Dancing in Circles (Circles Trilogy)

by Adams, Victoria

  "Good. Now maybe you can do me a favour?"

  "Sure." She held her breath. What sort of favour would a boy from Shore want?

  "Poetry. I can handle Shakespeare and his funny way of saying things, but poetry…. I'm lost after roses are red and violets are blue."

  "Poetry is easy."

  "Calculus is easy."

  "Uh, I don't have copy. Do you?"

  He put down his calculus text, picked up his notebook, and sat just a little bit nearer. He rustled some papers until he pulled out the English assignment.

  She put her book and pen next to her feet. "What don't you understand?"

  He held up the page. "Poetry. Don't like it. Don't get it. Why do we have to study it? Nobody speaks like this."

  "Okay." She chuckled. "My turn to play teacher. Read me a line."

  They worked their way to the end of the poem then Julie slipped the paper from his hand. "Think about everything we discussed. So what's the poem saying?"

  "No hints?"

  She shook her head.

  Robert fell back on the bed and looked at the ceiling.

  She glanced up. "I don't see the answer there."

  "I'm lookin' for inspiration. Divine or otherwise."

  She lay alongside him and stared up. "What do you think the odds are that the last tenant studied this exact poem and inscribed its meaning on the ceiling?"

  "Not very good, actually." The mattress shook from his laughter. "This is my brother's apartment, and he's not the brightest person in the world." Robert rolled onto his side, then propped himself on his elbow.

  Her pulse raced. He was inches away. If she lifted her head, she could kiss him. She shivered. Or he could kiss her.

  With a small grin, he leaned a little closer. "So how about you give me the answer, and I'll write it on the ceiling for my not-too-intelligent brother?"

  Julie didn't answer. She was still lost in imagining his mouth moving closer to hers as she stared into those splendid, dark eyes.

  "Studying?" Lauren burst into the room. "Studying what? Her anatomy?"

  Robert fell back on the bed. "Shut up and get lost."

  "What's she tutoring you in? Beginner sex? She's probably never been kissed, definitely never been fu—"

  "Lauren." Even Julie froze from the snarling wolf tone of Robert's voice.

  Lauren snapped her lips closed and stood at the foot of the bed, not looking in Julie's direction.

  Julie sat up to explain when Robert touched her arm. "Shut up and get out. Now!"

  Lauren turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, mumbling under her breath. She didn't shut the door.

  "I gotta do something about her." Turning his attention to Julie, he half-grinned. "Sorry 'bout that."

  Julie grabbed her purse, dug out her cell and pretended to check messages as she composed herself. "So…the poem?"

  "Crap, you remembered." He grinned. "I think Edwards-Smythe is sayin' that a person's gotta accept the situation they're in, but that it's up to each individual to change their circumstances to improve their future." Which is basically my life. And that sucks.

  "You've got it. Now just write it out and you'll be done."

  "It makes a lot more sense, but I'm not ready to go solo yet."

  She picked up her books and stood. "I'll make you a deal. I'll help you with poetry, and you help me with…." She tapped her calculus textbook.

  "Deal." He reached over, took her book, and led the way out of the room. "I'll walk you to your car."

  The tension was thick when Julie walked past Lauren. She considered saying goodnight but decided against it; Lauren seemed fascinated with the label on her beer.

  When they reached her car, Julie hesitated. She wished she could send him a telepathic message: Please kiss me, please. Please, please.

  She clicked the car locks open, he held the door for her and handed her the books. "Thanks again. See you tomorrow." He walked around the car to the curb.

  As she drove away, Julie glanced at the rear view mirror. Lauren came out the door and wrapped herself around Robert. Damn! She hit the steering wheel with her palm.

  What is it with me? Do I want to get to know him as a friend or more than that? Am I ready for sex? Why is my brain even going there?

  She understood how Tricia allowed herself to be seduced by Robert, but Julie wanted more than a one-night fling. She wanted a friend then a lover. The question is. She parked the car. How do I get him to go from a classmate to friend to a lover? How do you get a wild animal to trust you?

  Chapter Five

  Sunday afternoon, Julie relaxed in her bedroom window seat, overlooking the yard. The gorgeous colours of the summer were gone; just a few bright chrysanthemums flashed their brilliance. As her father and Jason raked the first of the fallen leaves, Ashley ran around, tossing handfuls into the air. Her mother sat in a lawn chair, enjoying the sunshine.

  Julie contemplated how different her life was from Robert's. She lived in a big house with a warm, loving family while he lived in a squalid little apartment – alone. Was his emotional distance because of his embarrassment of his living standard? Why was he there and she here? What made them different? Was it the economic racism of which he accused her?

  An idea formed. She mulled it around in her head. Sitting at her desk, she listed the pros and cons. As she scanned her heart-shaped pink paper, she clicked her fingernails on her desk. Jumping up, she raced downstairs, grabbed the car keys and shouted out the back door, "Taking the car. Back in an hour or so."

  Her mother waved.

  ***

  She turned off Davis and stopped at the light. Across the street, a group played football in the vacant lot. Even from a distance, she recognized which player was Robert. She liked the way he ran with smooth, controlled movements. He'd make a good dance partner. Watching him play, she witnessed a side of him not seen at school. He was relaxed and laughing with his friends. Waiting for the light to turn green, she compared his neighbourhood to hers.

  North Shore once was industrial, but now most of the factories were abandoned. Westland was urban and rich. There was an old saying about the two cities: Westland smells of power and wealth. North Shore just smells.

  Julie parked her car, climbed out, leaned on the door and waited for Robert to notice her. He hadn't yet, but other players had. "Who-a, look at that."

  "Hey pretty baby, what'cha lookin' for?"

  "I'm looking for a man." She grinned.

  "Take me."

  "No, me."

  "All yours, little chica."

  The chorus of catcalls made her cheeks flush as she wandered among the players until she found Robert. She stopped in front of him, grabbed his shirt and pulled his face close to hers. "I want this one." It was an impulsive kiss and over in an instant, but it made her toes tingle. A chorus of catcalls came from the crowd of players.

  Robert grinned as he looked between Julie and his friends. "It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta be the stud."

  Julie grabbed his hand and led him towards her car. "I have to ask you something."

  "Great." He rolled his eyes. "Here I thought my animal magnetism had finally gotten to ya, and all ya wanna to do is talk."

  What was I thinking? I kissed him. I want to do it again. And maybe again. She bit back a giggle. "Sorry about the kiss. It just sort of happened." She stopped by her car.

  Robert's grin brightened his face. "Never apologize for kissin' someone. 'Sides, I liked it."

  Julie's cheeks flushed. That little grin of yours makes my knees weak. "I have an idea for my English essay."

  "Thought ya handed that in Wednesday."

  "Yes. No. Not that one. I mean the one that's due in January." She leaned on the passenger door. "I know what I want to write about – you and me. You know, us. Well, not us in the sense of us as a couple, but us as how we're different." Did that make any sense? Try speaking English. "I want to do a social analysis of the differences between North Shore and Westland. What d
o you think?"

  Robert blinked then shook his head. "I think your creative brain is in overdrive." He had trouble concentrating on what Julie said. She looked gut-wrenchingly sexy in her shorts and T-shirt. Her legs were long and tanned and her hair pulled back into a bouncy ponytail that swished like her hips when she walked. Her face glowed in the sunshine. It wasn't covered in layers of makeup, just a touch to add color. He didn't dare look at her T-shirt. The curves were too enticing. "Everybody knows the differences between us. I'm male. You're female. You're rich. I'm not. What else is there?"

  "Let me worry about that. I want to do this, but I need your help. I need to understand you. To analyze you. I want to discover why you're who you are. Remember that enigma stuff at lunch?"

  "The lunch with the wonderful mushrooms? Who could forget?"

  Julie giggled and her laughter brightened Robert's day.

  "I want to delve into that situation. What was it that made me assume you'd be a stupid, tough, crude punk, and why aren't you that stereotype?"

  "What do ya want me to do?" Not that I could ever refuse ya anythin'.

  "Talk to me." She placed a hand on his arm and felt his muscles tense. "I want to ask you stuff about your life. Get you to explain what it's like in North Shore, in a gang, so I can understand the differences between us. How did you become you? I know my story. How does it compare to yours?"

  He didn't move. He didn't want to break the spell of her touch. "Can I decide what I don't wanna tell ya?"

  "Sure." She released his arm and brushed a stray strand of hair off her face.

  Julie's touch lingered on his arm. "No, I mean, I say I don't wanna talk 'bout something, and ya don't pester me on it." Parts of his life were so ugly that if she discovered the truth…. Robert shook his head. He didn't want to consider that moment.

  "I'll try not to be a pain. But there's so much about you I want to know. Too many secrets I want to invade." She wondered how far she could press before he walked away.

  He looked over to where the game had resumed. "If we're goin' to be hangin' around together, I'd better introduce ya to the guys." With one last lingering glance, he turned and walked back to his friends.

  A voice from the crowd asked, "New wide receiver or tight end?"

  Robert shook his head. "Ignore them. They can be crude. Guys, this is Julie. And these are the guys." He pointed. "Estes. Pete. Franklin. Paul and the rest."

  His friends checked her out – some with smiles, others with leers. With shorts and a T-shirt suddenly too revealing, Julie wished she wore her long, bulky winter coat.

  An unnamed player moved closer. "Listen chica, what'cha doing hangin' 'round with him?"

  Julie stood back, eyed Robert up and down, turned and winked. "Enjoying the view."

  Loud snorts and guffaws erupted from the group. A mixture of emotions swirled through Julie. Joy because she'd been instantly welcomed by Robert's friends. Sadness as she wondered if her friends would ever accept him.

  "Movin' up to the big leagues, eh, Robert?" Estes punched his shoulder.

  "You should see the women at Westland." He jerked his thumb towards Julie. "This one's the prettiest though."

  "Does she play football?" Pete tossed the ball into the air.

  "Hey, I'm the only one makin' passes at her."

  "Ooh, I love it when men fight over me." She fluttered her eyelashes. "Sorry, I don't know a thing about football. I'd love to stay and watch, but I have to go."

  Robert walked her back to the car.

  "Can we start tonight?" Julie pulled her keys out of her purse.

  "Sunday evenings is excitin' times. I spend'em at the Laundromat. Either that, or go naked all week."

  She paused while a fantasy skipped through her mind. "I've never been to one."

  "Then you haven't lived."

  "Seven o'clock?" She opened her car and slid onto her seat.

  "Sure, meet me at my place." He shut her car door.

  Julie started the engine, shifted the car in to drive and pulled away.

  Robert walked back to the game.

  "You gettin' serious on this girl?" Paul slapped his best friend on the back.

  Robert looked in the direction of the car. "Naw, she's Westland. We're just classmates." A hint of sadness tinged his voice.

  Paul leaned closer to Pete. "He's got it bad. And he don't even know it yet."

  ***

  At five after seven, she parked her car near the bakery and tapped her nails on the steering wheel. So what do I want to talk about? I definitely want a peek at the mystery behind him. Why was he sent to Westland? Who gets sent to a school? And why?

  She exited the car and walked up the stairs. He said it was either Westland Prep or he does time. As in jail time? This is so going to be a challenge. She raised her hand and knocked on Robert's door.

  When he opened it, the smell of pizza and beer greeted her as she stepped into the room. His friends were scattered about the apartment.

  She shook her head to an offered beer. "The last time I was here, you had a party. How do you get any work done partying all the time?"

  "That one wasn't my party." Robert snorted. "Or my friends." He dropped the beer back into the case and grabbed a slice of double pepperoni pizza.

  "You had a party for strangers in your apartment?"

  "Those were Lauren's friends." He swallowed the last of his beer and tilted his head to the door. "Ok guys, out. I said I was kickin' you out when Julie got here."

  The door opened and Lauren peeked around the edge. She smiled when she saw Robert, but when she spotted Julie, an angry glare settled on her face.

  Robert grabbed her arm and pulled her into the apartment. "What the hell are ya doin' here?"

  Lauren stepped close to Robert and cooed. "Ooh, Bobby baby, you know I didn't mean all those nasty things I said. I had…well, you know, just a little too much to drink."

  "Excuse us." Robert pushed her towards his bedroom.

  With a triumphant pose, Lauren stared at Julie as the door closed. Robert's voice was muffled, but from the tone, Julie understood he was angry. The crack of a slap was clear. The door jerked open. Lauren stormed from the room and slammed the apartment door. Robert exited rubbing his cheek. "Girl doesn't handle rejection well."

  "I think she likes you." Julie tried the diplomatic route. And really hates me.

  Paul walked over to his friend. "Cheek's red, man. She got ya good." He turned to Julie. "Hi, I'm Paul. Lauren's just using him."

  Robert shrugged. "She's using me for status. I'm using her for sex."

  "I guess it's true what Francine said. She said...." Julie stopped.

  "Said what?" Robert's brow crinkled. Julie opened her mouth to speak, but Robert interrupted her. "Hold it. Guys, out." He pointed at the door. "Paul, see ya 'round, man. Don't let the ol' lady get on your case." They man-hugged.

  "I know. See ya. Let's go guys." Paul hustled everybody out.

  As his friend left, Robert explained, "He's my best bud. We've been through a lot. We joined Shoresmen together. Right now, he's got domestic problems."

  "He's married?"

  "Yea. He got Kaley pregnant, married her, then she lost the baby, and now he wants his freedom back, but she don't wanna let go." Robert grabbed a bulging duffel bag and two helmets, handed one to Julie, then exited his apartment.

  "Hey, you forgot to lock your door." Julie followed him downstairs.

  He snorted. "Nothin' to steal and nobody'd be stupid enough to try." Unless they had a death wish.

  As he strapped the bag to the back of the motorcycle, Julie struggled with her helmet. Robert corrected the problem and tightened her strap. He helped her onto the motorcycle, fastened his helmet and got on. "Ready?"

  She squeezed his waist.

  "Hang on tight," he yelled over the engine noise.

  ***

  The Laundromat was empty. Along both walls were banks of large orange driers, down the centre aisle, placed back to back, were the wash
ing machines. Some machines were missing lids and even more driers were missing doors. The air smelled of stale cigarette smoke and fabric softener, and the walls were faded from years of neglect. Graffiti advertised lover's initials and For a good time call. Julie pointed at Robert's name and cell phone number. He smiled and unloaded his duffel bag into a couple of machines.

  He poured in soap, fed the machines quarters then sat next to Julie. "How was dance class?"

  Julie perked up. "Tiring. We're doing exams in a few weeks."

  "Ya got exams?"

  "Yes. Dance school is just like real school."

  He scratched his head. "What grade are ya in?"

  "Advanced and I'm going to try the pre-professional exam. I wasn't going to, but I thought about what you said about going after my dream. So I'm going to try."

  Robert grinned. He wanted to kiss her, but he didn't want to scare her away. Her kiss had been a timid surprise. His would be a passionate statement, but his gut told him she wasn't ready for that, yet.

  They sat in an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes until Julie took a big courage building breath. "Is Lauren your girlfriend?"

  "No, she's Mike's girl."

  "Then why…?" You big chicken. Just ask him.

  "Why am I sleepin' with her?" He shifted in his seat to face her. "'Cause. I don't got an answer. Earlier ya started to say, Francine said…." He waved his hand, prompting her to continue.

  Julie looked at the floor. "This is embarrassing, but it's the first time you've met the Shore stereotype. Francine said you have no morals. She said that your brains and heart are in your pants."

  She peeked sideways at him. "All you care about is having a good time. If a girl doesn't give in and sleep with you, then you'll drop her and start dating someone else."

  Unable to stop the words from pouring out, she continued, "But if a girl does sleep with you then you've got what you want from her and you drop her and start dating someone else." Her insides quivered. How angry would he get?

  "She's partly right." Robert leaned back against the wall. "We got morals, but not lots of 'em. I think we like to party 'cause it makes us forget about what life is like here. I spend all day in Westland. It's quiet and I feel safe. Then I come back here. Good old North Shore, where my neighboor beats up his wife and kids, or some junkie ODs in my doorway."