Chapter Six - Chapter Five
CHAPTER SIX
Chapter Five
“WELL, DAMMIT,” CASIMIR cursed as he stumbled over my feet for what had to be the hundredth time. His frustration was almost something I could touch, like a man trying to tango with two left feet. “I swear the Lord doesn’t want me dancing. It’s like I’m cursed to flail forever.”
“The Lord isn’t your problem, Cas,” I chuckled, unable to hide the amusement in my voice as I watched his latest attempt to conquer the dance floor. “You’re just not paying attention. And you’re definitely not listening to my feet when they scream for mercy.”
He shot me an exasperated look, but I caught the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth, a sign that his frustration was giving way to something lighter. With a dramatic sigh, he plopped down on the floor, scooping Ellie out of the playpen like she was the answer to all his troubles. “Maybe you’re the one with the wayward feet,” he shot back, a sly grin finally breaking through. “Either way, I have to learn this dance before Daphne’s wedding next month. If I don’t, I’ll be the fool stepping on her toes and a complete embarrassment.”
I rolled my eyes, settling beside him on the studio floor. “I think you just come here to spend time with Ellie because you miss Toby,” I teased, nudging his shoulder playfully. “Admit it, Cas, you’re using my daughter as a substitute cuddle buddy.”
His expression softened, a wistful look crossing his face that tugged at my heart. “I do miss the little guy,” he admitted, his voice quieting as if the weight of those words was too much to bear. “Home is way too quiet now, like there’s something missing. Or someone, rather.” He paused, then turned to me with a look that was half-serious, half-worried. “He hasn’t been back, has he?”
“No, Cas,” I replied, my tone firm yet gentle. “Hillbilly hasn’t been back to the club, and if he does, he’ll have more than me to answer to.”
He let out a breath, a mix of relief and something else. “Good. I know he loves Daphne, but men can be fickle. But you know, you’re not spying—you’re just keeping the world safe from deceitful men. Think of yourself as a superhero in stilettos.”
I laughed, the sound more genuine than I expected, though there was a trace of bitterness there too. “Funny, isn’t it? Most people would think those bikers are the cheaters, but they’re not. The ones who have someone special stop coming in, and when they do, it’s clear their women are their world. The real cheaters? They’re the ones with the white-picket fences and the family portraits on the wall. It’s sad, really.”
Casimir’s gaze sharpened, his usual humor giving way to concern as he studied my face. “What’s really bothering you, Madeline? I can see it in your eyes. You’re carrying something heavy. Spill it.”
I hesitated, then reached out to brush Ellie’s hair with my fingers, drawing strength from her innocence. “Sometimes I feel so guilty about working at the club. And embarrassed, too. It’s not how I pictured my life would turn out. That money is meant for their families, and here I am, taking it...” My voice trailed off as I shrugged, the words pouring out in a rush. Admitting it out loud made the burden feel lighter, if only slightly.
“Madeline Wolfe!” Casimir’s tone was a mix of stern and kind, like a father scolding a child who didn’t know any better. “Those men are going to throw that money away no matter what you do, because they’re garbage. Pure and simple.”
“I know,” I replied, a small smile tugging at my lips. “You’re right, as usual.”
He didn’t let up, his gaze boring into mine, demanding the truth. “There’s more to this. I can tell. What else has you in this mood?”
I sighed, feeling exposed under his scrutiny. “They replaced Midnight with Valley—who just so happens to be Jarrod Warner. In high school, we had this thing, this connection. I even thought I might be in love... and now he’s back. And he saw me, Cas. He saw me dancing.”
Casimir’s brow arched, his expression turning mischievous. “So that’s what this is about. You’re embarrassed that he saw you dancing? Girl, if I were him, I’d be foaming at the mouth right now, trying to figure out how to win you over. You’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. I’ve seen you dance, Madeline, and it’s a work of art. Trust me, Jarrod Warner is probably losing his mind thinking about you.”
A warmth spread through me at his words, and I couldn’t help but smile as I hugged him tightly. “You’re a good friend, Cas.”
“Of course I am!” he declared, standing up with a flourish as if he’d just won an award for Best Friend Ever. He placed Ellie back in the playpen, then turned to me with renewed determination. “Now come on, we’ve got twenty minutes left, and this time, I swear I’ll get it right.”
“I hope so,” I laughed, standing up and restarting the music. “My feet can’t take much more of your dancing disaster.”
Casimir took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders like he was about to go into battle. “Okay, let’s do this. No more tripping over your feet, I promise.”
As we moved through the steps again, I couldn’t help but admire his determination. His earlier clumsiness began to give way to something more fluid, and for a brief moment, it felt like we were actually in sync. Ellie’s giggles filled the room, her little hands clapping in delight, adding a joyful rhythm to our movements.
“There you go, Cas!” I cheered, genuinely impressed by his progress. “You’re getting it!”
He shot me a triumphant grin. “Told you I’d get it. Just needed a little Ellie inspiration.”
We continued dancing, the music blending with our laughter, and in those moments, the weight of my worries lifted, if only temporarily. Casimir’s presence, his humor, and his unwavering support were like a balm to my soul, reminding me that I could always talk to him to ease my worries.
As the song ended, Casimir twirled me one last time, our feet moving in perfect harmony—until we stumbled, collapsing into a heap on the floor. We both burst out laughing, the sound echoing around the studio.
“I think we nailed it,” he panted, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Yeah, I think we did,” I agreed, still catching my breath. “Thanks, Cas. For everything.”
He reached over, squeezing my hand in a gesture that spoke volumes. “Anytime, Madeline. Anytime.”