Love is a Dance Step (Rockstars Anonymous)

by Michelle MacQueen

  “Language.” Their dad took a seat next to Lizzy. “Your brother is not a douche. He’s just…”

  “If he and Lola aren’t friends anymore, can we keep her and get rid of him instead?” Nora smirked.

  Their dad sighed.

  Drew hated to see how much distance Asher had put between himself and the rest of the family. The siblings had always been close, but if one of them could break away, what happened to the rest?

  Nora lay sideways on the couch and nudged Drew with both her feet. “How long do we get you for?”

  “A week, at least.” He’d find a dancer and then move on to the next tour destination, training her as they traveled. He could do a few concerts with Brooke as the lead while the new girl got up to speed. It wouldn’t kill him.

  Lizzy fist pumped. “Yes.”

  Nora sat up. “So, the tour is on hold?”

  He nodded. “Only for ten days. I’m holding auditions for a new dancer. Dad already talked to the studio for me. I just need to go in tomorrow to finalize the details.”

  Penny jumped to her feet. “You’re selecting someone from Gulf City?”

  “Or anyone who travels here to audition.”

  “But it could be someone from here, right?”

  “I guess so, yeah.”

  A grin slid across her face. “My dance teacher would be perfect.”

  Drew laughed. He remembered some of his past teachers. They were usually older than he needed and not quite up to par. Gulf City didn’t attract the best dancers to teach classes. “Pen—”

  “No, she’s perfect. It’s Lo—”

  Nora cut her off with a look. “Her dance teacher is good but probably not what you’re looking for.”

  “But, Nora—”

  “Pen, she wouldn’t want to audition. I know her more than you, and she wouldn’t appreciate you trying to convince her.”

  Drew watched the back and forth between his sisters, curiosity getting to him. What dancer wouldn’t want to try to earn a spot on a rock tour if given the chance?

  He ignored the desire to know more as talk turned to school, the girls catching him up on everything he’d missed while he was on tour. They wanted to know all about Jo’s baby—a secret he’d made them promise not to reveal. Though, she’d started showing, so it wouldn’t be a secret much longer.

  They talked over each other, sometimes yelling, and he soaked it all in.

  A rock tour was a kind of chaos unlike any other. There was always a million people, lots of music, and an unrelenting schedule.

  But it didn’t compare to the chaos of the Stone house, chaos created by laughter instead of crowds, family instead of strangers.

  He needed both types of chaos in his life to make him who he was.

  Drew pulled the hat low on his head, but who was he kidding? There was no hiding who he was. Not even when he’d changed his normal jeans and t-shirt for a pair of board shorts and a rash guard. After this, all he wanted was to catch some waves.

  A few girls in college sweatshirts stopped him on the sidewalk as they screamed his name.

  Beside him, Ben chuckled. They hadn’t yet realized who he was, but no one expected the Fate front man to walk the streets of Gulf City, Florida.

  Drew signed a few autographs. “Sorry, folks. I have to get going. But it was a pleasure to meet you.” He gave them his “fan” smile, the slightly smutty one that oozed charm. If only Nora could see him now. She’d laugh her butt off.

  He jerked his head toward the familiar studio, and Ben followed him. “Sometimes it pays to have a separate stage persona.”

  Drew laughed. “You forget, thanks to your girlfriend—” He lifted his voice as he saw Piper running toward them. “—Your amazing girlfriend who can do no wrong, the world now knows the real Ben Evans is just another normal nerdy dude.”

  Piper panted as she caught up to them. “Sorry I’m late. As amazing of a girlfriend I am, I’m still a terrible sleeper, and someone didn’t wake me up this morning.”

  Ben pulled her to his side, wrapping an arm around her. “You just looked so cute with the snoring and the drool.”

  She pushed away from him. “Tell me why we had to be up so early when the tour is on break?”

  Drew looked up at the building that turned him from hockey-crazed teenage boy to twinkle toes—Nora’s term, not his. “Lauren said we had to come in before classes start for the day.”

  “Who is Lauren?” Ben looked confused.

  Piper elbowed him. “The woman who owns the studio.” Piper hadn’t set up this meeting, but she’d been in talks with Lauren over the last day about renting the studio. “She didn’t seem to like the idea of closing down for a day and canceling classes.”

  “Penny told me the studio is struggling financially.” He wished he’d known that before now. He wouldn’t have a career without this very studio and Lauren’s parents. It was an important part of Gulf City and couldn’t be allowed to close. “We’ll make them an offer they can’t refuse.”

  Piper sighed. “I don’t know if that’ll work, but let’s go. I hope you have a backup plan.”

  When they entered the lobby, no one sat behind the tall desk. Dark wooden floors stretched down the hall. It was such a familiar place, Drew didn’t want to move. He stood still, soaking in the memories, letting himself feel the easy calm he’d always found within these walls.

  Music pumped from one of the rooms, a song he recognized from the tour.

  Ben laughed. “They play a Noah Clarke song when we show up? That’s cold, brother.”

  One corner of Drew’s mouth hooked up. “Just don’t tell Noah. We’ll never hear the end of it.” He took one step and then another, needing to see where the music came from as if some force pulled him in that direction.

  He glanced down the hall to see if he could spot Lauren, but the office door stood closed and the hall empty. Only one room showed any sign of life.

  He knew he shouldn’t intrude, that whoever was behind that door didn’t want to be seen. And yet, he reached out to grip the handle anyway.

  “Drew,” Piper warned.

  He ignored her, twisting the knob, his heart beating frantically in his chest as if it knew whatever lurked behind the door would change him forever.

  And still, he didn’t stop as he pushed open the door.

  The first thing he saw was black. Black leggings, a black t-shirt that was way too large for the girl wearing it. She didn’t notice her audience as she danced across the room, throwing ballet moves into her more modern style. Every movement had a purpose, every note a meaning.

  She wasn’t perfect by any means, but that didn’t matter, not when every move she made held untold emotion, limitless passion. This, here, was a girl who loved to dance, a girl who wasn’t meant for anything else.

  Just like him.

  “Wow,” Piper whispered. “She’s not bad.”

  She was so much better than not bad. He could think of a million other words to describe her and none at all. “She’s flawed.”

  Piper scrunched up her face in obvious disagreement, but she didn’t understand Drew didn’t mean it as a critique. Perfect dancers, with robot-like accuracy and all the emotion of an ant, didn’t call to him.

  But to be flawed… to let your struggles escape through your dancing… that was what he’d always aspired to. Even after his years of experience, he didn’t move like this girl, with his heart in his feet. Something always held him back. Sure, his fans wouldn’t notice something like that because he still rocked the stage.

  But he could do more.

  He knew he could, and a dancer like this girl could pull it out of him.

  The music stopped, and Ben’s clapping had the girl turning on her heel to face them. Her skin glistened with sweat, and her chest heaved. For a moment, she only stared.

  He saw her face transform in slow motion from shock to rage.

  “Largate!” she yelled.

  “What?” He looked to Ben who only shrugged
.

  “She means get out.” Lauren appeared behind them, her body shaking in silent laughter. She looked to the dancer. “I’ll be in my office if you need anything.” She hooked a finger toward Drew. “Follow me.”

  Drew backed out of the room, closing the door behind him before following Lauren, Piper, and Ben. “Who was that?”

  “One of our teachers.” Lauren didn’t elaborate as she brushed a hand through thick black hair and shouldered through the half-open door of the office. Papers littered a small desk with boxes piled high behind it. “Don’t mind the mess.” She gestured to the three open seats. “We’ve been a bit busy here lately. You must have really angered my star dancer. She rarely pulls out the Spanish.”

  “What did she say?”

  “Well.” Lauren leaned in. “It’s very complicated. Are you ready?”

  Drew nodded.

  “Get. Out.”

  His lips curved up. “It’s nice to see you again, Lauren.” He held out his hand.

  She shook it. “Last time I saw you, you were a teenage boy who didn’t quite recognize his talent.” She sat. “I’m glad that has changed. Please, sit.” Her eyes widened when she looked to Ben and Piper. “You’re… you’re…”

  Great. She didn’t fangirl over Drew, but Ben Evans sits in front of her and —

  “Piper Hayes.” Wait, what?

  Piper shrank in on herself. She’d always been comfortable in the shadows, not the spotlight. “I’m just Drew’s assistant.”

  Lauren shook her head. “No, you write Fate’s songs. They’re amazing. My sister was at the concert in Cincinnati.” Drew knew the one. Ben was a surprise performer, and Piper had joined him on stage. “She sent me a video of your performance. When I spoke with you on the phone, I hadn’t realized it was you. Can I get your autograph?” She slid a pad of paper across the desk.

  “Oh.” Piper’s cheeks reddened. “Um, sure.”

  As soon as she had the autograph, Lauren returned to her businesslike persona. “Okay, so tell me why I should shut down for an entire day on the whims of a rock star.”

  Drew leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “Because I can save your studio.”

  8

  Lola

  Because I can save your studio.

  Lola wasn’t sure what exactly she’d heard as she lurked outside Lauren’s office. She’d never felt more embarrassed than when she’d yelled at her idol. She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. Drew Stone was on the other side of that door.

  And he’d only remember her as the girl who kicked him out of the room.

  If he thought of her again at all.

  She’d been too shocked to do anything but yell. Every fan dreamed of meeting their idols, they imagine how it would go and what they’d say.

  No one plans to make a fool of themselves.

  Lola checked the time on her phone. She’d danced too long, and there wasn’t even time for a shower before she had to get to Tampa for class. But campus didn’t call to her, not in the way this place did.

  Before the last few days, she’d rarely ever missed class. Her mom instilled in her a strong work ethic, but did it matter if the work was for something she didn’t want?

  Inside the office, Lauren spoke. “You think we need saving?”

  When the rumble of Drew’s voice reached Lola’s ears, she sighed. “Your studio is in trouble.”

  An unfamiliar girl chimed in. “You’re behind on rent. Your classes aren’t full.”

  How did this girl know all of this?

  “We can help you,” Drew said. “All we need is one day, and we’ll pay you whatever your price is.”

  Irritation wound through Lola. She didn’t know what Drew Stone could possibly want with the studio, but he couldn’t throw money around and expect to get whatever he wanted. Checking the time once more, Lola slid her phone into the duffle at her feet. Class could wait.

  She barged into the room. “Don’t do it, Lauren. You know what tomorrow means to our kids.” On Fridays, the studio held after-school classes for at-risk kids from broken homes. It wasn’t about the dancing for them but just having somewhere safe to go.

  Lauren steepled her fingers, but all other eyes in the room fell on Lola. She wrapped her arms around herself and stepped back.

  “What’s tomorrow?” Drew’s bright eyes found hers, holding her in place.

  Breathe, Lo. Just breathe. He was just a human being. Sure, the human from the videos she obsessed over, but still just human—no different from her.

  But he was just so freaking beautiful.

  And talented.

  And, oh gosh, she was staring. She cleared her throat. “A program for at-risk kids, sir.” She cringed the moment the word was out of her mouth. Sir. Sir! Who was he? A knight of the crown? “I’m just going to go die now.” She turned on her heel and left the room behind, grabbing her duffel on her way down the hall. This was what happened when someone skipped class.

  This day: One.

  Lola: Zero.

  “Hey, wait up.” Footsteps sounded behind her as someone jogged to catch up.

  She didn’t stop until he grabbed her arm. Turning, she came face to face with Drew. His blue eyes surveyed her face as if trying to read her.

  Lola told herself she wouldn’t be intimidated. She knew Drew’s entire family.

  His lips twitched into a smile that turned her insides to goo. “Do I have something on my face?”

  She shook her head. “No, it’s just… I called you sir. I’m sorry.”

  His smile widened. “You should be. I’m not old enough to be a sir.”

  She knew exactly how old he was. “D-did you want something? I have to get to class.” She had no intention of going to class now. Instead, she’d head home and gorge herself on leftover enchiladas.

  So she liked to eat. Sue her. Take away her dance club membership.

  “Tell me about this class tomorrow.”

  She sucked in a breath to calm her heart. “Kids from across town come here after school. We have dance workshops but also crafts, games, and snacks. It’s really great.”

  “How many kids do you normally have?”

  “Thirty or so.” Lola’s work schedule at her other job had kept her from taking as big a role in the program as she used to.

  “Okay.”

  “Okay, what?”

  “We won’t try to convince Lauren to close down for the day.”

  Relief rushed through her. “Thank you.”

  “We do have another option. It’s not ideal, but do you know who my family is?”

  She didn’t understand why he was still talking to her. “Um, yes.” Of course she knew. She loved his family like they were her own.

  “My dad runs the Beach Club.”

  Her heart rate spiked. Of course, the Beach Club would be plan B, and she just so happened to be working all day tomorrow since she didn’t have Friday classes. “I know the place.”

  “It has ballrooms we can use.”

  She nodded, unsure what he expected from her.

  “Drew?” Lauren called from the doorway to her office.

  Drew’s eyes locked onto Lola’s. “Will I see you there?”

  She almost choked on a laugh. “What?”

  “Are you going to audition?”

  Her? Dance with him? She’d given up on her dancing dream a long time ago. “I’m not a dancer.”

  “That’s not what I saw.”

  “I’m just an instructor here. There’s sure to be plenty enough talent for you to choose from tomorrow.”

  He leaned in, his voice dropping. “I’m not only looking for talent.”

  Then, what was he looking for? He straightened and flashed her a smile. “You haven’t told me your name.”

  Lola shrugged and turned away, not letting herself fall into the depths of his gaze. “What’s the point? You’ll just forget it anyway.” She pulled her keys free of her bag and started walking, hearing the call of the saucy goo
dness of the enchiladas that would make her life make more sense. If just for a moment.

  She thought she imagined it, but two words followed her down the hall. “Not likely.”

  Hadn’t Lola had enough of Stone men lately?

  Her bed moving jostled her awake, and she knew who it was without opening her eyes. Only one other person ever came into her room without invitation.

  “Go away,” she groaned.

  “I’m tired of staying away.” Asher rested his head next to hers, and she opened her eyes.

  “Then, you should quit getting mad at me for stupid things.”

  He sighed his “Lola is being dramatic again” sigh. And she hated it. She also hated that she didn’t want him to go. Not having Asher around showed her how pathetic her life had become. She took classes she had no interest in, only occasionally saw her mom, and spent her evenings alone except with too much food. The only thing that made her happy was teaching dance classes.

  Dance classes. Crap! She sprang up, her eyes darting to the clock on her desk as panic soared through her. Drew was conducting auditions at the resort today. A resort she had to work at in half an hour.

  “I’m going to be late for work.” She jumped out of bed and dug through her drawers for black pants and a purple vest that were the ridiculous uniform.

  Asher chuckled. “Are you ever on time for anything?”

  “Yes,” she snapped.

  He sat up. “Slow down. My dad will understand. He’s probably busy setting up for Drew’s thing anyway.”

  The way he said his brother’s name irked her, but she let it go. She’d never understand whatever it was that made Asher dislike Drew so much. Maybe jealousy?

  “I need to change. Turn around.” She waited until Asher faced the headboard before stripping off her pajamas and shimmying into the pants. “What are you doing here, anyway?” She buttoned up her shirt, wishing she’d had time for a shower. “You can turn around.”

  Asher turned to face her. “Do I need an excuse to see my best friend?”