Page 13 of Burning Bridges Duet

“Fuck! I’m so sorry, Olivia. I didn’t mean to,” he says, holding my face in his hands. I try to pull away from him, but he falls to his knees, hugging my legs and repeating his apologies over and over again.

“Please, angel, I love you. I’m so sorry,” he cries, his lips peppering kisses on the sliver of skin between my shorts and my top.

“It’s okay,” I whisper, scratching his head with shaking hands, trying to calm him down. Deep down, though, I know that something is very wrong, and I’m scared.

We agree on the song and start thinking about the choreography. When the class ends, they ask me if I want to grab something to eat and chill at the beach for a while. I’m not sure why they would ask me, since we aren’t really vibing, but I haven’t had the opportunity to hang out at the beach and I promised myself to try to make some friends, so I agree.

We get an acai bowl and some water and head down to the beach. The two of them talk mostly about teachers and other students while I just listen, but it’s nice to have someone to hang out with. I’m lounging and enjoying the warmth of the sun on my face and the feeling of sand between my toes. After a while, they talk about a girl named Monica, and I pay more attention because there isn’t a Monica in our classes.

“Did you hear what happened to her? She fell down the stairs, poor girl,” Camilla says.

“Yeah, sure, she fell. I don’t think that’s what happened,” Sofie says bitterly.

“That’s what she told me. Anyway, now her gig in the cage this weekend is open, and Donny asked me if we know someone that could fill in for one or two weekends.”

“Hmm, what about Amy?” Sofie asks.

“I don’t think she’s up to that. She’s a bit of a prude, like Liv,” Camilla says.

I grimace and look at her. “Why am I a prude? And what are you guys even talking about?”

“Camilla and I dance at a club called Jail in the city on weekends,” Sofie explains.

“Is it a strip club?” I ask.

“No, silly, it’s just a normal club, but there are cages where they have dancers inside to hype up the crowd,” Sofie explains.

“Okay, sounds cool. I’m in,” I say, and both of them look at me in disbelief.

“You are?” Camilla asks.

“Yeah, why not? Is there a dress code?”

“No, it just has to be sexy, but you don’t have to show too much. I normally just wear shorts, heels, and a top,” Sofie explains.

"Okay, great. We should exchange numbers so you can text me the details, please," I say. I miss performing, and why not do something different for once? It can’t be that bad if Camilla and Sofie are enjoying it.

After packing up our belongings, we return to campus. Before parting ways, we arrange to meet up later today to plan out the choreography so we can begin practicing during our next class.

It’s only early afternoon, so I hop in my car and head to the studio, thinking I can get in some dancing before I have to meet with them again. After changing in the locker room, I make my way to the stage. With the assignment in mind, I practice for an hour and a half, trying out different moves to the song.

Now it’s time to head home, shower, and get back to campus to meet up with the others. As I walk out of the locker room with my bag over my shoulder, Ryder and River come around the corner. Great. I look like a sweaty tomato, and they’re everyone’s wet dream.

What was that fantasy about twins again?

“Hey, Liv, how are you doing?” River greets me with a bright smile.

“I’m good, thank you,” I reply, smiling back at him, then look at Ryder, who’s playing with his lip ring. “How are you guys?”

“Oh, we’re great,” River says. “We’re done for today and just heading out to get some ice cream. Want to join? We know a place,” he says, half whispering as if it’s a secret.

“I need to get home to take a shower, and I have a study date later,” I reply, smiling sadly. “Raincheck?”

His smile fades a bit, but he nods. “No problem, Liv. You’re always welcome.”

Ryder steps in front of me, tilting his head. “What’s your major?” he asks.

“Dance,” I say.