Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal

* * *

"Maddy! What are you doing here?" Rebecca asked incredulously,

looking up from the turntable that was set up on one end of the large,

hardwood floor. Behind her, the rest of the dance team lined up in

formation, with the studio's receptionist taking Madeline's place in front

of Scott.

"Ugh! Don't ask! Do you mind if I practice today? I'm so mad I have

to burn off some energy!"

"Of course you can practice, sweetie!" Rebecca placed an arm about

her as they joined the rest of the group.

* * *

"Kel, you've got to be kidding me!" Maddy exclaimed.

"No honey, I'm not I swear. He's on line one. Do you want me to

just take a message?"

"Nah, let's see what Mark Donnelly has to say for himself!"

"Madeline?" he responded to her curt greeting.

"Yes, Mark. What can I do for you?"

"Uh, I just wanted to see if you were going to the business card

exchange tonight at the Colony Hotel on Atlantic Avenue."

"I'm aware of it, but I'm not going. I have dance rehearsal tonight."

Her tone remained firm and polite, though inside she was seething. He had

some nerve contacting her after leading her on and ruining her weekend!"Oh, sorry I won't see you there," he replied. "You know, I heard you

were in the building the other day; you should've stopped by to see me!"

Was this guy serious?

"Well I was there to see Isabella on official business; I didn't have

time for anything else."

"Ok, well if you're plans change tonight, maybe I'll see you?"

"No, I doubt it," she shot him down. "I also have to practice my solo.

And I still have a lot to wrap up here before I can leave for the studio.

Enjoy the card exchange."

With that, she returned the receiver to its cradle, confident she'd just

had her final conversation with this untrustworthy master of mixed

signals.