Chapter Sixteen
Xavier bounced across the floor, hitting every beat. He seemed to dance so much better when he danced to his own music. “Work it, Xavi!” Selena yelled.
Xavier finished his routine and collapsed on the sofa. He was such a wonderful man—sexy, creative, great husband and father. Just like she knew Bret would be. Selena glanced across the ballroom and watched as Bret and Robyn practiced their samba.
Back in Marin, Bret and Selena had settled into a nice daily routine. She moved into the houseboat, but kept her room at the Tiburon Lodge so no one would be tipped off about her and Bret’s new relationship. Over the past two weeks, they’d hiked Mt. Tamalpais, camped at Angel Island, and spent the weekend at Xavier and Robyn’s beach cottage in Bolinas. Life was idyllic.
But that was all about to change—in one week, they were headed down to Los Angeles to start filming the show. Selena shuddered at thought of the paparazzi trailing her and Bret and having to interact again with Dima on a daily basis.
Today was the final rehearsal before they headed to Los Angeles. Xavier and Robyn had invited their three children to watch them practice.
Robyn collapsed on the couch. “That’s enough. I need some inspiration. Bret, could you and Selena demonstrate how it’s done?”
“Of course.” Selena shimmied over to Bret. They hadn’t danced together since his audition. Electricity pulsed through her body. Touching Bret on the floor, connecting through dance without the awkwardness they shared during his audition, excited her.
She laughed as she approached Bret. By looking at him today, no one would ever suspect he could dance at all. His muscular, broad frame hid the smoothness and flexibility of his body. It was like watching an action star do the ballet.
He whispered into her ear, “Why are you laughing?”
“Cuz you are just so sexy. You don’t look like a dancer. At all.”
“That’s a good thing. No matter what, I’m not waxing my chest. I should’ve put that in my contract.”
Selena laughed. “I won’t let them.” The makeup artists most certainly would try to convince Bret to wax his chest. Sure, all the male dancers pecs were shiny and bare. What was so wrong about chest hair? Was Selena the only woman that was turned on by Bret’s manly chest? She highly doubted it.
Robyn turned on one of Xavier’s hits that was a samba. Selena gyrated her hips and Bret grabbed her from behind. Gripping her wrist, he spun her into rolls and their bodies rotated around the floor.
After all these years, Bret was sharp as ever. For a second, Selena allowed herself to indulge in the fantasy of them competing together again. Would he ever consider it? Just to make her happy? They could stage a huge comeback. They wouldn’t win Blackpool, that’s for sure, but they could probably win nationals in a few years. Well if Dima didn’t get a new partner and compete against them.
The music cut off. “You two are brilliant! You should compete,” Robyn said.
Selena was glad that she wasn’t the only one thinking that they looked great together.
“No way, Robyn. I’m just doing one season and when it’s over, I’m not going to set foot on a dance floor. Except maybe at my wedding.” He winked at Selena.
Robyn’s lips curled. “Wedding? Am I missing something? Are you two a hot item?”
Selena gave Bret a nervous glance. “Oh no. We’re just old friends. But I do think Bret should consider competing again. I’m on the market for a new partner.”
Bret’s relaxed face tensioned. “No thanks, Sel. Would be kind of hard, after training my men twelve hours a day. And after this leave, I’m sure we will deploy again soon. No time for dancing.”
Selena’s shoulders dropped. She wouldn’t push the matter but maybe she could get him to consider it. For now, they just had to get through the season and pray the tabloids didn’t ruin their relationship.
“Well, you both look ready for the first show. Selena and I are driving down tomorrow. We’ll see you in Los Angeles in two days.”
Xavier and Robyn hugged Selena and Bret.
“Wait, this calls for a celebration.” Robyn ran to the bar and poured champagne in four flutes. She brought them over and handed everyone a glass.
A breathtaking view of the Golden Gate, Bay and Richard bridges wowed Selena. Selena took the glass and braced herself. This was it—they were leaving cozy Marin for crazy Hollywood. If their new relationship could survive fifteen weeks on a reality show, it could survive anything.
“Okay, here we go,” Robyn said. “To our success and journey into the world of reality television. May we be guided by our ancestors. As one of my spiritual teachers once told me, ‘When you do what you fear most, then you can do anything.’ ”
Selena raised her glass higher. “I’ll drink to that.” She glanced at Bret and was thrilled that he wasn’t even making a face to Robyn’s new age toast.
“Cheer,” said Bret.
They clinked their glasses together and drank the night away as the fog crept higher on the world’s most beautiful bridges.
Quickstep
The thundering beat filled the dance hall. He raced to her and swung her into his arms. Their legs intertwined, they pranced to the corner of the floor. Unable to hide their excitement, they hopped and jumped in synch. They giddily skipped to other end of the ballroom. She was having the time of her life. Kicking and flicking their feet together, they danced the night away.
Chapter Seventeen
Bret and Selena arrived back in Los Angeles three days before the first show. There was so much to do—Selena had begun the process of separating her businesses from Dima, as Bret was preparing for his time in the spotlight.
The truck pulled in front of Selena’s house. Bret scanned the driveway—no Lamborghini in sight. Dima must’ve been hiding out somewhere.
“You sure you want to go in by yourself? I can stay with you, just in case Dima comes back. I don’t have to head to the base until later tonight.”
Selena gave him a warm kiss. “No, babe. It’s okay. I doubt Dima will show up. He’s probably auditioning his next partner. I’ll be fine. Do what you have to do and I’ll see you tomorrow at the group pro hip-hop practice.”
Bret rolled his eyes. Ballroom was one thing. He didn’t have a clue about how to hip-hop. He wasn’t looking forward to humiliating himself any more than he had to on his first night of the show.
“Okay. But call me if Dima shows up. Or if you need anything. I’ll only be two hours away so I can come back if you need me to.”
Banjo licked Selena’s face and for once, she didn’t immediately wipe off his slobber. “I’ll miss you, too, Banjo. Call me when you get in, Bret. Love you.”
Bret headed down the hills. He hadn’t been away from Selena since they had been back together. He needed some time to process everything that had happened.
He pulled to the side of the road and made a call.
Ray picked up on the first ring. “Hey stranger. I thought you went UA. How’ve you been?”
“Good. You know there’s nothing unauthorized about this absence. Though I have considered taking off to Canada—to escape this show, not the Corps. But I’m back in southern California. Need to head down to base to pick up some things. What are you doing tonight? Can I buy you a beer?”
A baby cried in the background. “Man, Nia went to her sister’s house. I’m watching the kids. Tell you what, bring over some beer and pizza and we’ll catch the UFC match.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll be over in about two hours.”
It sounded like the perfect night to Bret—his best friend, his dog, watching guys beat each other up, beer, pizza, and no cameras anywhere.
………………….
“Uncle Bret, Uncle Bret.” Ray’s three boys were waiting in the driveway when Bret parked.
“Is this your truck?” Jackson, Ray’s twelve-year-old, seemed hypnotized by the headlights.
“No, buddy. It’s just on loan. I have to give it bac
k soon.”
Jackson’s shoulders slumped. “Man, that sucks.”
Bret doled out gifts to the boys. He’d bought them bars of Ghirardelli chocolates and toy cable cars.
Ray appeared at the doorway, holding his baby daughter. “Nice truck. Did congress give us a raise I don’t know about? I thought you were giving all the money on the show to Pierce’s family? Keep spending like that and you won’t have anything left.”
Bret grabbed the pizzas, beer, and sodas. “Haven’t touched the money. Ford gave me this truck for a promotion. I tried to refuse it but I’m stuck with it. I’ll sell it after the show.”
A crinkle crossed Ray’s face. “Seriously? They gave you this truck and you want to return it? Are you nuts? Give it to me. Man, you should get something for making a jerk out of yourself. I can’t wait to see you on television next week. I know you got me some free tickets.”
“I get two free tickets to every show. You want to come?” Bret hadn’t planned on inviting Ray, mostly out of pure embarrassment.
“Hell yeah. We will be there. Wouldn’t miss it for the world. How about in three weeks—I have duty next week and that will give us time to find a baby sitter.”
“Sure. I’ll put you on the list.”
Bret led Banjo to the back yard and let him run around. For base housing, this place was pretty nice. Four bedrooms, two and a half baths, two-car garage, laundry room and a small yard. But no matter how hard Bret tried, he just couldn’t picture Selena ever living on base with him.
The boys each took a slice of pizza and a soda, and went out back to play fetch with Banjo. Ray placed the baby in her swing and settled into the sofa. Bret took a slice of pizza and sat in a chair, waiting for the UFC match to begin.
Ray eyed Bret. “So, how’s it been?”
Bret was relieved to have someone to talk to. “Not too bad. Do you know who Robyn Quintana is? She’s my partner.”
“You serious? She’s fine. Nia will freak. She loves her. Is she cool?” Ray took out his phone and texted his wife.
“Yeah. She’s cool. I mean totally loopy. She believes in past lives and all that stuff. But she’s down to earth. A good mom. I lucked out.”
“We get to meet her when we go to your show?”
“Of course. She’s a good dancer. I don’t think we’ll get eliminated.”
Ray paused and checked his phone. “Nia is stoked.” Ray took a sip of his beer, his eyes dancing. “So how’s your ex? You hit that yet?”
Bret took a sip of his own beer. “Yup.”
“I knew it, dawg. I told Nia that you had no self-control. Not that I can blame you—she’s slammin’.”
Bret couldn’t believe he had ever thought he’d be able to resist Selena. “You were right. I didn’t think it would happen at all, ever. She’s a spoiled princess. But we started hanging out together, and she’s no longer dancing with Dima. So, yeah, you could say we’re back together.”
Ray just laughed. “Man, you’re crazy. I mean, that’s cool and all. I can’t blame you. But think with your head. You’re still a devil dawg. Selena’s not cut out for this life. And you know it. You think she’s going to attend key wife meetings back here while you’re deployed? Give up that Hollywood lifestyle for life on base? I mean we have rats in our house. Rats! I called housing and they said they were going to look into it. She doesn’t fit in here and you know it. Enjoy the ride, but when it explodes in your face, remember I told you so.”
Bret wasn’t even annoyed at Ray. He knew Ray was right. No matter how convincing Selena’s words were, he just didn’t think she would be able to sacrifice her lifestyle for his. And she couldn’t have it both ways. There was no way she could still be on the show and be married to Bret. She would have to train her celebrity partners out of town for fifteen weeks twice a year, not to mention all the appearances and filming. When Bret deployed, they would go a full year without seeing each other.
Bret changed the subject. “So who’s fighting tonight?”
“It’s gonna be great. Rogelio Viramontes is taking on Josh Cutler. Rogelio is a former jarhead.”
“Awesome.” Bret relaxed and tried to clear his mind of Selena and the show. He didn’t need money, a nice truck, a beautiful house. Bret was happy just hanging out with his best friend, his brother in arms, and enjoying life. He looked over at the baby and she gave him a goofy grin. Bret envied Ray’s life—kids, a beautiful wife, a stable home life. He prayed Selena was sincere about wanting the same things, but he couldn’t let go of the nagging feeling that she would never be satisfied with his life, or with him.
Chapter Eighteen
Benny’s eyes lit up the minute he caught Selena bouncing through Brooks Ballroom studio modeling the new line of Dancing under the Stars women’s hip-hop dance wear. He twirled her around and they danced a few steps of the quickstep he had choreographed for her and Xavier.
She smiled and broke into some crunking moves. She was so stoked. Today, all the pros were practicing their group hip-hop dance. And Benny had made her the official choreographer. That was the good news. The bad news was that she’d have to spend seven hours listening to Vika’s snide remarks, avoiding Dima’s possessive glances, and trying to keep her relationship with Bret under wraps.
She knew this studio was Vika’s turf, but Selena woke up super early to help the set designers give it a street vibe. She hung up some paper on the walls and got some hip-hop dancer friends of hers to spray paint urban graffiti, swapped out the blue velvet curtains for some black rayon ones, and hired a DJ to set up a real booth. The cameramen and sound guy were milling around the room after they hooked up the LCD flat screen television she’d requested. Benny had brought in the newest designs for everyone to try on and the crew even set up some strobe lights. Selena hoped everyone could feel the vibe.
Selena set about fishing a hip-hop CD out of her workout bag. Bret had arrived ten minutes ago but went straight to the back of the studio. They had discussed that in order to keep their relationship out of the tabloids, no one could know they were together. Selena had already told Jenny, but she didn’t trust anyone else. The other dancers started piling into the studio, two by two as if getting ready for a trip on an ark. As soon as they walked in the studio, the costume girl handed them workout wear to put on. But Eric and Nicole, who usually arrived at the studio arm in arm carting matching Starbucks lattes, headed to opposite corners of the studio. Nicole’s normally perfect doll-shaped face looked pale and her usual shellacked ponytail was askew. Did Nicole just find out about Eric being with another guy? Could Dima have told her?
Okay, enough of this drama already. “Alright, people!” Selena clapped her hands. This ball was hers and she ran with it. “Let’s do this. We’ve got some hip-hopping to do.”
Selena walked over to the music booth and gave her CD to the sound guy who played DJ for them. “Is everyone here?”
“Dima isn’t here, yet,” Vika said, her eyes glued to the door.
“He’s not?” She hadn’t even noticed his absence. Selena looked at the clock. It was nearly nine o’clock. Gee, wouldn’t want him to lose out on beauty sleep or anything. Was he now avoiding Selena? He of all people really needed to be here since he hated hip-hop.
“I texted to him,” Vika mumbled, “but haven’t heard back.”
“Well, I’m sure he’ll show up.” Selena give Vika a reassuring smile but she looked stressed. Time to distract. “I’m so excited about this group hip-hop thing. I love urban dance and I’ve been experimenting with some crunking and breaking so this is gonna be off the hook.” She glanced around the room. The cameramen were setting up. Benny kissed Vika goodbye. Vika gave Selena the evil eye and, on the opposite side of the room, Bret paced around the floor.
“So,” Selena started, “we have to do an eight count as a group in the beginning and then the partners each do a breakout solo. The order for the solos is Bret, Jenny, Jared, Vika, Ricardo, Elizabeth, Eric, Nicole, Dima, and I will close. I’ll work on a
ll your solos later but let’s get started on the group part. We’re dancing to one my favorite songs, Rob Base and D.J. E-Z Rock’s “Joy and Pain.” But let’s begin with a warm up. It’s old school to get you in the mood.”
Selena signaled the sound guy. He flipped on the strobe lights then started playing Cameo’s “Word Up.” She loved that song. Reminded her of high school jazz class since her instructor had been stuck in the eighties. Selena skipped to the front of the room and led everyone in a dance isolation routine. “Roll your hips to the right, now to the left, now circles.” The lights were kicking on and off, and Bret kept making goofy faces into the mirror as he tried to keep up with her. Hip-hop wasn’t his thing but he was doing a pretty good job. “That’s it, Bret! Bend your knees. Good!” She couldn’t wipe the stupid grin from her face. This was way too much fun. Almost acting delirious over the excitement of teaching this rehearsal. Vika was actually following her steps and not giving her any attitude. And she hated to admit it, but Vika looked super cute in her low-rise pink hip-hop pants and matching bra tank top, which her breasts filled out perfectly.
Two hours into the actual choreography, Dima strolled in, like he was in no rush. The DJ cut the sound. Dima would get away with it, though. None of them were stupid enough to question him.
“Dude, where’ve you been?” Bret asked.
Well, almost none of them.
“None of your business,” Dima barked. “I’m here now.”
“Hell, yeah it’s my business.” Bret got right up in his face, sweating and huffing from the routine. “We’ve all been here for two whole hours and now we’re gonna have to be here even longer to catch your ass up.”
Dima pushed Bret’s shoulder.
Dima must’ve had a death wish. The other dancers froze in position as stocky six feet, two hundred thirty pound Bret looked up at a gangly six feet, two inch and a buck sixty Dima. Selena cringed—this wasn’t gonna be good.
Love Waltzes In (Dancing Under The Stars) Page 11