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Ever since my first dance class as a little girl, I’d dreamed of becoming a dancer. Music spoke to my soul in a way no person or any other aspiration ever had. Hearing the beat to a song, my body moved on its own accord, and I was just along for the ride. I never felt more at home than I did when I was on the stage pouring my soul out for hundreds of people to see.
I walked up the porch to where my grandmother stood, stopping on the step below her. She was in her sixties and not in the best of health, but I couldn’t stay here any longer. I had to spread my wings and fly.
“You don’t know that, Grandma. The audition I’m heading to could lead to so many opportunities,” I said as I rubbed my fingers up and down her forearm.
I had an interview at a prestigious dance company in Las Vegas. They hosted shows in some of the casinos, and a lot of women were noticed at those shows.
“Pish posh, Alora. What you should do is go to college and get a real job. Something you can depend on. I can’t condone this behavior. I just won’t.”
“I’m eighteen now, Grandma. This is my choice. I have to follow my heart,” I pleaded with her.
I’d never disobeyed her. I was the good child. I got straight A’s all throughout school. I graduated high school a few weeks ago with a 4.0 GPA. I’d never even snuck out of the house because I wanted to be better than my mother and father.
My mother dropped me off to my grandma when I was three and never returned. My father was in some band, and my mother took off after him. I had no real memories of either of them. Only a few photographs that were tucked into a journal of mine in my car.
My grandmother never treated me like a burden. She always told me I could be anything I wanted to be and supported me. Until now.
Looking into her eyes, I saw the fear and disappointment that stared down at me. I hated that I’d put that look there, but something in my gut told me not to go down a path I’d regret later in life. I had to do this. And if I failed, then so be it.
“You’re right, my sweet child. You are eighteen now. You’re an adult who can make adult decisions. But, I have to put my foot down like I should’ve with your mama. You get in that car and drive away, Alora, but don’t come back here with your tail tucked between your legs when it doesn’t work out. And don’t you dare come around here asking me for money to help get you by because there won’t be any,” she threatened.
I tried to mask my emotions, but a gasp escaped before I could tap them down.
She’d never raised her voice at me before, let alone compared me to the woman who'd given me life. Part of me hoped she was just doing it to see if I’d cave and she didn’t mean it. The other part, the one who was a realist, knew she meant those words with every fiber of her being.
Lifting my head up high, I raised to the tips of my toes and kissed her cheek.
Backing down the stairs, I took in the woman I loved more than anything. Her fragile body leaned into her cane for support. Her gray hair curled to perfection. Blue eyes that mirrored my own.
Once I reached the bottom step, I turned on my heel and walked to my car.
Opening the door, I turned back to my grandma and told her I loved her, knowing this would likely be the last time I’d ever see her.
I was now on my own, and I couldn’t fail. I just couldn’t. I set the GPS to my destination and started the car, setting off to make my dreams a reality.
Chapter 1
Alora
TEN YEARS LATER
“Cheers, ladies and gentleman,” I screamed above the music blaring from the nightclub. Ramiro, Mindy, and Lucy raised their glasses to meet mine.
I shot back the lemon drop shot and shook my head as I swallowed the sweet yet tart taste. That was so good. This bartender knew what they were doing. I took a big sip of my Blue Hawaiian as a chaser and smiled over at my friends here with me tonight.
We were celebrating the opening of the second location of Con-Fi-Dent, an adult dance studio. Our studio had become so successful that I decided we should scout for another location. The Miami location didn’t disappoint. Classes were booked out for the next three months, and we’d only been open for one week. Life couldn’t get any better than this.
“I’m so proud of you, baby girl,” Ramiro said into after he moved closer so I could hear him.
“Thank you, but I couldn’t have done it without you. You’re the one who traveled here to find the perfect location and assisted with all of the renovations.” He was honestly the best friend a girl could ask for.
“You don’t have to thank me. I was happy to help you make your dream even bigger.”
Everyone always thought there was more to us than friends, and maybe at one point there was, but we both decided we were better off as friends.
“It’s packed in here tonight. We’ve been here for a half hour and I’m already sweating,” I yelled over to him.
“You’re used to sweating for hours at a time while we teach classes. You’ll be fine,” he teased.
