"I told you. Mum and Dad need me at the dance school. Everyday you've told me that theywilleventually come around. I'm trying really hard to believe that, Luc. But part of believing it is also acknowledging that I'll have to go back to work with them again. Which means I can't get my hopes up about dancing. It would be unfair of me to apply, audition and possibly get in, only to turn the place down to go back to teaching."
Luc raised his eyebrows. "Haveto go back to teaching? Do youwantto?"
Adam shrugged. A week ago, he'd have said yes without hesitation. Now... he wasn't so sure.
"You have to start thinking about whatyouwant," Luc told him. "Don't you think you've sacrificed your dreams for long enough? Especially for Mum and Dad and the dance school."
Maybe he had. When he'd chosen to walk away from his place in a dance company alongside Mason, he'd thought he could shut the door on that dream forever. But that hadn't been the case. Following Mason's career had helped, in part, but he'd also felt a constant pang of jealousy. Mason had been living the life he'd wanted but had chosen to give up on. Not that he regretted helping his parents. He didn't. He knew he wouldn't make a different decision if he got the chance to do it all over again. He'd still stay and help them. He'd still choose teaching over preforming, because it was the right thing to do; because they needed him.
"Mum and Dad want you to be happy," Luc said. "That's all they've ever wanted. They'll support you, whatever decision you make."
"If they ever talk to us again," Adam muttered bitterly.
Luc let go of his hands and picked up the brochure, holding it out to him. "If this is still your dream, apply. It doesn't mean you have to take the position when you get it."
Adam chuckled. "When? Don't you mean,if?"
Luc shook his head. "No. You're an amazing dancer, Adam. You were born to be on the stage. I fell in love with you, watching you dance. When you dance, you are a thing of beauty."
Adam pulled a face. "Okay, okay, you can cut the soppy bullshit now."
"Does that mean you'll apply?"
Adam stared down at the brochure. He did want to. "I need a studio."
"I'm sure you can rent some studio time in one of the local dance schools." Luc bit his lower lip. "Or you could see if Mason could help."
"Mason?" Adam jerked his head up. "You'resuggesting I go to see Mason?"
"Why not? Surely he can get you some studio space and help you with your technique?"
Adam narrowed his eyes. "I thought you said I was amazing?"
Luc grinned. "I did, didn't I?"
Adam put his hand on Luc's shoulder. "I thought you were the jealous type. I didn't expect you to suggest I go spend time with my ex."
Luc tipped his head to the side, resting his cheek on Adam's hand. "I trust you, because I love you. I know you're mine."
Adam gazed at him. "Yeah," he agreed. "I am."
Chapter Twenty-Six
Luc
At lunchtime the next day, Luc knocked on Adrianna's door. "Hey, are you doing anything for lunch?"
She looked up at him, one immaculately shaped eyebrow arched. "You're taking lunch?"
Luc smiled, knowing it was a rare thing for him to step away from his desk, even for lunch. "Yeah. Can I treat you?"
"As long as you're not planning on handing your notice in," she said, narrowing her eyes. "You're not, are you?"
"No." He dipped his chin. "But I do need to talk to you about something."
"More time off to help your family?"
Luc shook his head. "No."
