples on the TV monitors, but she sensed she needed to say this without others overhearing. “Remember, there are still four contestants to go, so you’re in with a chance.”
“We’re equal bottom, Bailey. Man. I never meant to make you look so bad.”
“I know. And look, the lift wasn’t perfect, but you just have to keep a smile on your dial. This might be a competition, but it’s supposed to be for fun. Are you having fun at all?”
“It was fun seeing you come out in that floaty white dress.”
She picked up the skirt and held it out. “It’s almost too pretty, isn’t it?”
He glanced at the dress then back at her. Lifted his hand as if he was going to touch her, then dropped it. Visibly swallowed. “Suits the music.”
“See? I told you. They do this for a reason, and they want you to act a certain way, so viewers engage with the story.”
He shook his head. “I hate to think what story they’re going to run with now.”
“Well, I sure hope it’s not going to be a professional athlete who feels sorry for himself.” She added a smile to soothe her harsh words.
“Wow. Gosh, you’re tough.”
“Sergeant Bailey, remember?”
“You won’t let me forget.”
“Exactly. And when we’re back next week, you’re going to show everyone just how much you’ve improved.” And she was going to make sure he had nailed the routine. This whole situation was supposed to be about him, not her. The pro dancer had to help the celebrity, not just with his moves but with his confidence as well.
“You know it.”
“Now that’s what I want to hear. Remember, they haven’t done the voting yet, and you’re in with a good shot.”
“What do you mean?”
She leaned closer, and tugged down his head. “You have two major advantages. One, you’re a hockey player that people know. Simply the fact that you play hockey will be enough for some people to vote for you, because it’s part of that story, remember? People won’t expect you to do well, so they want to see you again, whether it’s to mess up or improve.”
“That’s not exactly filling me with confidence.”
Clearly she needed to work on that. “The point is, they’ll likely want to see you return, so they’re more likely to vote for you.”
“And the second point?”
“Your charity. Everyone knows someone who’s been touched by cancer, so if you can keep the focus on the good work your charity does then people will want to support you, so that’s a real advantage right there.”
“You forgot the third advantage.”
“What’s that?”
He smiled. “I’ve got you.”
Her heart skipped a beat or two. She patted his bristly cheek, as she worked to calm down. No. This was not the time to misread things or get swept up in emotion. They were still on display. This was only week one for goodness’ sake.
She grabbed his hand. “Come on. We better join the others.”
He nodded, and she saw how Coco looked at her. “Give me a moment.”
She hurried to Coco. “Good luck tonight.”
“You two were cute, I think viewers will definitely see the chemistry.”
“Please.” Bailey rolled her eyes. “There is no chemistry.”
“I disagree,” Jason said, Coco’s actor partner. “And I wouldn’t be surprised if you knock out the author or the one-hit wonder.”
Coco nodded, and whispered, “They may say it’s about the votes, but the network knows who’s going to be the bigger drawcard, and let’s just say it ain’t eighties pop music nobody remembers. They know what this country loves, and babe, you’ve got him.”
Oh. She smiled, wished them well again, then returned to Luc’s side.
“What was that about?”
“Coco and Jason think we’re in with a chance.”
He sighed. “I’d never forgive myself if we went out the first round.”
“It’s a dancing competition, Luc. Someone has to go.”
“As long as it’s not us, I’m okay with that.” He grimaced. “My mom wanted to come, but I put her off and said we’d be back next week.”
“What?”
“I know. So I’m praying hard that we’ll make it through, otherwise she’ll never let me live it down.”
“Oh my goodness, Luc. You should’ve said something. I’d like to meet her.”
“And she’d like to meet you.”
She shivered, but whether it was from his intense look, or the sudden sweet smile he offered her, she didn’t know. She only knew that she was even more motivated now to do well. Because if they didn’t make it through…
“And the votes are in, and here we are with tonight’s bottom three. Kate and Miguel, Luc and Bailey, and Harry and Olivia.”
Bailey squeezed Luc’s hand harder. Funny how a mere hour ago she’d been so blithe and comfortable, but now she was sweating more than she ever recalled.
“And now, in no particular order, our first couple safe tonight is…” A drumroll filled the studio.
She glanced up at Luc, who tugged her closer to himself, as if he thought he could protect her from what would come next. Could ten minutes of voting offset the equal bottom score?
“Kate and Miguel!”
There was a squeal from the author, who clearly hadn’t expected to dance on, and Bailey plastered on her smile as she congratulated her, even as her insides plummeted. Oh no. If the author, who had earned the equal lowest score, had managed to survive, surely that had to mean their names were on the chopping block.
She glanced up at Luc, who smiled at her. “Hey. It’s okay.”
She nodded. Five thousand dollars was still better than none, and would go some way to paying off her debts. And now, having had a bit of national exposure, maybe she’d get a few more dance enrollments.
“Which leaves us with our final two contestants. Luc Blanchard and partner Bailey, and Harry Stynes and his partner Olivia.”
Hockey versus eighties pop. Would people assume that Luc was safe and not vote? She glanced up at him, he smiled back, and her heart eased. She’d really like to see him do well, for his own sake as much as hers.
“And our final couple, safe from elimination tonight, and going through to next week, is…”
She winced.
“Luc and Bailey!”
“Yes!” Luc swept her up in a huge hug.
She might’ve squealed a little, too, as she hugged him hard. “I’m so proud of you.”
He kissed her cheek, and she froze, then pulled back, turning without acknowledging his kiss as she went to commiserate with Harry and Olivia. Olivia had been part of the pros since the series began five years ago, so it was a shock to have her leave so soon.
They were hurried off the dance floor, leaving Harry and Olivia to receive the judges’ final remarks before they danced their exit dance.
As soon as she made it backstage Coco wrapped her in a hug. “I knew you’d make it!”
“I was starting to have my doubts there for a moment.”
“Really?” Luc asked her. “You looked calm enough.”
“You know that saying about a duck that’s calm on top but madly paddling underneath?” She tapped her chest.
“That’s been me all week, too,” Luc said to Coco.
Except he hadn’t exactly projected calm. Not that she was going to point that out.
“Now, we go out there again in a moment, then you need to brace yourselves for the postshow interviews.” Coco pointed to Bailey. “And don’t forget to get your choreography for next week.”
So many things to remember.
She glanced at the clock. “Our flight leaves at 10.30PM.”
“They’ll make sure you interview first then. Although why you’re returning to Winnipeg I don’t know. You’d save a lot of time if you stayed in TO.”
Bailey pointed to Luc, who seemed to notice. “Hey, I’ve got some hockey stuff this week, but maybe we could stay if we’re still around after next week. Which is what dance, remind me?”
“We’ve got jive.”
He nodded. “Well, if we make it through that round, maybe we can hang here. I could see my folks more easily, and you could meet them.”
“Um…” She glanced at Coco, whose fake-lashed eyes were wide.
“Hey, you two do you, okay?” Coco leaned close and whispered in Bailey’s ear, “But let’s just say that most pros don’t meet the celeb’s families.”
Oh. Good to know.
“Um, okay then.” She faced Luc as Coco smirked and moved away. “We better get back to it.”
“What did she say?” Luc asked.
“Nothing to worry about. I think she was happy for us.” Coco was pleased they’d made it through, but was there a warning in her whispered comment?
The postshow proved to be another kind of performance, one where she worked hard to alleviate any potential suspicion from Coco or any producers as she and Luc mingled and answered questions from the media.
As expected, Luc was popular, and her cheeks were getting sore by the time ESPN appeared. It wasn’t Hannah interviewing, but one of the Toronto-based sports reporters who Hannah had said was nice, according to Poppy.
The woman flicked her hair as she talked to Luc, before facing Bailey.
“Bailey Donovan, you must be thrilled with how things have gone tonight.”
Bailey smiled. She needed to be careful. Whatever she said now would frame how viewers saw him, and she didn’t want to portray him in a way that would be perceived negatively. “Oh, look, we’ve danced a lot better in rehearsals, so it’s a shame we couldn’t execute the lift as we wanted. But I thought he did very well for the rest of the routine. Luc is definitely trying hard, and I think it’s wonderful to see someone stepping out of their comfort zone and trying something new, especially when it’s for such a good cause. And full props to him for doing this.” She placed a hand on his chest. “Luc might be tough on the ice, but he’s a real sweetheart, and passionate about doing whatever it takes to make a difference in other people’s lives. I really hope people vote to keep him around so you can see what other moves this man has.”
“Aww. Sounds like you have a fan there, Luc.”
He smiled down at her. “I hope so. I’m a huge fan of hers.”
* * *
He probably shouldn’t have said that quite like that on national TV. He had a feeling that the Bible study Messenger chat was gonna explode with stupid love heart emojis and other dumb things. But he couldn’t help it. Bailey had stuck her hand on his chest, and though she’d done it many times before, this time it felt personal, like she was protecting him or something. Which made him feel even more vulnerable and appreciative for her.
“Care to elaborate, Luc?”
He shrugged. “I can’t help it. I love working with her. She’s always so bubbly, never in a bad mood, and always knows just what to say to bring me up when I’m feeling flat, or in my head about things. I’m really blessed to have her in my life. She’s everything you could ever want.”
Bailey glanced up at him, and he knew her well enough by now to know that smile was fake.
He’d obviously said something wrong. And he needed to make it up to her. Quick. “I just want to do well for Bailey’s sake, especially as it’s her first season. I don’t want her to go out too soon, know what I mean?”
“I understand.” The reporter winked at the camera. “And I’m sure all those viewers out there do, too. Hear that? If you want to see what other moves Luc Blanchard has, be sure to vote for him next week and keep this man on his dancing toes.”
Bailey’s grin fell as the camera cut away, the reporter thanking them then moving to the next couple. “How are you feeling?” she asked Luc.
“I wasn’t joking before. I am so relieved. I never meant to fumble that.”
“Hey, it’s in the past, so let it go. We all make mistakes sometimes, don’t we? I should’ve rehearsed that more, and—”
“No.” He grasped her upper arms. “You’ve been amazing. That was all my fault. And seriously, I now can almost understand why you like dancing so much.”
She mock-gasped. “You can?”
He glanced around the room, still filled with the buzz and adrenaline. “It’s the high of a performance, like in hockey. Which reminds me, you need to come skate with me sometime.”
“Maybe.”
“Definitely.” He smiled. He might even suggest it to Ella this week. That could be more fun than watching him fail to nail his dance moves.
She shrugged. “Well, right now we need to get to the airport and start thinking about our routine for next week.”
He joined her in moving to the dressing rooms. “Have you had any thoughts?”
“Not really. I’ve been so focused on this.”
He nodded. “I can’t get over how intense this week has been, especially these last four days. How on earth are we gonna get enough practice when we have to be back here on Thursday night?”
“We’re doing the jive, so in some ways, that’s a little more straightforward.”
“Any crazy lifts I need to be worried about?”
She smiled. “Are you worried you’re not strong enough?”
“You know, I haven’t told my trainer, but I’ve actually lost weight this week.”
“So that’s why you keep ordering all that food,” she teased.
“Hey, I have training camp at the start of September, and I need to be at my baseline fitness for that.”
She touched his stomach. “I’m sure there are abs under here somewhere.”
“Do you want to see them?”
“It sounds like the female judge does.” She smirked. “Maybe you’ll have to get us an extra point or two by whipping off your shirt.”
He shook his head. “Or maybe I’ll just have to work more on my dancing. But hey, I was serious before. If we do make it through this next round, then I could make sure that I’m based here in TO for an extra week.”
“Only one extra week?” Her forehead furrowed. “Aren’t you wanting to try to make the final?”
Shoot. He’d forgotten that she needed to make the final to make even more money. And after all she’d done for him, he couldn’t stand to disappoint her. Not again. Guess he was going to have to man up and try a little harder for a little longer. “Of course we’re aiming for the final.”
She smiled up at him, and his heartstrings eased. He’d do anything to make her smile like that at him again.
Dude, that was frickin’ awesome.
You got more moves than I thought.
She is one hot tamale.
Luc grinned as he read the comments on his social media post from his teammates, plus a few from people he knew across the league. Maybe he hadn’t looked as much of an idiot as he thought he had.
He glanced at where Bailey slept, her head on his shoulder, as they flew back home. Maybe he should rearrange his schedule to make sure he wasn’t wasting so much time on flights. She must be exhausted, especially as he bet she didn’t go home after rehearsals and crash like he did. With all her planning and prepping it seemed she always had more work to do.
But while moving to TO for however many weeks made a lot of sense in cutting down travel time, it also meant they couldn’t do this, couldn’t spend more time in each other’s company where they weren’t being filmed or having their every move scrutinized. The last flight out of Toronto had been half full, the people onboard not realizing the dude in the sweats and cap with the chick in the hoodie were the ones who’d been dancing across their TV screens only a few hours before.
This, being with her incognito, felt like they were a secret couple, especially when she’d gotten so tired she’d simply used his shoulder as a pillow. He liked these moments with her. It felt sweet. And she was fast becoming a kind of sweet addiction for him. Moving elsewhere and losing this time together, filling it with more rehearsals and the possibility of more eyes on them, like family or friends or fans, felt like they wouldn’t have the chance to relax and just be. Where they could joke, or be silent. Where they could probe about each other’s families and pasts, or keep it light and talk movie or music tastes. He got to know her more in these times together than when she was in drill sergeant mode, and his brain was turning to mush as he tried to remember steps and moves.
His heart twisted. From what he was getting to know of her, she was fast becoming one of his favorite people.
He hadn’t been joking before. Bailey was a huge blessing in his life. He hadn’t realized how often negativity and defeatist talk crept in. After years in the pros he should be past that by now. But put him in a new situation where he floundered and it was obvious that some habits might be pasted over with peppy clichés but hadn’t truly died. And while he might have been a Christian for a while now and knew he was supposed to speak life, sometimes his mouth still didn’t obey. So to have someone who constantly saw the bright side, who cheered him on in her bubbly way, was really special.
He peeked across at her. Reached to tug up his jacket that he’d placed across her when she’d first fallen asleep. He didn’t want her to get cold. He’d be okay—he had muscle stores for days—but she was a little thing and might catch a cold, especially in a plane.
His phone buzzed again. He glanced at it, saw the Bible study group chat had come to life. He exhaled heavily. Here went nothing…
He opened the chat, and was instantly met with a dozen emojis from the guys, with everything from red dancing dress lady to John Travolta and Patrick Swayze memes, to hearts-eyes emojis and more. He rolled his eyes, but a smile crept out anyway, as he finally tapped out a reply.
Thanks for voting, guys. Don’t know who I owe but pretty sure it’s your votes that kept my dancing dreams alive.
He smirked, just knowing the other guys would be laughing their socks off at that comment.
Sure enough, Ryan answered not ten seconds later. I have never seen anything more beautiful than that performance in my life.
We won’t tell Sylvie you said that , he replied.
That scored a laughing-face emoji from Chris and Jai, both of whom were on the west coast and had probably watched the episode with their wives.
Chris started typing. Had Zac Parotti here for dinner and a show tonight. Your show, ha ha. I think he’s personally funding half of BC’s votes to see you make it to the final.
Awesome. Luc tapped back: I didn’t think dance was his thing but okay.
The man’s been asking some interesting questions, so you could pray he sees the light.
Whoa. Seriously? Zac Parotti was like the west coast’s version of Brent Karlsson, an All-Star player with a similar high-end range of skills. Zac was pretty much responsible for Vancouver winning their most recent Stanley Cup, earning the Stanley Cup MVP award in the process, and even prior to that, had endorsements and a profile that was movie star-worthy. If the man was actually seeking God…
Are you for real? Mike asked.
One hundred percent , Chris replied.
Wow . Ryan.
Awesome! Jai.
Amazing . Mike.
Don’t you guys believe that God really does work in the hearts of all men to draw people to themselves? Chris asked.
Hmm. When put like that, maybe it was easier to believe that God would be sought by the poor rather than those who didn’t obviously need Him, like those with looks, charm, and cash.
Praying for you, dude , Luc typed.
And for you , Chris instantly replied. You better watch yourself, else you’ll be the next of us to settle down.
Whoa. He did not say that. He glanced at where Bailey slept, her long hair splayed across his arm. He picked up a soft strand, rubbing it between his fingers. Could she feel that? Should he stop? What would she say if she knew what these guys were saying about them?
She’s a professional , he reminded them.
That didn’t stop you looking at her like she was deep dish pizza . Jai.
He winced. Deep dish might be his favorite thing whenever he visited Chicago, where Jai hailed from. Exactly how had he looked at Bailey? He probably should sit with her and watch the tape of tonight’s performance, just like he did in hockey, learning where he could improve, what he shouldn’t have done, or what he shouldn’t have said.
A still from tonight appeared in the chat, courtesy of Ryan. It showed Luc looking down at Bailey with a small smile on his face as she looked up at him with her usual sparkly smile. Beneath the pic, Ryan had written “ I’m really blessed to have her in my life .”
Wait—had Luc actually said that?
She’s everything you could ever want , Chris added.
Oh. Man. Now he remembered. That had been when Bailey had looked up at him, and he’d wondered if she was annoyed, and he’d tried to make amends by saying just how special and wonderful she was.
But Bailey was really special. Beautiful, positive, and kind. And somehow, he didn’t mind his friends’ teasing, as it was just another case of him teetering from that place that he’d thought he’d always known.
The non-dancer, who now liked dancing. A little bit, at least.
The happy-being-single dude, who now wanted more. A lot more.
He peeked back at Bailey, tempted, so tempted, to touch her cheek, to know the softness of her skin.
His heart expanded, then contracted.
But what if what he said was true, and she was such a professional that she never wanted to know him? What if he was simply a job to her, and once this was done, they’d never see each other again?
The plane hit a patch of turbulence, which bounced her against his shoulder, jerking her awake. She blinked up at him, her dark lashes less long than those crazy Bambi ones she’d been wearing during tonight’s show. He liked this version of her more, and he bet part of the reason she’d gone unrecognized was because she’d washed off most of the heavy TV makeup. Even normal Bailey was usually made up beautifully, and he’d rarely got the chance to see her without a mask. This version of Bailey was softer, more real, more unguarded and natural.
“Hey.”
“Did I fall asleep?”
He nodded.
“On you? I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
“Is this your jacket?” She moved to tug it off, give it back.
He pressed a hand on hers, stilling her movement. “Keep it. I don’t want you to get cold.”
She blinked a heavy-lidded blink, and smiled. “You’re so sweet.”
No, he wasn’t. But she was. And he’d do anything to make her realize that he’d do all in his power to protect and comfort her.
Including making sure he’d get the lifts right in the jive.