King of Campus

Then he says, “Everything happens for a reason.”

I almost choke on my own spit. Oh god… he’s been reduced to useless platitudes to try and bolster my spirits. I love him for it but I need to get away before I crack. “Okay,” I finally croak before pushing out of his arms, “I’ve got to go.”

“See you later, babe.” He looks troubled as his eyes continue searching mine. It’s like he knows I’m holding something back from him.

Barely can I lift my lips in response. It’s quickly that I wave goodbye before dashing inside the familiar corridors of McKinley Hall.

Once I make my way to the studio, I throw my bag in the corner before collapsing onto the floor. Drawing my knees up to my chest, I rest my head on them. Class doesn’t begin for another fifteen minutes. But already girls are warming up at the barre. I should be doing the same but my heart just isn’t in it today. Which is a first. Even my break up with Finn wasn’t enough to dampen my spirit to dance. In fact, that was one of the ways I worked through my heartache.

So what am I going to do?

Already I’m being eaten alive by regrets and I haven’t even officially turned down the position yet. I can only imagine how I’ll feel once I actually call Mr. Moliter and tell him I’ve changed my mind about joining the company.

Oh my god… who does that?

Seriously?

Who turns down such an incredible opportunity?

“Ivy?”

Lifting my head, I glance up at Eric. Concern is etched across his furrowed brow. I give him a small smile before resting my chin on my knees. Even though Eric is one of my favorite instructors, he’s the last person I want to discuss this situation with because I know he’s going to be really disappointed in me. And I don’t think I can stand that right now. “Hi.”

Arching a brow, he finally says, “I thought you would be riding on cloud nine. What’s going on? Have you spoken with your other professors yet? Are they going to allow you to finish up your courses?”

Not even for a moment does he consider that I won’t accept the offer to go to Cincinnati. I mean, we’re both dancers… You don’t turn down a professional opportunity. I’m suddenly wishing I hadn’t come early to class.

When I don’t immediately respond to his questions, he drops down on his haunches so we’re practically eye level. “Ivy, sweetie, what’s going on?” His tone is soft and gentle and so not what I need right now. Because any moment the dam is going to open and I’ll be powerless to stop it from all pouring out.

“If some of your professors aren’t willing to work with you, let me know and I’ll try talking with them myself. This is way too amazing of an opportunity to just throw away. I know how hard you’ve worked this semester to keep your grades up. I’m sure we can work something out.”

For whatever reason, his words have tears instantly filling my eyes. Inhaling a shaky breath, I finally force out what needs to be said. Because sooner or later, I’m going to have to tell him. “I’ve decided not to accept the position.”

“What?” His eyes grow wide and his face slackens. He looks completely shocked. It would actually be comical if the situation didn’t suck so much. There’s about twenty seconds of stereo silence before he finally says, “What do you mean you’re not going?” He almost starts laughing except there’s a sharp glint in his pale blue eyes. “Of course you’re going! This is an incredible opportunity, Ivy. It’s not just going to come around again.”

Unable to hold his eyes, I glance away before finally whispering, “I can’t do it. I’m not ready for this.”

His face hardens before he accuses, “This has everything to do with that guy you’re seeing.” He actually rolls his eyes while shaking his head as if I couldn’t be any more ridiculous than I apparently am. As if, in the blink of an eye, he’s lost all respect for me. Which stings.

The guy won me over from the very first moment I walked into his studio freshman year. He’s hard core and demanding. He expects perfection from his dancers. But he also knows how to tease out a student’s talent with a mixture of constructive criticism and praise. “That football player.”

Not sure what to say, I lick my suddenly dry lips. But I have to say something because Eric is just staring at me with so much frustration simmering in his eyes. It only makes me feel worse. “That’s part of it,” I hedge, “But, I… I don’t know if I’m ready to just pick up my life and move to Cincinnati. Not right now.”