And Tavi is very laid back about her music. She’s incredibly talented, but while she says she’ll always play music, she thinks she may do that as a hobby. That’s true for me, too, of course. I willalwaysdance. The difference is I won’t be happy if I only get to do it in stolen moments.
I head straight into the guest bathroom to fix my hair and makeup, but my thoughts are still on what Erik said.It's risky to pursue a dream. But even more so to give it up.He may be right.
I run a hand through my hair and put some water on the strands that are particularly flat or twisted.
The problem with pursuing dance is I’d need a job that pays well enough to cover my expenses, but doesn’t interfere with auditions. That would be tough to find.
I scrub under my eyes with a damp wash cloth until the dark makeup disappears. My eyes could use some liner, but for now, fresh and clean will have to do. This is the way I’d look if I went hiking with Erik. Not that I plan to. Although he didn’t outright say he’d choose hunting for Casanova over being with me, the implication was clear. I’m disappointed, but at least he didn’t lie.
Maybe what we have right now is enough. My gaze shifts in the direction of the bedroom. I love having sex with him. Next to performing, it’s the best thing I’ve ever experienced in my life. I even like the punishment kink and when he calls me “little girl.” Lately, being tough all the time exhausts me. His toughness is perfect. Not mean or spiteful. More protective. And rock steady. Being able to sleep last night was a lifesaver.
With my appearance set to rights, I head downstairs where I can hear a man’s voice that has a cute Irish accent. Myabueloon my dad’s side had an accent that was really cute, too. I miss him.
Unlike in the newspaper clippings, today Joe Sullivan is dressed in khaki trousers and a polo shirt. In person, he has close-cropped silver hair and striking green eyes.
“Ah, here she is,” Erik’s uncle says.
I expect him to look small next to the Viking, since most people do, but this man must be six-three or six-four. His forearms are ropey with muscles. That reminds me of myabuelo, too, who liked to work outside with his hands and did that until the end.
“Hello,” I say with a smile. “Arya.” I extend a hand.
He clasps it in both of his. “Delighted. And it’s just as Erik said. You’re a beauty in pictures, but even more so in person.”
I glance at Erik with a surprised look, and he looks just as surprised. That makes me wonder if he said anything at all about my looks. I think maybe his uncle is just trying to be charming. If so, he’s succeeding.
“Hmm. That’s news to me. When we first met, he was the pretty one,” I say with a wink.
“Oh, you thought so?” the man says with a laugh.
“I did. But he wasn’t interested in me. It really hurt my feelings.”
My hand slides from Mr. Sullivan’s grip as he glances speculatively at Erik.
“What have you to say for yourself, lad? Snow blind were you? From some skiing trip? Because how could you not have noticed a pretty girl who wanted your attention?”
Erik’s brow cocks skeptically. “The things she just said? Complete fiction.”
Mr. Sullivan laughs.
“You did blow me off,” I protest, the corners of my mouth curving into a wider smile.
“Bullshit.” His tone is cool.
“All right, none of that language directed at a pretty girl. You said you need a shower. Go on with you. Arya and I will do fine till you’re back.”
Erik’s ice blue gaze sweeps over me. “Behave yourself.”
Those words send a little shiver through me. Crossing my arms over my chest, I say, “I might.”
Mr. Sullivan laughs again. “Go on, lad. Time’s wastin’.”
Erik gives me one last look before walking out.
“So I’ve a bit of concerning news,” Mr. Sullivan says without missing a beat. “Your ma is having a time of it this morning with a fierce headache. She said she couldn’t reach you, so she wants Erik to bring you to her. It’s a bit of luck that you’re already here in Boston.”
I stiffen, and my muscles lock. My mom didn’t call me.
Of course not.Saying she couldn’t get through is the excuse she needs to involve other people. And to make it almost impossible for me to avoid going to see her.Almost.
