Page 51 of Movers and Fakers

“Rory, did you not tell him?” Andrea’s tone is scolding.

“It’s not a big deal, Mom. He doesn’t need to be there.”

“It is a big deal!” Andrea disagrees, then turns her attention to me. “Aurora teaches ballet to elementary-aged girls, and they have a little recital next weekend. The little ones will be performing, but Aurora has a solo she’s performing.”

I want to say that I’ll be there, but with how Aurora’s been all night, I don’t want to risk pushing her away. Even if I’d love to see her in her element.

“I’ll have to see if I can make it,” I say, doing my best to sound noncommittal.

Andrea smiles like I’ve said yes.

“I hope you can! I’ll save you a seat next to me in case you do.”

“You won’t be able to hear any of the music over the sound of her crying,” Eric jokes. “She sobs like a baby any time Aurora performs.”

“Oh, hush,” Andrea huffs at her son. “I can’t help that she looks like an angel up on stage. And every time I see her dance I just picture my sweet little girl asking for her first pair of ballet slippers.”

Aurora pops up out of her seat. “I need to grab a few things from my room to take back to campus before we go.”

“Do you need help finding anything?” Andrea starts to stand.

“No, I’m good,” Aurora replies, and leaves the room in a flash.

I stare at my dessert, torn between going after her and giving her space. It’s clear she was uncomfortable with the conversation.

“She can be so shy and closed off sometimes.” Andrea sighs. “That’s why I think you’ll be so good for her. I’ve never seen her as relaxed as she is with you.”

If this is a relaxed version of Aurora, what is a regular one? I can take satisfaction in recalling a few times tonight where I held her hand and felt her muscles loosen a little, but I wouldn’t go so far as to call her relaxed.

I don’t reply, not sure how to respond.

Andrea continues, “Just be patient with our girl—”

“Andy,” Rob warns, setting a hand on her knee.

Andrea purses her lips but doesn’t say anything more. I take this as both an opportunity and a sign to go after Aurora.

“If it’s all right, I’m going to see if she needs any help.”

“That’s perfectly all right,” Andrea chirps, her eyes sparkling. “Her bedroom is at the end of the hall.”

I set my bowl down on the coffee table next to a family photo album I’d really like to flip through one day, and head down the nearest hallway. Aurora’s door is open, but no light spills out. When I reach the doorway, I can’t help but smile at the sight that greets me.

Even in the dark, I can tell the room is fit for a princess. The bed Aurora is lying on is blanketed in pink ruffles. Her dresser is covered in ballet trophies and trinkets. The walls have a rosy hue illuminated by nothing but moonlight from the window and tiny glow-in-the-dark stars stuck to the ceiling.

Without a word, I walk over and fall down on the bed next to her.

Chapter twenty-five

Beneath The Stars

Aurora Driscoll

Hayes Rosewood is lying on my bed.

Hayes Rosewood is lying next to me, on my bed that’s covered in ruffles, and beneath those ruffles are sheets printed with Sleeping Beauty characters. I stare up at the faded glow-in-the-dark stars on my ceiling and wonder how I ended up here.

“You teach ballet?” he asks in a low voice.