I can't imagine any other man making me feel that way.
"So, Piper. If you don't mind me asking, where do you see yourself five years in the future?"
I actually catch this question and give him my full attention. He certainly isn’t being subtle.
This is one of those questions that you’re either asked at a job interview, or else when you’re on a third or fourth date with someone and they're trying to find out whether or not you might be a suitable long-term partner. Andrew and I have known each other for about two hours.
"I'm not sure how to answer that right now," I say honestly. "My life has been in a bit of turmoil for the last year or so, and I still have a lot of thinking to do."
He weaves his fingers together, leaning back slightly. "Do you see yourself going back to school to earn a degree? Getting a job? Or at least an internship or something? Cleo said you love dance, but that’s just a hobby. I’m talking about the big picture, longer term."
Inside, I bristle.Just a hobby?I don’t argue, though. It’s not worth the effort.
"You know, Andrew, I don't think you need to be worried about my long-term plans. I'm taking my life day by day right now. That's the best I can do."
His cheeks turn pink. "Of course. Forgive me. I'm a planner. It drives some people crazy."
"No offense taken," I tell him kindly.
"You know, the corporation Mark and I work for is always looking for up and coming talent,” he goes on. “Youmight want to consider applying for an admin position. A lot of people start at the bottom and work their way up."
I smile tightly. "Ah. Thank you. I'll consider it."
Why be a secretary when I can run my own ballet studio? My eyes drift over to the stage, which is beautifully illuminated with fairy lights. All of the students did so well in their recitals this evening. Their costumes and performances were just perfect. Nothing fills me with pride and happiness the way a recital does. Nate is offering me my dream. He's offering me a way to support myself and make a living. A way to make a life.
What would it take for him to join me in that life?
But no. I have to remind myself that his offer doesn't mean that he's interested in being with me, or that he’s changed in any significant way. That man hurt me in ways I've never experienced before and never want to experience again. The more I keep my distance from him, the better.
As for the new studio…I suppose the best course of action is to wait for the lawyer to contact me and review the contract, and then I'll decide.
"Would you like me to refill your champagne?" Andrew asks politely.
I glance at my barely touched flute. "Oh, no, thank you. Not really drinking tonight."
"How about if I get you some cheesecake? I see there's a few slices of chocolate left."
"I'm not a fan of cheesecake. Thanks, though."
"How about some mousse? Mark commented it was quite good."
I meet Andrew's eyes, and I feel sorry for him. This date was never going anywhere. In fact, I didn't want to be set upthis evening at all. I just didn't want to tell Cleo no because she's been such a good friend throughout this whole ordeal, and she was really excited about Andrew. I think she's hoping that I’ll get back out there and start forgetting about Nate.
"Mousse sounds lovely, thank you."
He looks pleased and shoots out of his chair like an eager puppy. I'm grateful to be alone once he leaves the table. The roses sit on an empty chair beside me, and their scent has been antagonizing me all evening.
"Piper-Lily? I'd like to introduce you to an old friend."
Startling at the sound of my mother's voice, I glance toward her as she approaches with the dark-haired man. She's been suspiciously avoiding me for most of the evening, but I've noticed that she's been in the company of this handsome gentleman the entire time.
I stand and smile at him, assessing him as I do. He’s sharply dressed, with deep laugh lines around his eyes. There’s gray hair at his temples, but he has a jovial quality about him.
"Victor, this is my daughter, Piper-Lily. Piper, this is an old friend, Victor."
"Very nice to meet you," I say, extending my hand.
He gives a distinguished dip of his head as he takes my hand in his, shaking it firmly but gently, as if he’s holding a delicate bird. "The pleasure is all mine."
