That was true.
“Fine. It’s a date. But we both agreed it would be foolish to let a few sparks short-circuit our common sense.”
Lauren’s eyebrows shot up. “You two talked about sparks?”
“Sure. Why not? I mean, we’re mature adults. It’s silly to dance around the elephant in the room.”
Her sister’s lips bowed. “That conjures up a very funny image.”
“I’m gladyousee the humor in this.” Devyn crossed to the couch and plopped down. Hugged one of the throw pillows against her chest.
“Did you accept?”
“Yes, but in hindsight I think that was a bad idea. Even if we stay hands-off except for the dance, I’ll be spending a whole evening getting to know him and talking about all the stuff people talk about on dates. What if I start to fall for him?”
“Start?” Lauren tittered. “Sister dear, you’re already halfway there.”
She squeezed the pillow tighter, her heart kicking into double time. “Don’t be ridiculous. We only met three weeks ago. Besides, sparks aren’t a reliable basis for love.”
“They’re not a bad starting place, though.”
“Maybe not.” She could concede that much. “But it’s safer to ignore them unless there’s potential.”
“That’s easier said than done. Take it from someone who wore rose-colored glasses for too long after the sparks sputtered.” Lauren wrinkled her nose. “Still, this is only one date, not a long-term commitment. If you keep the conversation general and lighthearted, you should be safe.”
“That was the plan for tonight too, and look how that turned out.” Devyn dropped her head onto the back of the couch and stared at the ceiling. “I’m tempted to cancel.”
“Chicken.”
She twisted her neck and frowned at Lauren. “I’m not a chicken.”
“No?”
“No.” She wasn’t. This was about being smart, not scared. “I’vetaken plenty of chances in my career, but those were calculated risks. The odds were decent they’d pay off.”
“How do you know this one won’t?”
“Lauren. I have to be back in New York by mid-August for rehearsals for the fall season. That’s only seven weeks away. How could anything positive possibly come of letting myself get interested in Aaron?”
“You never know.”
“Yes, I do. He works in a lumber mill in Hope Harbor. I dance in New York. His career is here, mine is there. That’s not a recipe for a positive outcome.”
Lauren pushed the recliner upright. Stood. “You know, for a creative type, you’re not being very imaginative.”
“This isn’t about imagination. It’s about reality.”
“Reality can be altered.”
“How?”
“I have no idea in this case, but it seems like you’re putting too many limits on your options.”
“Therearen’tmany options at this stage of my career.” She blew out a frustrated breath. “There isn’t a job for principal dancers in this part of the world, nor are there any world-class ballet companies. And New York would be a long commute. On the flip side, there aren’t any lumber mills around New York City even if Aaron was inclined to relocate, which I doubt. This is his home.”
“It used to be yours too.”
And still was, deep in her heart.
