“That you care so much about them.”
“Someone’s got to.”
“Sounds like they’ve got their own men to care now.”
He shrugs. “I still want to help.”
“I like that about you.”
“Thanks.” He finishes twisting something before straightening to his feet and taking the flashlight from my hands.
I stare up into his endless blue eyes for a second too long. “Done?”
He nods.
“Thank you, by the way. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I couldn’t just let you go out gallivanting around in something that could die at any second.”
I shrug. “Wouldn’t be anything new. Everyone else lets me do it.”
He hands me my keys. My fingers close around them, but he doesn't let them go quite yet. “You should surround yourself with more people who genuinely care about you.”
My breath catches in my throat as I try to find the words to say. Finally, I settle on, “Thank you. Great advice. Now, if you’re done, I have a few things I need to do for my business before dinner.”
“I’m done for now.”
I nod, snatching my keys and turning back toward the kitchen door. An unexpected warmth spreads through me. It’s nice to know someone cares. Even if he can be a little intense—rigid—at times, I’ve seen his pleasantness crack through yet again. The little things Ty does that I’ve overlooked… that’s him showing he gives a hoot. It makes me wonder if Ty is like this with everyone, or if he gives a hoot aboutme.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
AVERY
“Yes,Avery! Feet together and— Nice! Yes!” Ashton, my captain, pulls her attention from me to someone new as we finish today’s practice with one final run of our halftime routine. I book it across the Marley flooring, wedging my way into the final formation—a kick line.
I stare at a light dangling from the rafters of our practice room, cheesing so hard my cheeks hurt as I bring my knee to my face again and again. The pendulum light reminds me of the grow-lights Mary just ordered at the shop, and I wonder if they came in yet. Once practice is finally over, maybe I should stop by the store to check. Maybe I should have her hold one for me so I can surprise Ty with it.
My body operates off muscle memory as I try to pull my thoughts back to the present.What the heck, Avery? You’re in the middle of high kicks, and you’re thinking about grow-lights?
Dropping my arms to my sides, the kick line separates,and I move to my ending spot just as clean and pristine as the Kings require. Their brand is nothing if not flawless, and they expect their performances—and performers—to be just as immaculate. We all hit our final pose, trying to catch our breath as the music fades. I let my eyes travel from face to face of the girls beside me. They’re so incredibly talented. And I’m worthy of dancing next to them. Dancing is something I’m good at, likereallygood at. So why isn’t that enough for me? Why am I thinking about being at that dusty old home and garden store instead?
“Remember, shoulders down, chest up. Don't yank on each other. Kicks and posture should be weightless and effortless. And this goes without saying, but point your toes. Really extend through that ankle. The kickoff game is next weekend. So we have one more week of practice to perfect this, and we’re just about there.” Ashton claps her hands together. “That’s a wrap for today, ladies! Good work.”
I gulp water as I pack up my dance bag, following Larissa and the rest of the team out into the hallway.
“Avery? Could you stay for a moment please? Won’t be long, I promise.” Our choreographer’s voice is barely audible over the echo of the girls filing down the corridor.
My heart sinks, and Larissa freezes too. I plaster on what I hope is a reassuring grin. “Go ahead, I’ll be there in just a second.”
Larissa nods and peels off with another group of girls, but I catch her glance back at us as they head toward the exit.
“What’s up, Stace?” I try to keep my voice steady as I join her outside our practice room.
A line forms between her light brows at the too-casual nickname. “I just wanted to check in. How are you?”
The question is loaded, launching an assault on my upbeat exterior.Don’t crack, Avery. Smile. Answer the question. Don’t give her a chance to second-guess adding you to the team. You belong here, so make her believe it.
I tighten my grin. “How am I? Great. Wonderful, actually. Every day I have practice is a good day.”
