The problem with Charlotte is that she can make anyone believe whatever she says. She’s just one of those people. Charismatic. Charming. She sparkles brightly, dazzling everyone.
Mae is the only one in our class who isn’t clinging to Charlotte like a fangirl, and I don’t know if it’s because she noticed that I have a problem with Charlotte or because she just isn’t interested in her. I hope it’s both, but I can’t ask her, because then I’ll have to explain what my problem with Charlotte is, and I can’t do that.
Luckily, my question is answered before the third lesson has even begun.
“God, she’s unbearable! How did you stand her?” Mae whispers so that only I can hear her. We’re sitting on the floor in the ballet studio, and she’s reaching over her legs to stretch while I pull my knees to my chest and do my best not to fall apart.
Charlotte is standing with Kaya, Kelly, and a few others, still laying on the charm.
“You don’t want to know,” I murmur. I’m just about to explain when Charlotte squeals with delight. I look up just in time to see her throw her arms around Jase as he enters the studio with Skye.
His eyes widen in surprise, and then his gaze hardens. He grabs Charlotte by the arms and firmly pushes her away from him. Maybe that’s why my heart skips a beat.
“Charlotte, what are you doing here?”
“What does it look like?” She laughs, a shrill, familiar sound that hurts my ears. “I’m here to dance.”
“Good luck, then,” he says gruffly, not sounding a bit like he means it. He tries to walk past her, but she blocks his path and puts a hand on his chest. I can see his jaw muscles clenching. I should look away because it’s none of my business what Jase does, but this is Charlotte. It’s like being a rubbernecker at an accident. I can’t help looking.
“I’m really happy to see you again.” Her voice takes on a deep, seductive tone that makes me want to puke.
Jase starts to answer but is interrupted by Francesca rushing gracefully into the room.
“Sorry I’m late, I had an important meeting. Your break is over. Take your places with your partners. We have a lot to do.” She claps decisively, and I get up from the floor on wobbly legs to go over to Jase. I still haven’t reached him when Charlotte takes a step forward.
“Excuse me, Miss, this is my first day, so I don’t have a partner yet.” She pouts a little, and I roll my eyes involuntarily.
Francesca frowns. “Yes, I already heard that there’s another latecomer.” She sizes Charlotte up. “I think—”
“I’ll dance with Jase,” Charlotte says, interrupting her.
“Jase is already dancing with Zoe.” Francesca’s tone is noticeably cooler. She’s probably never been interrupted by a student before.
“Yeah, but Jase and I know each other. We’re a good team, and I’m sure Zoe won’t mind trading with me. Right, Zoe?” Charlotte turns to me with a fake smile.
For a second, all I can do is silently stare at her. Everything inside of me screams to say no.I want to slap her in the face for this ridiculous proposal, but I can’t bring myself to do it.
“I don’t give a damn if Zoe wouldn’t mind trading with you, Charlotte.Imind.”
I turn to look at Jase, too surprised to hide the expression of relief on my face. But he just mirrors back my gaze, completely unmoved. Then I realize his words aren’t about me but about Charlotte, and my relief evaporates.
“Devon doesn’t have a partner yet. You can dance with him,” Francesca says, and Charlotte’s face darkens.
She doesn’t protest, but she isn’t happy. And an unhappy Charlotte is unpredictable.
Chapter 15
Jase
What do your parents think about you wanting to dance?
They hate it.
—J
Congratulations, you moron. You just blew your chance at a scholarship.
I could have said yes. Charlotte is a good dancer, and she can definitely do the pas de deux better than Zoe. Unfortunately, Charlotte is a total bitch, and my dislike of her far outweighs my dislike of having to dance with Zoe. I’ve never liked Charlotte. She’s a nasty person who’s just good at covering it up. So good that maybe she should be an actress instead of a dancer, but I could see through her relatively quickly when I first got to know her. She’s selfish, manipulative, and mean.
