“Thank you.” Nate took them from Mr. Byrne and opened one of the boxes. “These are my size.”
Mr. Byrne winked. “I know shoes. It was easy enough to find the right size. Now, the style is a whole different story.”
Nate laughed. “They’re perfect. Thank you. And Allison will love the shoes.”
“I hope to do more business with both of you.” Mr. Byrne stood and shook Nate’s hand before leaving the room.
Nate stared down at the boxes and jumped when Debra cleared her throat. “Oh, sorry. I thought you’d left.”
“No, I hadn’t. I wanted to tell you how impressed I am with your work. Keep it up.” Debra picked up the papers and paused as she moved to leave. “I hope you can figure things out with Allison.”
“What are you talking about?” Nate asked in surprise.
Debra laughed. “Anyone could tell how closed off you became once she was mentioned. I don’t know what happened, but I hope you can figure it out. She’s good for you.”
“Thanks.” Nate waited for her to leave before pulling out one of the sandals. He tried it on, amazed at how comfortable they were. He stood and took both boxes to his office. He’d drop Allison’s shoes off, even if she didn’t want to see him.
The rest of the morning was spent on the phone arguing with model agencies and studios, trying to make one of his car ads work. They’d sent the wrong models for the ad, and the studios hadn’t allowed them in, which meant they hadn't met the deadline.
Nate glanced down at the shoe boxes sitting on the desk next to him. He had time right then to run over to her apartment. Except that it was Thursday, which meant she had classes all day. Maybe that was better. Maybe he should just drop them off and leave again. Sam would be there.
Of course, there was really no point to go by if he didn’t have the chance to talk with her. He cursed Katie for the hundredth time that day. If only he’d just avoided her in the diner. But then, she was the one who had found him.
“Hey, Nate? Jake wanted to know what you thought of the commercial he was in.” Erin stood in the doorway with her arms crossed.
“They were great. He was perfect for the part.” Nate had been right to cast Jake, even if he was the one who took Erin away.
Erin’s face lit up. “He’ll be happy to hear that. He’s auditioning for a part on Broadway and he’s nervous about it.”
“He’ll do just fine.” Nate stood. “I’m headed to lunch. Want me to grab you something?”
“No, I have a lunch meeting, but thank you.” Erin glanced behind her. “Debra might want something, though. She’s been on the phone all morning.”
“I can do that. Good luck in your meeting.”
Nate left the office and headed for the diner across the street. His hand was on the door when he realized that Katie was inside. He backed up and went for the deli a few stores down instead. She was the last person he wanted to run into right then, and he had a feeling that’s exactly why she was there. Her job was several blocks away, so there was only one reason she was around.
He grabbed some soup for himself and a salad for Debra, then checked to make sure that Katie wasn’t outside before leaving the diner to go back to work. It was sad, really. He was a grown man, and had broken up with plenty of women, so he shouldn’t be this bothered by her. But she’d gone too far and made him lose someone he cared a lot about.
Debra’s door was still closed when Nate got back to the office. He set his food down on his desk and knocked softly on her door before opening it slowly. He waved and set the salad down before going back to his own office. She could thank him later.
Chapter 14
Allison stared at the shoes that had been sitting on her bed when she got back from school. Supposedly Nate had brought them by. But why? The card had a “thank you” from Mr. Byrne, but this was the second time he’d been to her house in the last couple of days.
He had been kissing another girl. That wasn’t okay, no matter how many shoes he brought her. Sam insisted that Allison should give him a chance to explain himself, but what was to explain?
Thoughts of Darren trying to kiss her ran through her mind, but she pushed them away. That was beside the point. Both she and Nate knew that Darren was a jerk. Allison shoved the shoes into her closet, knowing she’d get them out again later. They were beautiful, and something she definitely needed.
She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and wandered out to the kitchen for breakfast. She put her bread into the toaster and sat at the table to sort through the mail. Most of it was bills, but one caught her eye. It was from the dance competition she was supposed to be participating in. With all of the commercial stuff that had been going on, she’d forgotten to cancel her audition. She scanned through all of the instructions before dropping the papers onto the table. Maybe she could just do a solo instead. She needed the money, and it wasn’t worth dropping just because Darren was a jerk.
Her mind instantly jumped into planning her dance. The one she’d used for the commercial was fun and original, but after the filming, she decided it needed more of a flair.
The knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts, and she went to answer it. Nate stood there with a dozen roses. The pleading his eyes nearly melted her. Nearly. But her mind went back to that kiss in the diner and she swung the door shut.
Nate stopped the door with his hand. “Please, Allison, let me explain.”
“What’s to explain? You were kissing her. That’s pretty obvious.” Anger bubbled, mixing with the feeling of betrayal. “I just thought . . . Never mind.”
“No, that’s not what happened. I mean, it is. But it wasn’t me. Katie went out with me for New Year’s and won’t leave me alone. I’d already told her to stop calling and that I wasn’t interested. But she found me waiting for you at the diner and kissed me before I knew what was happening.”
Allison raised an eyebrow. “And I’m supposed to believe that?”
“Well, it’s what happened, so yes.” Nate looked down at the flowers and held them out to her. “I’m sorry.”
“Do you know why I don’t believe you? Even though I’d really like to?” Allison leaned against the doorway.
Nate’s eyes clouded. “No. Why is that?”
“Because you just keep disappointing me. You left me in the diner, I’ve seen you with at least two different girls since I met you, and then the kiss.” Allison ticked the points off on her fingers. She knew she was being unfair. He’d already apologized for leaving her.
Nate pushed past her, set the roses on the counter, and started searching her cupboards. When he found one of Sam’s vases, he filled it with water.
“What are you doing?”
“The roses will die if they’re not in water.” Nate found some scissors in a drawer and cut the bottoms of the stems at angle.
“I know that. But what are you doing here? I didn’t say I was going to accept them.” Allison leaned against the counter and watched as he arranged them in the vase.
Nate didn’t say anything as he rinsed off the scissors.
Allison took them from him and dried them before putting them back in the drawer. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead before going back to the door. “I’m sorry. I just hope you believe me someday.”
As the door closed, Allison flopped onto the couch. Why did he have to do that? She was all ready to push him away and never see him again, and he had to go do something like bring her flowers. The roses were gorgeous, and by the look of it, he’d arranged flowers before. Probably for old girlfriends. She put a pillow over face and screamed in frustration.
“What happened to you?” Sam shut the door and moved toward the kitchen. A few seconds later the pillow was yanked off Allison’s face. “Who are the flowers from?”
“Nate.”
“Ah. And did you thank him for them?” Sam threw the pillow onto the couch.
Allison nodded and rolled over.
“And did you forgive him?” Sam sat on the couch next to her.
“No.”
Sam sighed. “He’s trying. Eddie told me Nate’s been moping ever since the ‘incident.’”
“Yeah, well, maybe he shouldn’t have let her kiss him.” Allison felt for the pillow and shoved it on her face again.
Sam stood and left the room without saying anything. Allison followed her into her room and dropped on the bed.
“You think I’m being childish?”
“No, I know you are.” Sam glared at her. “This isn’t high school anymore. I’m not saying you have to date the guy. I just think you need to forgive and move on with life. If it includes him, fine. If not, you’ll find someone else.”
Allison glanced at the clock and jumped up. It was later than she’d thought, and if she was going to have time to practice at the school, she needed to go in the next few minutes.
She threw on her tights, dress, and shoes, then shoved her dance shoes and a towel into her bag.
“Hey, I’m sorry—” Sam stood in the doorway.
“No you’re not. You were right. Gotta go.” Allison ran down the stairs and out onto the streets. It was chilly, but the run would warm her up. She darted in and out of the crowds, apologizing whenever she ran into someone.
The bell rang out as she ran onto campus. Students poured out onto the sidewalk, and Allison ran faster. She had one hour to practice before her class, and if she could get to the studio before anyone else, she’d have a chance to practice.
The small room was empty, so she closed the door and locked it. People would be able to see that it was occupied, but she didn’t want anyone coming in while she practiced.
She ran through her playlist before finding a song to warm up to, and hooked it up to the stereo. After making sure she had a pen and paper to write her moves on, she ran through the steps she’d choreographed. The movements eased her mind as she allowed the music to consume her. She spun and leapt through the air, concentrating on keeping her toes pointed and legs straight.
When the song ended, she leaned over, trying to catch her breath. She wiped the sweat from her face and smiled. It was exactly what she needed to burn away her stress. She picked another song that was close to the one she’d used before, but with a faster beat.
By the time the hour was up, she was exhausted, but thrilled with the dance she’d come up with. She shoved her towel and music into her bag and left the room. Darren smirked when she walked into the classroom, but she just smiled back and went to the other side of the room. He wasn’t going to ruin her good mood.
This time the professor got the hint and partnered her with someone else. After working on the waltz and Charleston, they changed partners and worked on a few other dances.
Allison was relieved that she didn’t have any tutoring for the day, because she was ready to collapse. She walked to the subway and dropped onto a seat on the train. She closed her eyes, enjoying some downtime. The voice announcing the stops blended in with her dreams as she scooted down further into her seat and leaned her head against the window.
“Allison?” Nate’s voice jerked Allison out of sleep.
She looked around wildly. Where was she? She glanced up at the sign and her eyes widened. She was clear on the other side of the city.
“Are you okay?” Nate sat next to her.
“I’m fine. I just fell asleep.” Allison rubbed her eyes and stood. “Guess I better get on the other train.”
He jumped up. “Let me come with you.”
“Don’t you think your girlfriend will be upset?” Allison waited for the next exit and pushed the button.
“She already is. And I’ve tried to apologize a million times, but she won’t listen.” Nate’s eyes searched her face. “That girl means nothing to me. She kissed me. I just wish you would believe me.”
Allison searched the subway map to find the right train and headed for the next ramp. She had to work that night and she didn’t have much time to eat and get ready. When she noticed that Nate still followed her, she turned.
“Look, I know that’s what you say, but it doesn’t stop the hurt.” She kept walking and stood on the platform, waiting for her train to show up.
“I know. And I wish I could take that away.” Nate climbed on the train behind her and sat down.
Allison sighed and watched out the window. She couldn’t exactly tell him he had to get off. After all, his apartment was this direction as well. It was several stops before Nate spoke again.
“Are you still doing the competition?”
She looked at him in surprise. “I punched Darren in the nose, remember?”
“Yes, but . . . never mind.” His face reddened and he looked the other way.
“But what?” Allison shifted in her seat so she faced him.
Nate gestured toward the dance shoes that she’d tied to her bag. “You don’t normally wear those shoes for your classes. So I thought maybe you’d decided to compete.”
Allison blinked. “How do you know I don’t wear these for classes?”
He laughed. “Because I’ve picked you up from class, remember? Usually your wear your worn-out shoes.”
“Oh, right.” Allison couldn’t help feeling touched that he would notice such a small detail. It wasn’t something they’d ever talked about. Her mind drifted back to the shoes in her closet that he’d given her. Such a small, but meaningful gift and she hadn’t even noticed it. “I decided to do a solo instead. I rearranged the dance I used for the ad. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course I don’t. It was beautiful.” Nate tried to take her hand, but she pulled it away. “And I’m glad you’re competing.”
The voice announced Allison’s stop and she stood to climb off the train. She paused and looked down at him. “It was good to see you. And thanks again for the shoes.”
He smiled. “You’re welcome. And good luck with the dance. Not that you’ll need it.”
“Thank you.” Allison climbed off and weaved through the crowd toward her apartment. Spending time with Nate sent her mind and heart through a rush of emotions. It was good to see him, but it only made the hurt cut deeper. She couldn’t get the vision of him kissing the girl out of her head.
Sam sat at the table and looked up when Allison dropped her stuff by the door. “Where have you been?”
“On the train.” She grabbed a fork and plate and dished out some Chinese food. “I fell asleep and missed the stop.”
“Again?” Sam laughed. “You have got to stop doing that.”
Allison glared at her, but then joined in. “Hey, it was only twice. Or maybe three times. Anyway, what are you doing home? I thought you had another shift.”
“Cindy filled in for me. I have a date with Eddie tonight, and she told me she’d switch if I dished out all the details tomorrow.”
“Sounds like Cindy.” Allison popped a dumpling into her mouth. With Eddie not being there that night, she would have to get there early. The other bartender wasn’t as pleasant to work with, and she’d been chewed out once or twice for being a minute late.
Sam nodded toward the door. “So, you for sure decided to compete?”
“Yes. But how’d you know that?”
“The shoes.” Sam stacked the empty boxes together and dumped them in the garbage before taking her plate to the sink.
“You’re the second person who said that to me today. Am I that obvious?”
Sam cocked her head to the side. “Yes. But who else said something? No one else knows you as well as I do. Oh, don’t tell me you’re dancing with Darren again.”
“No. Definitely not. I’m going solo. And it was Nate. Apparently I only wear these shoes when I’m serious about dancing or something.”
“You saw Nate? Please tell me you forgave him.”
Allison shook her head. “I don’t know. He apologized again. But every time I see him, I see that girl in the diner.”
“He already explained w
hat happened. You need to give him another chance.” Sam patted her hand. “Now, tell me about this dance of yours.”
“I’m really excited about this one.” Allison went into the living room and pushed the coffee table back. “I don’t have a lot of space, but I’ll show you what I can and you need to tell me if I should fix anything.”
Sam sat on the couch. “I can’t begin to tell you how thrilled I am that you’re doing this.”
Allison grinned and found the music on her iPod. She ran through what she could in the small space, but had to stop a few times to remember what was next. It was easier to go through it on the dance floor where she had nothing to stop her.
“Keep going.” Sam pulled out her phone. “I’ll videotape it, and then you can watch it and see where you need to fix it.”
“Brilliant. You’re a lifesaver.” Allison grinned and started the music over. This time she was able to concentrate on the moves instead of what was supposed to happen next. It helped her relax.
When the song ended, Sam clapped. “That was amazing. But I think you need to switch this move from a lift to a cut.” She held out her phone for Allison. “See? That way you can transition into the next step easier.”
Allison played back the video, and she was thrilled with how it turned out, but she see where it was a little awkward.
“You could do it like this.” Sam did the move while Allison watched. They’d taken dance together for years, but Sam had given it up for other things once they graduated.
“Oh, that’s much better.” Allison followed her steps and ran through the next few movements after that. “Yes, that feels more natural.”
Sam bowed. “You’re welcome. You can pay me later.”
Someone pounded on the floor, and the girls burst out laughing. Their downstairs neighbors weren’t exactly thrilled with Allison’s dancing.
“Okay, I’d better get ready, and you probably should as well. Don’t you sing tonight?”
Allison checked the clock. “Man, it’s later than I thought.”
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