“Yes.”
“So it’s not like you two will be alone in a romantic candlelit setting.” Lauren shrugged. “It sounds like a safe situation to me. You can’t get very cozy with two chaperones on hand, right?”
“I guess not.” But their presence wouldn’t put a lid on her hormones.
“How did this dance lesson come about, anyway?”
“It was Ben’s idea.” She filled her sister in on the conversation that had taken place after her short performance on Tuesday.
“You danced for them?”
Was there a trace of hurt in Lauren’s inflection?
Frowning, Devyn looked over again. “Yes. Why?”
“I would have liked to see that.”
Seriously?
“I assumed you’d prefer to keep your distance from that part of my life.”
“A few weeks ago, that would have been true. Not anymore.I haven’t seen you dance since Dad and I went down to the San Francisco Ballet School spring festival when I was about fifteen.”
“I remember that. It was fun to have you both in the audience. And I was thrilled the two times Dad came to New York to see me dance in my corps de ballet days.” Even if the ticket she’d also set aside for Lauren on both occasions had gone unclaimed.
“I’m sorry now I didn’t join him.”
“Can I be honest? Me too. But I can understand why you didn’t.”
“My resentment seems misplaced in hindsight, though. It wasn’t as if you were the one calling the shots when you were a kid.”
“No. Mom was in charge, no question about it. But I understand why you’d be angry. You and Dad made a ton of sacrifices to give me a crack at the gold ring, and I’ll always be grateful.”
Lauren sighed. “You know, I’m thinking that at this stage of our lives, we should focus on the future instead of revisiting the past.”
“I’m on board with that.”
“And in terms of yourimmediatefuture, it’s possible you’re worrying too much about a simple dance lesson. You’re paired with toned guys in tights every day.”
“But I’m not attracted tothem.”
“I get that. But how hard can it be to teach a few swing moves to Aaron while his daughter and grandfather are close by? It isn’t as if anything romantic could happen. And just keep reminding yourself that once you’re back in New York, on your own turf and caught up in your usual routine, Hope Harbor and everyone here will fade into the background. Except me, I hope.”
“No worries on that score.” She sighed. “What you say makes sense. I guess I’ll let the lesson stand.” Despite the lurking misgivings no amount of conversation or logic would dispel.
“Well, if you need another pep talk, you have my number.”
Devyn’s spirits ticked up at her sister’s joking tone.
The new easy banter between them was evidence that her goalfor this trip was within striking distance. Her relationship with her sister was progressing exactly as she’d hoped it would.
Her relationship with Aaron was another matter altogether. The simple fact was, as long as she stayed in town he was going to disrupt her peace of mind.
Nevertheless, she’d promised him a lesson, and it wasn’t fair to change her mind. So she’d keep it pleasant and professional, pull Isabel and Ben into the fun, and ignore any unruly sparks that managed to ignite.
A raindrop plopped onto the windshield. Followed by another. And another.
She flipped on the wipers, and an instant later, the drops were gone.
