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As he watched his father leave the room, Wes couldn’t decide if it shocked him more to have his dad say he had faith in him, or that they’d just had the closest thing to a heartfelt conversation in all of Wes’s life.
Either way, his dad’s idea wasn’t a bad one. Maybe he just needed a grand gesture to win back Noelle. Only thing was, he had no clue what it could be.
Chapter Nineteen
Noelle closed thedoor of her studio behind the last student. It was evening and her final class of the day was over, all dancers packed up and out the door with their parents. She breathed a sigh and leaned her back against the door.
“Some days feel longer than others, don’t they?” Breanne, one of the young women who helped her teach stood behind the front counter, cleaning up.
“That’s very true,” Noelle agreed.
“Everything is all put away and sorted up here. You okay if I head out? I’ve got a date tonight. I’d love to go home and change beforehand.”
Noelle took in the glimmer in the young woman’s eyes, a tiny bit jealous of the excitement found there, the anticipation of a fun evening out. Noelle’s night would consist of getting the studio prepared for the next day, then home to soak in a hot bath, and tuck in early with her current book boyfriend. She would bet all the money she had that her own eyes didn’t glimmer over those plans.
She’d be lying if she said she hadn’t thought of Wes more often than not the past day or two. Well, since he’d walked into her life. But she pushed those daydreams away. Wanting something she couldn’t have was a terrible waste of her time.
“Oh, by the way, this came for you earlier while you were teaching.”
Breanne reached behind the front counter and handed Noelle a small package. It was wrapped in exquisite paper, swirls of various shades of pink mixed with silver and white. Hot pink ribbon adorned it, topped off with a perfect bow.
“That’s beautiful.” She pushed away from the door and moved next to Breanne who handed Noelle the package and shrugged into her coat.
“I know. I’m dying to know what’s inside.”
“Who is it from?”
Breanne shrugged. “It was delivered by a service. I’m not sure if there’s a card or not.” She looked at her watch. “Crud! I’ve gotta go! Have a good night.” With a quick hug she was out the door and gone.
Noelle stood there staring down at the box in her hands. Based on the beauty of the wrapping she had a guess as to who had sent the gift. The pace of her heartbeat increased at the thought, but practical thought reminded her that even if he did send her something, he was leaving. They had no future.
A small card stuck to the bottom caught her attention as she untied the ribbon and unraveled it from the box.
“To the best teacher any man could ask for.”
There was no signature, but one wasn’t needed.
“Wes.” She whispered his name in the quiet of the room.
One more day. She had one more day of baking with him and then he’d be gone. She had no intention of going to the third Bake-Off competition. She had no reason to go. Wes had his family to support him and once she said goodbye after they baked together the next morning, she needed to move on. Still unsure of what to do about the Spellman situation and her studio, she decided that needed to be her focus. Not Wes St. Claire. He wasn’t her future, but her studio was, whether in that building or not.
She hated tearing the gorgeous paper so she pulled the tape gently and kept it in as good a condition as possible. The paper folded and set aside, she opened the box and pulled out a jewelry box with the most ornate design she’d ever seen. Pink and golden hues intertwined along the top and sides. She opened the top and a tiny ballet dancer popped up and spun in a circle as the music began to play.
Tears welled in her eyes. It was almost identical to one she’d had as a little girl. She’d wind it up and let it play for hours and hours, never tiring of watching the little dancer spin around. Her favorite birthstone ring, given to her by her grandmother, had sat inside it, along with a necklace from a candy machine she’d stuck a quarter into and spun the dial. She smiled at the memory of things a child deems precious.
She closed the box and took it to her office, swallowing tears as she went. It was thoughtful of Wes to give her such a beautiful gift, but she couldn’t let her heart get wrapped up in wanting to be with him. She’d accept it for what it was, a thank-you for teaching him to bake.
After the studio was tidied up and the last of the little sweatshirts and mittens that had been left behind were hung up or tucked into cubbies, Noelle turned the lights low and put her favorite waltz on the iPod that was hooked up to the sound system. As the melody floated through the room, she made her way to the center and spun once, testing out her leg. She put all her weight on her other leg, but still had to be cautious. So far, so good. She tried an arabesque, her leg continuing to feel strong.
The music moved through her as she eased into one of her dance routines she’d performed years before. The movements were simple compared to all she could do, but to dance again at any level rejuvenated her spirit unlike anything else had since her accident.
Each note encouraged her next step, the movements second nature to her. For a brief moment in time, all the worry about her studio, all the heartache of knowing she wouldn’t be a part of Wes’s life, it all faded away.
Lost in the music, the magic that was dance to her, she put all her weight on her bad leg as she went into Pas de Valse without thinking. Pain shot through her thigh, ripping the peaceful moment from her and crashing her back to reality. The music continued as she crumpled to the floor and cried.
*
Wes stood quietlyin the doorway and watched. He’d snuck in without Noelle noticing. She’d put on music and was dancing. The low light in the room with one brighter one in the center showcased her like the ballerina in the jewelry box he’d purchased for her that morning.
