Page 11 of Until You

They really are adorable, even though my head dizzies trying to keep up with their energy.

I have a feeling Hani is going to be running away often now in search of this type of adoration.

“Chicago?” I ask. “That’s where you guys moved from?”

“Yep.” Paige laughs when Hani flicks his tail. “After everything that happened, Dad said he wanted fresh air and firmer ground under our feet.”

“Whatever that means,” Addy says with a roll of her eyes.

“I take it that means neither of you wanted to spend the summer here? That has to be hard leaving your friends and home for that long.”

Dual shrugs. “Yeah, but it’s okay. She’s my best friend so it’s not like I don’t have her.” Paige gives her sister a glance and her expression softens. “The only reason we didn’t want to move was because she was at the top of the waiting list to get into the Bolinger Studio. And now . . . we’re here.”

I expected my question to be met with grumbling. Leaving friends. Leaving familiarity. But hoping to attend one of the most prestigious dance studios in the country was definitely not it. And Paige’s admission is like a knife to my gut.

I knew that love once. I had that passion. And I know exactly what it feels like to have to leave it all behind.

“I had a friend who danced with their troupe a few times,” I say softly before I can catch myself. Hints of my past aren’t allowed, but the slip has Addy snapping her eyes up to mine and her smile widening.

“You did?”

From pointe shoes, damaged toes, and endless hours of rehearsal to ridiculous screen time, neck cramps, and reading for a job.

My, how my life has changed.

“I did. It was a long time ago. She loved the experience. Said it was one of the best of her life.” The lie comes easily, as they all do these days, but the memories are crystal clear in my mind of the short time I spent with the dance troupe. “I bet you anything that spot won’t open back up until school starts again. You’re probably safe.”

“You think?”

“I think,” I say with a reassuring smile.

“Did you dance?” she asks as if she sees right through my mistruth.

“I did.” I nod. “A long time ago.”

“That’s so cool,” Addy says, standing.

“Just because you’re here in Redemption Falls doesn’t mean you have to give up your training. It doesn’t mean you won’t achieve your dream.” She nods, but the sadness in her eyes remains.

“She will,” Paige says with an unwavering confidence in her sister that melts my heart. “I know she will. Besides, the best thing about being here for the summer is getting a break from Ginny’s breath.”

My laugh is probably uncalled for considering I’m the adult here, but Paige’s comment is so out of the blue, I can’t help myself. “I’m afraid to even ask what that means.”

“Our babysitter.” A mock gagging from Addy. “She’s nice and all that. She does stuff with us after school, but if she gets too close to you and breathes out, man, her breath is enough to knock you out.”

Another inappropriate laugh from me as Paige mock puts her hands on her neck and sticks her tongue out like she’s been poisoned.

“I’m sure it isn’t that bad.”

“No.” A definitive nod. “It is. We promise. Even Dad said it’s so bad it can curl the hair on your chest.”

My cheeks hurt from smiling at these two. “Speaking of your parents,” I say, taking a quick glance out the kitchen window toward their house, “they’re probably getting worried, wondering where you two are.”

“Oh, right. We forgot.” They exchange a look I can’t quite read, and then I’m greeted with grins that spread from ear to ear. “Dad wanted us to come down here and invite you over for dinner.”

“He did?” I ask, taken back by the invitation from a man who hasn’t stopped once to meet the person he shares his property with.

“Yep. He did.” Addy nods.