Page 66 of Dancing on Air

“We still have one more day.”

“I know.” She sighed and looked towards the resort. The sun was setting and the place looked like a white beacon in the dark evening.

Home. Somehow, her world had shifted once more. The city and all its wonder no longer called to her like it had her entire life.

There was no more doubt in her mind. After she was done with Romeo and Juliet, she was done with the city life.

Just feeling Max’s arms tighten around her she felt her eyes burn with tears. What did that mean for them? Could he leave the city? Would he, for her?

He’d mentioned wanting to start his own business a few times. Would he be happy living in Silver Cove? With her? Could she really ask him to give up everything he had for just the hope of a future?

Chapter Seventeen

As Max held Cora that night, he knew something had changed. Cora was normally a burst of energy. All the time. However, after lunch, she’d become quiet. Distant. Sad.

Nothing he or Missy did seem to break her out of it. Which is why they’d returned to their room after dinner when she complained of a headache.

The following morning, she seemed to bounce back a little. They spent the day at the beach, enjoying the sun. Shortly after lunch, however, there was a light rainstorm and everyone on the island returned to the main building.

Most people gathered in the bar area or went up to their rooms. Missy, Cora, and Max hung out on the patio to watch the storm while sipping hot drinks.

“Okay, what gives,” Missy said after a few moments of quiet. “Are you two fighting?”

“What?” both he and Cora said at the same time.

“Why would you think that?” he asked.

“You’re both very quiet,” Missy answered.

“No, we’re not fighting,” Cora said, taking his hand in hers. “I’m just…” She rolled her shoulders. “Thinking of returning home after my current commitments.”

“You are?” Max asked at the same time Missy did. However, Missy sounded excited while Max’s tone was more inquisitive.

“Maybe.” Cora’s eyes searched his. “I miss this place. I’m tired. Does that make sense. I love dancing. Love what the city has taught me in the past few years. But this is home.” She glanced around.

“I like the idea,” he blurted out.

“You do?” Missy and Cora said at the same time, causing him to smile.

“I do. I want to start my life. After I sell my portion of Sharper Image, I want something of my own. It’s funny, but today, walking through that empty building, all I could think of was having my own dance studio.”

“Me too,” Cora exclaimed, and he felt his heart shift as he relaxed.

“Thank god.” He sighed. “I’ve been wanting to tell you for a while.”

“Me too.” Cora laughed. “It’s why I was stressing. I was afraid… that you…” She dropped off, and he saw the worry in her eyes for what it was. She didn’t want to lose him.

He took her hands and pulled her into his arms. “I’m not going anywhere unless you come along with me or lead me where you want to go.” He kissed her.

“Gross, get a room.” Missy laughed.

“So, it looks like after New Year’s, Silver Cove will have three new residents,” Max said.

“This calls for champagne.” Missy jumped up.

Later that night, Max had to help both his sister and Cora upstairs. The two of them had finished an entire bottle of champagne between themselves after dinner.

The rain hadn’t let up once and the drive back to the train station was slow going since it continued to pour. Thankfully, Missy was on the same train as them for the first leg of the trip. This time, the three of them sat in coach and talked about how and when Missy was going to move to Silver Cove.