Page 41 of Love You Still
“He told me that same thing,” Selina responds softly, her cheeks pinking slightly.
“Does that mean you are going to stay and teach us instead of going back to New York now that your injury is all healed?”
“I wouldn’t say it’sallhealed. I’ve regained my full range of motion. My physical therapist says I should only need a few more sessions, and I’ll be back to full strength.”
“Great,” I mumble, trying to fake enthusiasm but failing miserably.
“We’re happy for you, Aunt Selina. But what about us?” Jade questions, her eyes full of worry. “Will you close the dance studio again? Are you planning on leaving us?”
And there is the million-dollar question. I grip the steering wheel tightly as I wait to hear her answer. Selina must have a plan for what she’s going to do with the studio. I’m sure Ms. Cassandra might come back and teach a few classes when she’s available, but there is no one else. Emersyn could maybe teach one or two classes during the summer, but once classes startback at the university, her time will be limited. Besides, I doubt Selina would ask her to, anyway.
Selina has made no secret of her plans to go back to New York and dance, but we never once talked about what that meant for the studio or for us. On one hand, I’m elated that Selina will be able to dance again because I know that’s what she wants. But on the other hand, I know that means she’ll most likely leave town again soon. The question is for how long. I’m sure this is why she was so insistent on keeping her distance from me—her fears of what she might say if I asked her to stay. I need to make sure that she understands I don’t want to keep her here like a caged bird. I want to take this journey with her, no matter where it leads.
“We never know what the future holds, sweetie,” Selina whispers, glancing at me quickly before focusing out the window on the scenery passing by.
The air in the truck grows heavy, each one of us waiting for someone to speak. “Time to change the subject,” Love mutters, shifting toward Jade. “How much do you want to bet my mom is at your house?”
“That’s not a safe bet.” Jade rolls her eyes and then meets my gaze in the rearview mirror. “What do you think, Uncle Vance? Are Audrey and my dad together?”
“I don’t know.” I pretend to think, knowing the girls want nothing more than to be partners in crime forever. “Maybe. Maybe not. We can’t tell the future. But I know your dad is head over heels for Audrey.”
“I bet you a hundred bucks she’s at my house.” Jade winks at Love quickly before turning her attention back to me.
“You’re on,” I respond as we pull into Connor and Jade’s driveway.
“Hold on. You need to text Connor before we go inside.” Love leans forward between the seats, a huge smile covering her face.“I got a text from Aunt Bristol. She said to tell you to text Connor before we go into the house.”
Both girls giggle as they put their heads together and begin whispering to each other.
“I think you just got hustled.” Selina smiles at me as I pull out my phone and shoot him a text.
“It’s worth it.” I chuckle. “I don’t think these girls would survive walking in on their parents getting busy in the living room.”
I wait a few minutes for a response, but when one doesn’t come, I open my truck door and climb out.
“That was more than enough time for them to get presentable,” I announce as everyone else begins climbing out. I stride to the front door, knocking loudly before swinging it open. “Honey, we’re home!”
We all file into the house, stopping dead in our tracks when we find Connor and Audrey embracing on the couch. Audrey’s eyes widen in surprise as we round the corner, attempting to slide out of Connor’s lap, but he doesn’t budge.
“They better get used to seeing us together because I don’t plan on ever letting you go.” He chuckles as the girls squeal in delight as they see their parents wrapped in each other’s arms.
“I know we asked for this, but can we keep the PDA to a minimum in the house?” Jade makes a gagging noise before plopping down on the couch beside them.
“We are sitting on the couch,” Connor gripes, causing Love to giggle.
“Yes, but it might take a little getting used to.” Love leans over the back of the couch, wrapping her arms around both of them, pulling them in for a quick hug.
“You owe us a hundred bucks.” Love holds out her hand in my direction.
“Why?” Connor asks as he plants kisses on both girls’ cheeks. “Tell me you three didn’t bet on whether Audrey and I would get together.”
I chuckle. “We sure did. I owe them a hundred bucks, and Selina and I are going on a proper date. I call that a win for me.”
“It’s not a date,” Selina sputters, her cheeks turning a delicious shade of pink.
“I told you I had something to show you,” I whisper in her ear before pulling it between my teeth and nibbling softly on it. “If you still want to run away after that, I’ll take you home.”
Selina nods before stepping out of my embrace and walking toward the front door.