Chapter 20
COOPER
I wasn’t sure what I’d been expecting a ballet competition to look like, but I’d never felt more out of place in my life.
This morning, I’d put on one of my newer black t-shirts, least worn jeans, and a plaid shirt Mom had insisted on ironing for me.
It was already wrinkled at the back and elbows from the drive, and I’d just noticed a grease stain on the hem that I hadn’t this morning.
My boots were more or less clean, but not polished, and not dressy.
I was surrounded by women my age to a little older, wearing their hair up and so meticulously slicked back that there wasn’t a single flyaway in the whole building.
They all had their makeup done like they were attending their own weddings, their nails were manicured, their outfits were immaculate, freshly pressed, and mostly beige with one or two rebels wearing navy or black.
The fact that there were mirrors all along the wall didn’t help at all. I couldn’t avoid seeing how out of place I looked, twice the size of anyone else in the room, underdressed, and unsure what to do with myself.
Felix was warming the kids up now that we’d registered and been given our own little stretch of barre.
This was a huge studio, ten times bigger than Rising Up.
I wasn’t sure why I was surprised—small town, small studio—but the size of it only served to make me feel more lost. I didn’t want to be in the way, so I was hanging back by myself in the middle of nowhere, since I didn’t know anyone here other than Felix and the kids.
“Which one’s yours?” a voice asked beside me.
I saw him in the mirror before I turned toward him. A striking redhead, complete a dusting of freckles over his nose and cheeks, wearing a leotard and tights. About Felix’s height, maybe an inch taller, but with an almost identical build, all long, lean limbs.
A ballet dancer. Maybe an instructor?
He had to be younger than Felix, but maybe that didn’t make a difference. Retirement probably wasn’t a prerequisite for teaching.
“Uh,” I said, blinking at him. “The little boy over there.” I nodded in the kids’ direction. “Benji.”
The redhead broke into a bright smile. “He’s precious. I love seeing boys getting into it. First time at a competition?”
I huffed. “That obvious?”
The redhead shrugged. “Marcus,” he said, offering his hand.
“Cooper.” I accepted, shaking firmly.
“My dad took me to my first competition,” Marcus said. “Meant a lot to me. I bet it means a lot to Benji that his dad’s being supportive like this.”
“Oh, I’m not… well, it’s complicated. He’s really my nephew.”
“Oh!” Marcus said. His hazel eyes glinted as he looked me up and down, tongue darting out to wet his lips. “I’m here with my niece, actually. Big fan of ballet?”
I laughed as heat rushed to the tips of my ears. I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to be blatantly flirted with. Flattering, but…
I glanced over at Felix as he adjusted Sarah’s position, as gentle and firm as ever.
“It’s been growing on me,” I said. “I’m not exactly built for it, but if Benji’s into it—”
“Wait, is that Felix Bennet?” Marcus interrupted, staring at Felix. “I thought he was…”
“That’s him,” I confirmed, a swell of pride rising up under my ribs at the look on Marcus’ face. Like a toddler seeing Santa at the mall for the first time.
“Wow. Which studio…?” Marcus squinted at the paper sign taped on the mirror above our portion of the barre. “Rising Up? Otter Bay?”
The way his brows drew together spoke volumes.
“That’s us,” I said with an unintentional hint of defensiveness. Marcus must have heard it, because when he looked at me again, his face was apologetic.
“Sorry, just… he’s legendary.”
“And you’ve never heard of either the studio or the town.” I smiled wryly. “We’re lucky to have him.”
I was just now beginning to realize how true that was. Felix was famous in the world of ballet. He was—or had been, at least—a huge deal.
In person, he didn’t give the impression of being any kind of celebrity at all. He was sweet, and patient, and he’d never once behaved as though he deserved any kind of deference or special treatment. He was a regular person.
Except he wasn’t. Marcus was right to be surprised that he was teaching at such a tiny studio in such a small town.
“You’re telling me,” Marcus said. “Wow.”
I laughed. “Benji idolizes him.”
“I idolize him,” Marcus said. “I’ll be taking advantage of our newfound friendship to swing an introduction later.”
“I’m sure he’d love to meet you. He’s…”
Sweet and humble and he’s not at all spoiled or cold like you might think. He’s a little guarded, or he was, but he’s started to open up lately even if he’s still hurt. He’s incredible.
Marcus looked at me again, then at Felix, then back at me. I could almost hear the gears ticking in his head as understanding broke over his face.
Was I that obvious?
Probably. I thought Felix was incredible, and I’d never been good at hiding my feelings. Not that I wanted to. Felix was incredible, and I wanted everyone to acknowledge that.
“I am barking up the wrong sexy tree,” Marcus said, sighing dramatically.
I offered him an apologetic smile. “Tiny bit.”
Marcus looked over at Felix again, raising a brow. “Would he be into a threesome, maybe?”
I laughed. Felix clearly heard me, turning away from the kids for a second to glance over. I gave him a tiny wave, and earned a smile in return before he went back to the kids.
“He might, but I’m kinda boring like that,” I said. “He’s… I love him.”
I hadn’t told Felix that.
I would. I’d tell him tonight. Whatever happened today, whether we came first or dead last, I’d tell him how I felt.
Marcus sighed again. “Tall, handsome, and a sweetheart,” he said. “When will my prince come?”
I chuckled again. “Well, mine spilled hot coffee on me, so you never know.”
“There is a coffee cart outside,” Marcus said, looking over at the door. “Not a lot of eligible bachelors here, though.”
“Can’t help you there. Might have better luck stopping off on the way home? You never know who you meet drinking gas station coffee.”
Marcus snorted. “You’re cute,” he said, putting a hand on my arm. “He’s lucky to have you, too, you know. It’s a rough world. Nice to have a soft landing.”
A soft landing.
I liked the idea of being that for Felix.
“Thanks,” I said. “I hope he thinks that.”
“Well, if he doesn’t, come get my number before you leave.” Marcus grinned. “I could rock your world.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, beaming back at Marcus as he stepped away. I watched him head for the other end of the studio, exchanging a last wave before turning my attention back to Felix and the kids.
Just as the bell sounded to start the competition.