Page 92 of Movers and Fakers

“Optimistically, I’d be a principal dancer in a well-respected company. Realistically, though, I can see myself dancing for a smaller company while working in a remote software development position.”

“You’d want to work once you’re married?” Renee asks.

“It seems this plan doesn’t include Hayes,” Truett says to his wife as though we aren’t sitting across from them.

I look at Hayes, widening my eyes. He jumps to the rescue.

“Our relationship is still new, so we haven’t talked about marriage yet.”

Yet. My brain shines a spotlight on that word. Was he saying that just for their sake?

“But this is the first time you’ve brought a girl to meet us,” Renee argues. “That must mean you’re serious.”

Hayes runs a hand through his hair.

“We are serious—”

“Then you should be talking about the future,” Truett says, butting in. “Honestly, Hayes, this is getting tiresome. We’ve let you have your fun, but you’re going to graduate soon. It’s time to be a man and make some decisions.”

I purse my lips to keep from frowning. The table goes quiet. Before anyone speaks again, our first course arrives. It’s then that I realize just how long tonight is going to be.

I place a hand over the one Hayes has placed on my knee and meet his gaze.

We’re in this together, I try to communicate. He gives me a weak smile in return that tells me he’s just hoping to make it out of here alive. Outlook: questionable.

Chapter forty-six

For The Better

Hayes Rosewood

I slump against the back seat of the town car with a sigh. Aurora’s head falls onto my shoulder.

“You were right,” she mumbles in a tired voice. “It was worse than I thought.”

I let out a low laugh, murmuring, “For once in my life, I don't like being right.”

“Who asks a person how attached they are to their childhood dreams?”

“My father,” I answer grimly.

Yes, he asked Aurora how set on becoming a principal dancer she was. As if she hadn’t already told him that she’d been in ballet since she was two. He was essentially asking if she’d give up her dreams for me, which I would never let her do. I told him as much and he backed off after that, but it was a tense few minutes.

“Well, it’s over now,” she sighs, snuggling into my side, tucking her feet underneath her, the heels she was wearing abandoned on the floorboard.

I wrap an arm around her and try to relax. This dinner is over, but it’s not the last one. Especially if I do decide to take over Rosewood Tech. My dad was clear when he pulled me aside once we finished eating: it’s time to make a choice. Take up the mantle or find my own way.

“Is there anything you want to do before we head back to the hotel?” I ask her to distract myself. “We’ll have some time to explore tomorrow before heading home, but there’s nothing like New York at night.”

Aurora hums. “Can we just go back to the hotel and get in our pajamas? I’ve had enough of people tonight.”

I smile at her sleepy tone.

“Whatever makes you happy, Princess. I’ll drop you off at your room.”

She sits up a little, meeting my eyes in the darkened car.

“I was thinking we could hang out for a little while longer. You can change, then meet back at my room?” There’s a soft vulnerability in her voice, and I know asking this isn’t easy for her.