Me: Tonight?
Professor Fischer: Jax Cartwright is my mum’s husband.
My mouth fell open as the meaning of his words sank in. I’d spoken to Jax a bit, but only about Bobby’s legacy and the plans for the evening. I’d never mentioned my new job, and he didn’t ask about what I was doing with my retirement.
Professor Fischer: Your dancing!
Professor Fischer: Wow.
Professor Fischer: No wonder you’ve been so exhausted recently. I guess you’ve been rehearsing a lot for tonight.
Professor Fischer: But I just wanted to say that I was there. I had no idea you would be, but I didn’t want things to be weird. I didn’t want you to think I was hiding it from you.
My hands trembled as I tried to type a message back. I’d danced in front of audiences all over the world. I mean, I’d danced for the President of the United States, royalty; I’d danced on TV and some of the most famous stages in the world, but there was something oddly unsettling at the thought of Jasper watching me.
Me: Sorry. I probably should have told you I had an alter ego. Even if I have officially retired him. Tonight, I wasn’t Finn Wells. Arlo Garcia was definitely on that stage.
Professor Fischer: Why the stage name?
Me: I liked the idea of being someone else when I’m up there. Made me feel more confident when I first started dancing.
Professor Fischer: Well, I don’t care what you want to call yourself. You have such a talent.
I lay back on the bed, groaning as my body sank into the soft mattress.
Me: Had a talent. I only came out of retirement for one night, and from the way I ache, I will need a year or two to recover.
Professor Fischer: Are you ok? Do you need anything?
Me: It’s fine. I’m sure you have things to be doing. Family to catch up with.
Professor Fischer: I don’t. Have you eaten?
I licked my lips because I was starving, but I wasn’t sure I was thinking about food right now.
Me: Not yet, but I was just going to order room service and watch a film.
Professor Fischer: Of course. I’m totally overstepping.
I tapped my fingers against the side of the phone as I tried to decide if I was about to make a terrible mistake. It didn’t take long to decide I was, but I did it anyway.
Me: You’re welcome to join me.
…
…
The three dots appeared and disappeared, and Jasper didn’t reply, so I figured I had overstepped and made him uncomfortable, but then my phone beeped again.
Professor Fischer: Send me the name of your hotel and I’ll be there as soon as I can.
* * *
“Professor.”I held out my arm, groaning from the movement, before dropping it to my side again. I had planned to shower, but Jasper’s hotel was literally two streets away, so I hadn’t had time to do much more than spray some deodorant on.
Jasper stepped inside, and my eyes raked over him shamelessly. Wearing gray sweats and a black hoodie, with a Deil Project cap pulled over his eyes, he looked delicious, but he was my boss and straight.
“You’re like a walking advert for your work, you know.” I laughed as I pointed to the cap.
