Chapter Forty-Six
Lucy
Max, on the other hand, slept like a fucking baby. I had to thump him twice in the night to stop him from snoring. I giggle to myself at the memory of him jolting out of bed, thinking he was being ambushed by a lion on an African safari. I’d love to spend a night living through his dreams.
He's been up for a little while, already in his office getting some bits of work done before our night out with everyone later. Which I can’t wait for.
Finally, the whole gang is coming to watch my show.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be inviting all the people closest to me to a strip club to watch me fly around half naked in a hoop. But hey-ho, this is my life.
I am actually so excited for them to see it, though, and I’m excited to get back to work. I miss the adrenaline of a performance, of seeing how people react. Especially when it’s their first time seeing it. It’s sexy, but not sleezy, and the exact reason why I love it.
I still have another hour before I need to get ready to leave, so I make my way into my studio. The only thing in this world other than Max that can bring me peace is dance.
Once I’m warmed up and my music is set, I put on my pointe shoes and get myself into position to do one of my old ballet routines.
It must be like muscle memory, as I don’t even need to think about the steps anymore.
They just come to me naturally. My body glides around the room effortlessly, the burn of my toes reminding me of all the hard work I’ve done to get here.
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice movement near the door.
I smile widely, knowing exactly what that movement will be.
This is what he always does: the moment he hears music playing, he sneaks in to watch me.
Never interrupting, just silently enjoying the view. My very own ‘Phantom of the Opera’.
I make sure to finish the dance facing him, and as always, I'm not disappointed. His smile is wide as he stalks towards me.
“I don’t think I will ever get used to this.” He praises as he picks me up and spins me around.
My arms automatically twine around his neck as I drop my head back in a laugh. Moments like this make every bit of pain we’ve been through worth it.
He is worth it.
I make it to the cute little café Liz picked out, and I’m not shocked to find she is already there with two coffees at a table in the corner. She hasn’t seen me yet, and I take a moment to study her. She looks so broken. Is this all because of me?
She only looks up when I’m standing in front of her, clearing my throat.
“Hi,” I squeak out. My nerves are taking a nosedive.
“Oh, Lucy, darling. I’m so glad you came.” Her face brightens as she gives me a once-over. “I was worried after how I acted yesterday that you wouldn’t show.”
“I would never do that to you.” I smile, taking the seat across from her. “I’m happy that you asked.”
“Well, I am happy you’re here. From how Max was acting, I'm surprised he hasn’t shown up as your guard dog.” She laughs.
“Ah, he kind of has. He’s gone for a walk around the shops, claiming we need a full list of useless things.” I shake my head.
“Why am I not surprised. He has always been so protective of you.” Her eyes glaze over for a moment before she continues. “There is no point beating around the bush. I’ll say my piece, then I will let you get on with the rest of your day.”
Her piece? Oh fuck. If I wasn’t scared before, that ominous sentence has made sure I am now. I don’t know what else there is for her to say, other than stay the hell away from him, which isn’t an option. My defences are beginning to rise, and she must notice.
“Don’t look so worried. I promise I’m not here to break you two up.
I am here to say I will never get in your way again.
Your dad and I had our suspicions when you were kids that this would happen.
Either that or you would always stay the best of friends.
I was just so worried that people would talk and say things behind your back.
I never wanted that kind of life for either of you.
” Her eyes are shining now, her words sounding choked as she continues.
“I love you both equally. And if this is what you want, which I can clearly see that it is, I promise to support you, always.”
I don’t know what my face is saying right now as she studies me. I have never been the kind of person who can hide my emotions well. The ginger skin is kind of a dead giveaway most of the time. But honestly, I am in full-blown shock.
“If you keep doing that face, it will stick that way.” She scolds. That’s when I realise my mouth is hanging open and my eyebrows are almost in my hairline.
I snap my mouth closed. Then open it, then close it again. I don’t know what to say.
“Really? You’re okay with this?” I ask, needing her to repeat it so I know I didn’t make it up.
“Really. It will take me some time to get used to it. Maybe keep the PDA to a minimum in front of me for now?” She laughs softly.
I reach across the table, taking her hand in mine.
“You don’t understand how much this means to me,” I tell her honestly.
“Yes, well, let’s leave it at that, and we can all move on.” She says, shrugging off the emotion. She can hide all she wants, but I can see the water welling in her eyes. “Now go on back to my boy. He will be a fretting lunatic if you leave him for much longer.”
I laugh, standing and rounding the table to her side. She meets me in the middle and wraps me up in her arms.
“I love you, darling. Never forget that.”
“I love you, too.”