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The Trouble With You

Page 131

by Erin Nicholas

I shake my head. “Honestly, you all are not helping me promote my teaching skills.”

They laugh again, and Harley says, “The Reel will be excellent!”

And he’s right. It is. They perform the Virginia Reel without a single misstep, and afterward, I’m surrounded by people asking if I have a specific line-dancing class, if I can teach salsa, if I can teach an entire bridal party ballroom dancing and help six bridesmaids put together a fun surprise dance number for the groom, and if a woman can dance all the cross-stepping moves with her hip replacement.

I’m overwhelmed.

“We should ask Thea about that,” I say, looking around for the physical therapist who will know much more about hip replacements than I do.

“You’re going to need some help with all of these classes,” a voice says to my right.

I turn. It’s Lydia. I nod. “I know. Oh my gosh.”

“It’s a great problem to have.”

“It is. I think I already need someone to come help out a couple times a week,” I say. “Someone with experience in dance classes and adaptive dance.” I study her. “Know anyone who might want to spend a couple of nights down here in Rebel each week?”

She grins. “I just might.”

“I could even talk to Wes about being a part of the ‘benefits package’.”

She laughs. “I’m in.”

“Wow, this is all so amazing. I’m so proud of you.” Beckett comes up and pulls me into his arms for a big bear hug. “You’re absolutely glowing.”

I grin up at him. “Thank you for everything.”

“It’s all because of Lawson,” he says with a smile.

“I mean always being on my side and working things out with me. With us,” I say.

“Lawson would’ve kicked my ass if I hadn’t,” he says, but I know he’s teasing, and I can tell he truly is proud of me and happy for me.

“Hi, Beckett.”

I step back from him, and we both turn to the new voice.

The very pretty woman standing next to her friend is familiar. I’ve seen her at practice and also on the sidewalk outside of City Hall. This is the girl who keeps approaching Beckett.

“Um, hey, Hayley.”

Hayley smiles widely, clearly thrilled he remembered her name. “Hi.”

Beckett moves closer to me. “I didn’t know you’d be here tonight.”

I almost snort. Of course she’s here.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” she says. “Especially after your dance number last night and talking about how proud you are of Sutton.” She smiles at me. “Your relationship is so sweet.”

I smile at her. That’s really nice.

Beckett puts his arm around me and pulls me against his side as if needing protection. “What do you think of her new studio?”

“It’s amazing,” she gushes. “I can’t wait to sign up for classes!”

“Oh, that’s great,” I tell her. Beckett squeezes me tightly. I try to elbow him to get some space, but he’s holding me too close. “I look forward to seeing you,” I tell her.

“Thanks, me too.” Her attention shifts back to my brother. “I actually came over because I need to tell you something,” she says.