“Ah, yeah. That makes sense. Do you want to meet for a coffee? I am working just up the road from your studio today.”
“I’m actually heading home, Joey. Sorry,” I lie and instantly feel bad. I start to backpedal. “Maybe tomorrow?” Oh god, stop talking, Nina. I put my hand on my head as I try and worm my way through the conversation. I might as well have met him today. Get it over and done with.
“Yes! Tomorrow is fine. I will meet you at the studio. What time?”
“That’s okay. I’ll meet you at the café. Is The Elm okay? Let’s say, at twelve o’clock?”
It’s close enough for me to get back after and I’d rather go somewhere I know, in case I need to make a quick exit.
“Sounds good Nina, I’m looking forward to seeing you.”
“You too, Joey. See you tomorrow!” I hang up, regretting calling him in the first place. He is obviously okay.
I want to launch my phone at the ground because of my inability to say no. I restrain myself, though, glaring down at my reflection on my shiny new screen.
It’s late when I finish my last lesson. Henry left an hour ago, locking up the gym behind him. I had one of my under fourteens in for a one-to-one session this evening. It’s a great little money booster for me with bills to pay, but more importantly, it shows me their passion for dancing.
The studio lights illuminate the room as darkness blankets the vast world outside. It’s my favourite time of day to be here and the only time I allow myself to switch off fully.
Making my way over to the speaker, I plug in my phone and find the song I want. Alessia Cara pours from the speakers moments later, singing about being beautiful just the way you are. I close my eyes and let the music take over my soul, dancing around the studio as I get lost in the only form of therapy my body knows.
It’s nine p.m. when I finally flick off the lights to the studio. I bolt down the stairs and across the gym to the main door like a wimp, afraid of the dark. Pulling open the door, I glance around to make sure no one is waiting in the shadows to mug me. My dramatics are warranted based on London’s crime rates these days.
My stomach dips when I spot the Audi waiting at the curb, the fear I felt moments ago chased away by a warmth that spreads through my chest.
Vinny gets out of the driver’s seat and moves to open the passenger door for me, dipping his head to the side in question.
I smile, turning to lock the door.
“I hope you haven’t been waiting long?” I ask, stepping past him and sliding into the seat.
“Not long at all,” he says, shutting the door and rounding the car. I know Vinny is lying. He has no idea when I’m coming or going; I don’t have set times.
I am going to have to put a stop to this.
“You’re too nice, Vinny. You should tell him to piss off.” My lip twitches. “It’s fun, you know, making him angry.”
“You have no idea, Miss Anderson,” he chuckles, the corner of his mouth tipping up like mine.
I relax into the seat, my body going lax as I finally allow myself to stop. It’s been the longest day, and I really am glad for the lift.
“No Mason this evening?” I remark.
Vinny’s brows pull in, his lips forming a thin line. “No. I’m afraid he got caught up at the office and couldn’t get away.”
I frown, checking the time on the dash. “It’s nine o’clock. Does he always work this late?”
“When necessary,” he mutters, not giving me any more than that. Clearly, he doesn’t want to tell me, and that’s fine.
“I appreciate you being here, Vinny. I’m not sure my poor feet would’ve managed much more tonight.”
His features soften a little, his shoulders relaxing. “It’s my pleasure, Nina, although it would help me if you could call when you’re nearly ready to leave. Mason will send me whether you like it or not,” he says.
I roll my eyes as I smile. This is all well and good, but why? Why is he insistent on having me driven around? “Well, now I feel bad. How long were you waiting today?”
“Only a couple of hours,” he chuckles.
“A couple of hours! Vinny, that is ridiculous! Why didn’t you come in and check how long I’d be?”
