Page 31 of Dancing on Air

However, once he called the practice over, he quickly disappeared before she had a chance to talk to him.

Reece, of course, chose to voice his dominance over the situation very loudly.

“I told him I’m un-fucking-touchable.” He laughed. “Little Max should learn his place.”

Cora was so pissed she quickly pulled on her sweats and left. Working on pure adrenaline, she made it halfway across town before she realized she was heading towards Max’s place.

She didn’t even know if he would be there or not. They’d sort of agreed to meet there after practice, but she figured he’d back out after today. By the time she stepped into his elevator, she was second-guessing herself.

She almost turned around and left before knocking on his door.

To her surprise, he answered seconds after her first knock.

“So that’s it?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. “You leave without talking to me?”

He was frowning at her. “Did you walk the entire way here?”

“It’s only about six miles.”

He shook his head and opened his door for her to step inside.

“Yes,” he finally answered after he shut the door. “I left without talking to anyone. My tail firmly tucked between my legs.”

“What happened?” she asked, setting her bag down.

“My father,” he said and then sighed. “Do you want some tea?” he asked suddenly.

She shrugged and then nodded. She was thirsty.

She followed him back into the kitchen and watched him make them each a cup of tea. She figured he’d talk on his own terms.

After setting the tea down, he grabbed some grapes, crackers, and brie then sat next to her on a barstool.

“Leo Tyler, Reece’s father, owns the bank my parents do business with,” Max said as she took a sip of her tea.

“Shit.” She groaned.

“Yeah, so, you can imagine the dynamics. I’ve been informed that I am replaceable. Reece is not. The entire situation is non-negotiable.”

“I’m sorry, Max,” she said, touching his arm. “I know what it’s like to be jerked around by family.” She leaned back and took a grape, feeling her stomach growl suddenly at the thought of food.

“Your mother?” he asked, and she tensed.

“I suppose it’s all over the BAC. After all, we did make national news.” She rolled her eyes.

“She’s still in the facility?” he asked her.

Cora nodded. “This time, she’s in for life.”

She tried to push aside the hurt and pain from what her mother did. What she was. A murderer.

“I’m sorry.” This time it was Max’s turn to touch her arm.

She shook her head and forced the dark thoughts of the sister she had never known out of her mind.

“Family, right?” She chuckled. “I did get a really cool half brother and sister out of it. Not to mention their spouses and kids.” She smiled. “I love being an aunt. I can’t wait to go back and visit them soon.” She took another grape while he ate a cracker and some brie. “What about your sister? Is she still in culinary school?”

“She’ll be done in a few weeks. Then, who knows. She’s been talking about opening her own bakery,” he answered with a smile, and Cora could see the love and pride he had for his sister in his eyes. Much like the look JT always gave when he talked to anyone about her dancing career.