Page 51 of Dancing on Air

His mother shook her head. “She’s too good and we need the win.” She turned towards him. “Your father is threatening to make it official next week. He keeps threatening to leave me.” Max knew better than to speak just now. “He was with his latest conquest when he had his… episode. You knew that right?”

He shook his head.

His mother sighed and glanced off towards the stage. For a moment they both watched Cora and Reece dancing.

“Do you love her?” his mother asked.

“Yes,” he answered quickly without looking at his mother. Then he turned to her. “I won’t allow anyone to fuck this up.” He left his mother standing there as he called the practice to an end. He made his prepared speech about how everyone was ready and that they would all be back to practice in a few days. He wished everyone a peaceful time off and reminded them not to take any physical risks such as skydiving or jumping off buildings. The entire group smiled as they left the stage.

Cora hung around, waiting for him. They were set to head to the train station to catch the late train north that evening.

“I’ll go shower,” she said when she noticed his mother still standing out in the darkened seats.

“I’ll meet you here in half an hour.” He kissed her.

When everyone was gone, he turned to see his mother step up on the stage.

“I can see why you love her,” his mother said, strolling across the stage.

Then she took his hand and started moving on the stage, much like they used to do when he was a kid.

“I’m rusty,” he warned, but easily moved with her.

His mother’s smile doubled. “I miss being here.” She dropped her hands and hugged herself as she looked out over the darkened audience seating.

“Then do something about it. There are plenty of dancers on this stage your age or older,” he pointed out.

“My foot⁠—”

“Has healed. Years ago. I’ve seen you practice and know you work just as hard as any of those dancers that just left.”

She walked over and sat down at the edge of the stage, dangling her legs over the drop.

He moved over and sat next to her.

“Forget him,” he said, taking her hand in his. “You’ve had your own share of fun. Find one of them to make you happy,” he suggested.

She shook her head as a tear slipped down her cheek.

“I’ve flirted. Sure, I won’t deny that. Kissed, had some fun, but there has only ever been your father.” She glanced sideways at him.

He was shocked at his mother’s admission. “Seriously?”

She took a deep breath. “I wanted to hurt him like he was hurting me. It seemed to have the opposite effect.” She wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I pushed him away.”

“No.” He looked down at their joined hands. “He ran away first. Everyone in the industry has known for years about his… side projects. I was blind to them until recently. But the more I looked, really looked, it was obvious. You, on the other hand, if what you say is true…”

“It is,” she broke in. “I have no reason to lie to you.”

“Then he’s a fool. And doesn’t deserve you. Do what makes you happy. Dance. Don’t dance.” He nudged her shoulder.

“I never wanted Sharper Image,” she shocked him by saying. “I was hurt and pregnant. It was Gerald’s idea. All I wanted was to be a mother and a dancer.” She leaned forward on her elbows. “To move in the right circles. To have my name in lights.” She smiled.

“You did all that,” he pointed out.

She glanced at him and ran her eyes over him. “Some things well, others terribly. I should have been better to you and Melissa.”

“We’re still here. Just like dancing, there’s always another chance.” He glanced at his watch. “Cora and I are heading up to Silver Cove for four nights. Missy’s meeting us there. Come with us?”