Part of me is sad to leave Clare because I’ve met so many wonderful people. The residents of Clare, from age four to ninety, have made me and the rest of the girls welcome. They’ve embraced us and made us a part of the community. The other part of me is excited to get back to my normal routine, back to my friends and the job I’ve come to love.
I won’t have to wear my red gumboots in the city, yet I can’t bear to part with them because I purchased and wore them here in Clare.
I’d like to thank everyone in Clare who has taken the time to speak with us, give us an encouraging word and invited us to share in your community lives. You have a wonderful town and I can see why Nolan chooses to make his life here.
Susan bit down on her bottom lip. Hard. No tears. The decision to leave Tyler was the right one.Head up and no regrets. She sniffed and concluded her blog entry.
I’m not sure how the show will end—only Nolan knows the identity of the woman he’ll choose—so don’t try to wrangle the answer from me. I don’t know. I swear!
Make sure you tune in for the final show on Thursday night.
Goodbye, Clare.
Susan
“You’re back!” Julia cried, her voice echoing through the almost empty club. She switched off the music. “Take five, everyone.”
Maggie and Christina turned, broad grins on their faces.
“We missed you,” Maggie said.
“I missed you guys too.” Tears welled at her eyes when she found herself in the middle of a group hug.
“Are you here to work?” Julia asked. “I thought you were going to stay in Clare for a few more days.”
“Jennifer changed the show format and said we could go home.”
“Who won?” Christina demanded. “Who did Nolan choose?” She glanced over her shoulder. “And what about Tyler?”
“I…I…” Susan paused to clear her throat and had to blink extra hard to keep her tears confined. “Nolan picks his winner this week.” She had to force the words past the constriction in her throat. “Tyler…” She trailed off and bit her sorely abused lip. “I might go and grab my dance gear from my locker.” She hurried away before her friends voiced the other questions brewing in their fertile minds.
Behind her silence reigned before Julia—at least she presumed it was Julia—clapped her hands and ordered everyone back to work.
In the changing room, she took long seconds to compose herself, blowing her nose and wiping her eyes. She tied back her hair in a tight ponytail and grabbed the clean set of dance gear from her locker. Hard, physical exercise would help her forget everything she’d given up for the greater good.
Dressed appropriately, she returned to her friends and threw her heart into learning a new routine and reacquainting herself with ones she hadn’t danced for weeks.
“Want to go for a coffee and catch-up once we’ve showered?” Christina asked.
“No, I think I’ll head back—” She broke off abruptly, her brain racing. Better to get this over now. Like pulling a tooth, discussing a breakup was best done quickly. Get out the details and her friends wouldn’t ask more nosy questions. “Okay.”
“Great,” Maggie said. “I’ll ring Connor and let him know I’m having coffee. He might be able to join us.”
Susan opened her mouth to object and then sighed. Her friends were curious. In their position, she’d feel the same inquisitiveness.
“I suppose you’re glad to get a decent cup of coffee again,” Christina said.
Susan let out a laugh that was half snort. “Clare might be a country town, but they’re not the smallest dot on the map. They have two cafés. One is in a bookshop and the other one is part of the bakery. Both places do delicious food and excellent coffee.”
“My shout this afternoon.” Christina gave her a swift hug. “I’m pleased you’re back.”
They settled at a window table, gradually adding more chairs as their group grew in size. When Ryan and Caleb turned up, everyone was present, even though it was a workday.
“What is this?” Susan demanded, sharing her grumpiness around. “An intervention?”
“You don’t seem happy,” Julia said. “We thought you’d be excited about the contest and making it to the final two.”
“Tyler and I broke up.”
