“I’m so used to having my own space. I thought I would have a few more nights here, but I really don’t want to stay on my own once Sara leaves.” I say sadly. Still not over the fact she’s leaving me sooner than I’d hoped.
“Ah. So that’s why you’re leaving earlier than planned.”
“Yep. The lease only runs out in a few more days.” I huff.
“I could stay with you for a few days? You can show me around and relax until you need to leave?” My jaw goes slack. Max and I, alone, in one apartment. “Only if that’s what you’d want, of course.” He adds hesitantly.
This is a bad idea. Would I cope being so close to him for a few days? Before I can think too much into it, words are leaving my mouth without my permission.
“Yes. I’d love that.”
The night passes by in a blur. After our dance earlier and my agreeing to the new arrangement for the week, we went back to our friends and partied like the young free souls we are. It didn’t take much for me to get to this level of drunkenness, but I know my limits. It’s late now, or should I say early, as Max comes back to join us.
“Water? Really Luce? I didn’t realise how much of a lightweight you are.” Max says.
“Are you joking? She never drinks, ever. I’m shocked she managed this much.” Sara laughs before throwing a wink in my direction. “I think tonight is the first time I have seen you do shots, Sugar.”
Max looks over to me with a quirked eyebrow.
“What? Like I have the time to do anything other than study and practice.” I huff out.
When I glance up, he is staring at me as if seeing me for the first time. His face softens as he leans in closer. “Where is the fun when it’s all work and no play?” He winks. He fucking winks at me.
No one understands the amount of pressure I’m under. Not that I’d expect anything less. Dancing isn’t just a career choice for me, it’s the dream I am chasing. The one I have always wanted to make a reality.
He has always been my dream, too. But that dream is hopeless.
“My poor feet can’t take any more. After this week and then dancing all night, I need my bed and to be barefoot for at least a week.” Sara moans.
“Me too. But I don’t want the night to end. When we wake up, you’re leaving me for good.” I stick out my bottom lip, pouting at the thought.
“Stop the dramatics. You can’t get rid of me so easily. We’re ride or die, bitch.” She says as she leans in for a hug.I hold her tight, just in case we end up travelling in different circles. I don’t know what I’d do without her.
“Right, let’s go home, you two drama queens. It’s time for bed. I’ll walk you both back.” Max says, interrupting our pity party, wrapping his arms around us in a big hug.
The walk home is hilarious. I’m sure it wasn’t as hard to walk here as it is now. The cobbles are against me. We laugh the whole time at Max, as he comments on how we look like newborn baby giraffes.
We’re not far from home now, but I’m so close to giving up and taking these damn shoes off. Max glances at me, seeing the struggle that is clearly written all over my face.
“Here,” he says as he holds out his arm. “Hold onto me, we’re almost there.”
I feel heat coat my face. The downside of having fair skin and red hair is that my skin always betrays me. I can just imagine the red blotches covering my face and neck right now. I hate how I react this way to him. Just the feel of his strong forearms sends bolts of electricity through me.
Calm it down, Lucy.
You can’t have him.
But God, do I wish I could.
“Home sweet home. Thanks for walking us back, Max.” Sara hollers from the door as she goes straight inside without even a backward glance.
“You’re welcome.” He calls after her before turning his attention back to me, “So, I will see you tomorrow?”
“You will. Are you sure you don’t mind staying here for a few days?” I ask, still unsure if it’s what I want. Or if it’s even a good idea.
Well, it’s definitely what I want, but also something I shouldn’t.
“Yes. I can’t wait. It will be a nice break from the Jackson clan back home.” He smiles, backing away towards the street. “I’ll see you tomorrow, I’ll text when I’m on the way.”
“Okay. Thanks again for this.” I smile sheepishly, nerves getting the better of me now that I’m his full focus.
“Anything for you, Sugarplum.”
