Page 60 of Healing Eleanor

Just as Nik finishes setting up the last barre, dancers begin filtering into the studio. Some enter silently and focused. Others giggle in clusters, their laughter reverberating off the walls. I stay rooted in the same spot where he left me, and the floor feels like it tilts beneath me.

Nik has only known me a week, and somehow, he’s read me more clearly than my own mother ever has. And that alarms me. Why does he see me so clearly? Why does he care? Who am I to him?

“Good morning, Eleanor,” Dillon sounds, startling me. I didn’t notice him beside me. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Is everything alright?”

I glance up at him and attempt a small smile. “Uh, yeah. I’m okay. Just… a weird morning.” And that’s putting it mildly.

He studies me for a second, then gives a crooked grin. “Weird isn’t always bad.” He winks.

That earns a real smile from me.

But as my gaze moves across the room, my smile falters. Lily’s talking to Nik, hands animated the way they always are, but he isn’t paying attention. His eyes are on me. Or more accurately, on me and Dillon.

There’s a slight furrow between his brows.

He doesn’t glance away when he notices me looking. He holds my gaze for a second longer than necessary… then turns back to Lily like nothing happened.

Okay? Not strange at all.

Beside Dillon, Gabriel appears looking more irritated than usual. He’s quiet, a little brooding, and mostly keeps to himself. A kindred soul, if you will.

Dillon slaps him on the back in greeting. “Hey, man. What’s up?”

Gabriel shrugs Dillon’s hand off like it’s personally offended him. “Nothing’s up. Everything is going down, south, and sideways.”

I frown. “Yikes. That doesn’t sound good.”

He snaps his fingers toward me, like I’ve nailed it. “You got that right.”

“What’s going on?” Dillon asks, already wincing like he knows what’s coming.

Gabriel rolls his shoulders back. “My parents are trying to sell me off again.”

I blink. “Sell you off?”

“Money, Eleanor,” Gabriel replies dryly. “Lots and lots of it for one lucky girl.”

Dillon grimaces. “Seriously? Another setup?”

Gabriel rubs his face like he’s trying to erase the entire situation. “Yep. Dad wants to pass off his business. He won’t even consider Henry since he went off and married Ashlynn. August is still too young… It’s a circus over there.”

“I’m sorry, man. You know you’re more than welcome to stay with me for a while if you need to,” Dillon offers gently.

The tension in Gabriel’s face softens. “Thanks. But that’ll probably just aggravate the old man more. I’m hoping the season keeps him distracted enough to leave me alone.”

Dillon dips his chin, a sympathetic smile on his face. “Well, you know where to find me.”

Gabriel nods, jaw tight, like if he opens his mouth, nothing but profanity will spill out. I wouldn’t blame him. Who arranges their kid’s relationships like some medieval auction? It’s like a pot of hot oil waiting to boil over. Messy, reckless, and bound to burn someone.

Before I can dwell on it any further, Nik claps his hands, signaling the start of class.

Lily darts over toward us, clearly in a rush, and accidentally brushes against Gabriel as she passes, knocking him slightly off balance.

“Watch it, will ya, Lily?” he mutters, irritation bleeding through.

She whips around, eyes wide like he’s just insulted her entire family. Then she glances between Dillon and me before jerking a thumb back at Gabriel. “What’s his deal?”

Dillon blows out a breath. “Don’t ask.”