“When do we come back?” Marcus asked.
“Monday. Same time. We’ll be at the dance studio tomorrow.”
“I’m so excited,” Emma said immediately, suddenly more energetic.
“Me too,” Marcus said.
Julia nodded. “Yeah. I’ll try it. Even though I’m going to look like a beach ball with legs.”
“No you don’t,” Emma said, sounding loyal. “You look great.”
“What about you, Cody?” Marcus asked. “You’re not going to make me go without you, are you?”
All three of them looked at Cody.
“I’m not dancing,” Cody said flatly. “But I’ll come and watch.”
“Your choice,” Reese said. “Either way, it’ll be a blast.”
She grabbed her bag from the bench. “I need to get next door and get ready for my next class. Good work today, everyone. Seriously. You all did great.”
“Thanks for working out with us,” Emma said.
“Yeah, thanks,” Marcus added.
Reese waved and headed for the door. As she passed Roan, she said quietly, “That was fun. See you tomorrow?”
“See you tomorrow.”
Then she was gone, the door swinging shut behind her.
Emma, Marcus, and Julia gathered their things, chattering about how sore they were going to be tomorrow. They thanked Roan, confirmed they’d be at dance tomorrow, and headed out together as if they’d been friends forever.
Cody stayed behind.
He walked over to the heavy bag hanging in the corner and pushed it lightly, watching it swing.
“You did great today,” Roan said, coming to stand next to him.
“It’s the only thing I’m good at.”
“That’s how I felt when I was your age,” Roan said. “I couldn’t wait to get out of school and play sports.”
Cody was quiet for a moment. “Reese is pretty hardcore. Super pretty too.”
“Yeah. She is.”
“Like, I thought dancers were just delicate or whatever. But she’s strong.”
“Dancers are athletes. Most people don’t realize that.” Roan crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. “She’s pretty great in every way. Always was.”
“Emma thinks you guys used to date when you were in high school.”
“How did she know that?” Roan asked, surprised.
“I don’t know. Girls always know stuff.”
Roan nodded. “That’s the truth.”
