The Rhythm of Life: Part Twenty-Nine
Now with more smexy times and breaking of the fourth wall! Huzzah!
His palms were sweating profusely and he found it difficult to catch his breath. Edmond knew the butler was casting him dubious looks over his shoulder, and that made him even more uncomfortable.
The walk to Lord Teasdale’s office was the longest of his life, and he hadn’t even been able to see Sylvia beforehand. The butler knocked on the door, a muffled ‘enter’ sounded on the other side, and he was all but shoved inside.
“Edmond, sit.” He did as he was told, all the more nervous for how calm the older man seemed. “I’ve asked you here for two reasons.”
“Yes, sir.”
“First is business.” Lord Teasdale shuffled some papers on his desk. “Sylvia has decided that she would use some of her trust fund for a business transaction, an investment. Do you know about this?”
“I do not, sir.” Edmond furrowed his brows, unconsciously leaning forward in his chair to figure out what it could be.
“She has heard that Mr. Ryan may be offering up his share of the Elysian. Is that correct?”
“Yes, sir. Kam--”
“I don’t need details, just that is enough.” He plunked off his glasses and looked at Edmond. “Sylvia has gotten it into her mind that she will buy him out.”
“She what?” Edmond blinked several times in shock.
“You really didn’t know, good that makes this all the better.” Lord Teasdale replaced his glasses, smiling softly. “I, of course, can’t stop Sylvia from investing her trust fund if she chooses, but there was another part of the deal that would involve me.”
“I’m sorry, sir. I am very lost right now.”
“Sylvia is asking me to loan her a good deal of money, I believe she wishes to ensure her investment will do well? It seems she’s concerned about how much debt the studio is in. Now the reason why I asked you here to discuss this, is because I’m curious if you think that Mr. Ryan would agree to all of this?”
“Honestly? I don’t think Kam will like it, he is a proud man, but he has little choice. And it’s rather a good plan,” he said, still stunned.
“Good, that settles that then.” Lord Teasdale sighed a few pieces of paper then gathered them up, putting them in a folder. “We’ll see everything gets carried out quickly.”
“Now,” he focused on Edmond again. “The second reason I called you here is a bit more personal.”
Edmond steeled himself, ready for the anger or threats or any number of things Lord Teasdale might say or do regarding his relationship with Sylvia.
“There’s been a fair bit of drama, and I don’t know if it’s miscommunications or misunderstandings, but it appears to be all sorted out now.” Teasdale shook his head, leaning back in his chair with his fingers steepled. “So I will cut to the chase my boy: what exactly are your intentions with my daughter?”
Letting out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, Edmond met Lord Teasdale’s gaze across the desk. “I realize now what you must think, how it must seem. I do not know if I can do anything to truly disperse the worries I’m sure you have. All I can say is that over the these last few months that I’ve spent with Sylvia, I have grown to care for her a very great deal, and that caring has blossomed into love. I’m sure you think we’re young and impetuous, and heaven knows what you think of me. But sir, I will swear to you now, that for as long as she will have me, I will treat your daughter the greatest care and respect. She is a very special person, not just to me, but to everyone who knows her, and I never wish to hurt her.”
“Good answer,” Lord Teasdale managed before his office door burst open, and Sylvia rushed inside. She grinned widely as she threw her arms around Edmond’s neck, but he could only sit in shock as her cheek pressed against his.
Lord Teasdale smiled at them and rose from his chair. As he past them he gave Edmond’s shoulder a little squeeze. “I’ll give you a moment alone.”
“What do you think of my plan?” Sylvia asked when her father had left.
“It’s wonderful, I don’t even know how to say…?”
“I just want everyone to be happy. I think this works.”
“I think so, too.” He looked up at her, reaching out to caress her cheek. “Je t'aime,” he murmured.
Sylvia grinned at him widely, her face glowing and her eyes dancing. “I love you, too,” she whispered before he slipped his hand to the back of her neck and tugged her down for a kiss.
***
Jaden wasn’t sure if calling to tell Mina about the WDSF’s ruling would do any good, but he was sure it wouldn’t hurt. Life was too short for Kam to continue being an idiot; and he should know, he’d spent the good part of two years being one.
As he sat in his living room, exhaustion seemed to descend upon him, settling on his shoulders like a cloak. The last two weeks he, like his brothers, had been in a constant state of worry, panic, and stress. The future of the studio was still uncertain, but they would do what they could. Just continue working and hope for the best, he told himself.
But the worst of all was that he had barely seen Ramona since the dust had settled at Blackpool. Between dealing with the judges and the WDSF they hadn’t had much time together, then she had left for Spain to settle her affairs, and straighten out certain details with her father.
They’d spoken on the phone, but only about business, nothing to do with what was going on between them. They’d shared a few words at Blackpool before all hell had broken loose, and there were certain known facts, an understanding, but no real discussion. They were saving that until they were both in the same room again.
Jaden figured he should call her now; tell her the news and see when she might be returning, but he was pulled from his thoughts by a knock on his door. Heaving himself up from his sofa, he meandered to the door, feet heavy.
He was surprised, but pleased, to find Ramona on the other side, dressed in a black trench coat with oversized sunglasses and her hair down. She stood with one leg crossed over the other, a large black tote in hand.
“You’re back?”
She laughed softly and took off her sunglasses, shaking her hair back from her face as she settled them on top of her head. “I am.”
“For good?”
“For good.” She nodded and reached up to brush back his hair from his face, letting her fingers trail down his cheek. “How are things here? You look tired.”
“The verdict is in.”
“And?” she prompted.
“Kam is officially done; his instructors license is revoked, and he is blacklisted from ever competing again.”
“What about the studio?”
“Zander and I are going to buy out his share, get his name off the paperwork.” Jaden sagged a bit. “It’s just so wrong, Mona, that was always his thing... his baby; Zander and I just went along for the ride.”
“You’re doing what needs to be done, he’s losing it in name, not in spirit.”
Jaden sighed and nodded slowly. “What about you? Things work out okay with your dad?”
“Well enough.” She let out a breath, bobbing her head. “Everything is packed and gone from the house in Zaragoza, the crates will be arriving in London within the week. My father didn’t even put up a fight; he even handed me a check for the money he’d set aside from competitions. So as of right now, I am a moderately wealthy woman.”
“Oh, does that mean I get to be a kept man? I could get on board for that.”
“First you have to let me inside.” She jerked her chin at the door.
“Oh, right.” Jaden rubbed the back of his neck and stepped aside, letting her enter the flat. Shutting the door he watched as she sat down her bag by the entry, and shrugged out of her coat, tossing it over the back of his sofa with her sunglasses.
She turned toward him, eyebrows lowered and a pout on her lips. “I’m hungry; I don’t like plane food.”
“You want me to cook for you?” She nodded slowly, biting her lower lip.
“But you do realize without your father’s money you’re going to have to learn to do these things for yourself, not always rely on some hired hand to do it for you.”
“You bastard, I know how to cook!” She shoved his shoulder. “I just happen to remember that you actually enjoy it.”
“Okay, fine.“ He sighed dramatically, spreading his hands. “I’ll cook for you, stop begging.” As he headed to the kitchen Ramona slapped his ass, and he turned back with wide eyes. “You can’t sexually harass the help, there are laws,” he stressed.
Ramona rolled her eyes and slipped her arms around his waist, leaning her head on his shoulder. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.” He rested his chin on top of her head, drawing her close. He was tempted to kiss her, but instead pulled back and led her into the kitchen. She sat down on a stool at the small island in the center of the room, watching him as he gathered ingredients.
“Nothing fancy today, I need to go to the market… but how ‘bout pasta Carbonara?”
“Fine.” She leaned her elbows on the counter, cupping her cheeks in her hands. Jaden picked out the supplies, throwing them onto the counter by the refrigerator. “I guess I have to bring it up then?” she said have a moment.
He looked at her over his shoulder, “I was gonna let you eat first.”
“Well, we are going to try this, aren’t we? Being a couple?”
“I was hoping….” Jaden lifted his shoulder, giving her a teasing smirk.
“Estúpido,“ she said laughingly, picking up a grape from the fruit bowl on the island and chucking it at his head.
“Abusing the help now? I should file a report.”
They fell into silence as Jaden prepared the meal with Ramona watching intently. The room soon filled with the scent of cooking bacon, and sizzling onions. He whipped together a decadent cream sauce, adding it to the pasta and meat and onions, along with fresh zucchini.
He plated it up, tossed the pans in the sink, and sat the concoction before Ramona; she leaned over it taking a deep breath, eyes closed. Jaden grinned at her, meaning to finish cleaning up, but she grabbed his wrist.
“Sit with me,” she asked, batting her eyes.
Jaden nodded and sat down on the stool next to her, watching as she took a bite of the pasta, relishing it.
“Good then?” She licked her lips slowly and nodded. Twisting her fork in the pasta she held up a bite for him. Jaden leaned in to take the bite, but she pulled it back slowly, making him lean forward more.
“Tease.” Ramona laughed, deep and throaty, and let him have the bite. “Not bad,” he shrugged.
They didn’t speak for a moment, the only sound in the kitchen was Ramona making throaty noises as she ate. Jaden shifted rather uncomfortably in his seat and fixed Ramona with a shrewd gaze.
“You’re doing that on purpose.”
“What?” She fringed shock. “I’m just enjoying my meal.”
“Mmhmm,” he grunted, trying to keep his mind clear of certain thoughts. As she finished the pasta she got up to deposit the plate in the sink and returned to Jaden’s side. Instead of sitting on the stool again she slipped up onto the countertop, nearly right in front of him, legs crossed and her skirt riding up slightly.
“I’ve been in contact with a lovely woman who is willing to rent out her Brownstone to me, unfortunately things won’t be ready for a few days,” Ramona said lightly. “And it seems in all my haste to leave Spain I forgot to book myself a hotel room.”
“Is that so?” Jaden wetted his lips and looked up at Ramona’s face. “Bit of a problem, that.”
“If only I knew some kind soul who might take pity on me? Perhaps let me stay with him until things are finalized with the rental.”
Jaden rose slowly from his seat as Ramona shifted, uncrossing her legs, the skirt riding up a bit higher, exposing long, tanned legs.
“Well,” Jaden said slowly, inching closer to her, his fingers raking up her calves. “Kam has plenty of room at his place, I’m sure he’d be more than happy to put you up.”
“I did always like Kam.” Ramona’s hands trailed over his arms and shoulders, going to lace behind his neck, pulling him closer.
“Or,” he drawled, fingers brushing her thighs. “You could stay with me.”
Ramona giggled, hooked one leg around his hip and tugged him down for a kiss. It was deep and heated, her fingers digging into his hair as he ran his hands over her thighs and hips. Tiling her head, Ramona slowly leaned back, pulling Jaden with her. Hands braced on the countertop he leaned over her, as both her legs wrapped around his waist.
There was a frantic moment as they fought against buttons and zippers, the fruit bowl on the island clattering to the floor in the process, but neither of them sparing it a single thought. All that matter in that moment was the feel of skin on skin, searing kisses, and the beat of their hearts.
***
There had never been a single meeting in the history of the Elysian Dance Studio that Kam hadn’t called himself, so as he sat in the main room, he couldn’t help but have a tingling sense of worry creep up his spine.
Once everyone was gathered he turned on Edmond and arched an eyebrow. “What’s all this then?”
“Sylvia as a proposition.” Edmond grinned at the petite blonde, and she carefully moved to the middle of the room.
“Kameron, I’m not sure what all you’ll think, but I want to buy out your share of the studio instead of Jaden and Zander.”
“I’m sorry?” Kam glanced toward Edmond, who only nodded encouragingly. Everyone else seemed just as lost as he was.
“I’ll buy your share of the studio, but considering I know next to nothing about dance or running a business, I was thinking I would be a silent partner… perhaps have someone to help run things in my stead. Someone who knows the ins and outs of Elysian -- someone like you.” She gestured toward Kam.
“You’re mad.”
“No, I’m serious!” Sylvia nodded. “And I know there are other troubles, I can’t have my new company failing, so my father is willing to offer me a loan in order to pay off the debts and make renovations.”
Kam gawked at Sylvia for a moment, then glanced toward Mina at his side, who seemed utterly pleased with this turn of events, then toward Edmond.
“Did you have anything to do with this?”
Edmond held up his hands. “It is all on her.”
He turned back toward Sylvia. “But how can we pay back this loan? I can’t let you sink because you’re trying to be kind.”
“I’m not trying to be kind, I want to do this. As for the loan... well, I was able to get a bit of information from Edmond and Jaden and Zander, and I think if the studio can pay off its debt and get the fixes it needs, it would do wonders. You could make the studio exactly what you’ve always wanted, expand it. After all that’s settled, daddy and I plan on recommending the Elysian to society people. Think of all the private lessons, all the young ladies wishing to learn for their coming out, all the debutantes. It will be perfect!”
Kam ran a finger down the bridge of his nose, thinking things over. Without looking up, he lifted his free hand. “What does everyone think of this?”
“It sounds kinda great,” Zander said.
“I agree.” Jaden shrugged. “Good on ya, Sylvia.”
“Kam don’t be stubborn… or stupid.” Mina leaned in close to his side and took his hand in both of hers. “It’s a perfect solution and you know it.”
“That’s the thing, it’s a little too perfect.”
“Someone out there loves you, Kam!” Zander teased.
“It’s like someone is writing my life and they decided to be nice about everything.”
“Or maybe they just realized you’ve been through enough shit and thought it was time to fix things.” Zander shrugged, spreading his hands.
“Alright.” Kam looked up at Sylvia and extended his hand. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
She giggled, clapping happily as she bounced in place. Instead of shaking his hand she bent down and gave him a bear hug.
----
BUT WAIT! There's still an epilogue... you'll get that.. sometime... :P
His palms were sweating profusely and he found it difficult to catch his breath. Edmond knew the butler was casting him dubious looks over his shoulder, and that made him even more uncomfortable.
The walk to Lord Teasdale’s office was the longest of his life, and he hadn’t even been able to see Sylvia beforehand. The butler knocked on the door, a muffled ‘enter’ sounded on the other side, and he was all but shoved inside.
“Edmond, sit.” He did as he was told, all the more nervous for how calm the older man seemed. “I’ve asked you here for two reasons.”
“Yes, sir.”
“First is business.” Lord Teasdale shuffled some papers on his desk. “Sylvia has decided that she would use some of her trust fund for a business transaction, an investment. Do you know about this?”
“I do not, sir.” Edmond furrowed his brows, unconsciously leaning forward in his chair to figure out what it could be.
“She has heard that Mr. Ryan may be offering up his share of the Elysian. Is that correct?”
“Yes, sir. Kam--”
“I don’t need details, just that is enough.” He plunked off his glasses and looked at Edmond. “Sylvia has gotten it into her mind that she will buy him out.”
“She what?” Edmond blinked several times in shock.
“You really didn’t know, good that makes this all the better.” Lord Teasdale replaced his glasses, smiling softly. “I, of course, can’t stop Sylvia from investing her trust fund if she chooses, but there was another part of the deal that would involve me.”
“I’m sorry, sir. I am very lost right now.”
“Sylvia is asking me to loan her a good deal of money, I believe she wishes to ensure her investment will do well? It seems she’s concerned about how much debt the studio is in. Now the reason why I asked you here to discuss this, is because I’m curious if you think that Mr. Ryan would agree to all of this?”
“Honestly? I don’t think Kam will like it, he is a proud man, but he has little choice. And it’s rather a good plan,” he said, still stunned.
“Good, that settles that then.” Lord Teasdale sighed a few pieces of paper then gathered them up, putting them in a folder. “We’ll see everything gets carried out quickly.”
“Now,” he focused on Edmond again. “The second reason I called you here is a bit more personal.”
Edmond steeled himself, ready for the anger or threats or any number of things Lord Teasdale might say or do regarding his relationship with Sylvia.
“There’s been a fair bit of drama, and I don’t know if it’s miscommunications or misunderstandings, but it appears to be all sorted out now.” Teasdale shook his head, leaning back in his chair with his fingers steepled. “So I will cut to the chase my boy: what exactly are your intentions with my daughter?”
Letting out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, Edmond met Lord Teasdale’s gaze across the desk. “I realize now what you must think, how it must seem. I do not know if I can do anything to truly disperse the worries I’m sure you have. All I can say is that over the these last few months that I’ve spent with Sylvia, I have grown to care for her a very great deal, and that caring has blossomed into love. I’m sure you think we’re young and impetuous, and heaven knows what you think of me. But sir, I will swear to you now, that for as long as she will have me, I will treat your daughter the greatest care and respect. She is a very special person, not just to me, but to everyone who knows her, and I never wish to hurt her.”
“Good answer,” Lord Teasdale managed before his office door burst open, and Sylvia rushed inside. She grinned widely as she threw her arms around Edmond’s neck, but he could only sit in shock as her cheek pressed against his.
Lord Teasdale smiled at them and rose from his chair. As he past them he gave Edmond’s shoulder a little squeeze. “I’ll give you a moment alone.”
“What do you think of my plan?” Sylvia asked when her father had left.
“It’s wonderful, I don’t even know how to say…?”
“I just want everyone to be happy. I think this works.”
“I think so, too.” He looked up at her, reaching out to caress her cheek. “Je t'aime,” he murmured.
Sylvia grinned at him widely, her face glowing and her eyes dancing. “I love you, too,” she whispered before he slipped his hand to the back of her neck and tugged her down for a kiss.
***
Jaden wasn’t sure if calling to tell Mina about the WDSF’s ruling would do any good, but he was sure it wouldn’t hurt. Life was too short for Kam to continue being an idiot; and he should know, he’d spent the good part of two years being one.
As he sat in his living room, exhaustion seemed to descend upon him, settling on his shoulders like a cloak. The last two weeks he, like his brothers, had been in a constant state of worry, panic, and stress. The future of the studio was still uncertain, but they would do what they could. Just continue working and hope for the best, he told himself.
But the worst of all was that he had barely seen Ramona since the dust had settled at Blackpool. Between dealing with the judges and the WDSF they hadn’t had much time together, then she had left for Spain to settle her affairs, and straighten out certain details with her father.
They’d spoken on the phone, but only about business, nothing to do with what was going on between them. They’d shared a few words at Blackpool before all hell had broken loose, and there were certain known facts, an understanding, but no real discussion. They were saving that until they were both in the same room again.
Jaden figured he should call her now; tell her the news and see when she might be returning, but he was pulled from his thoughts by a knock on his door. Heaving himself up from his sofa, he meandered to the door, feet heavy.
He was surprised, but pleased, to find Ramona on the other side, dressed in a black trench coat with oversized sunglasses and her hair down. She stood with one leg crossed over the other, a large black tote in hand.
“You’re back?”
She laughed softly and took off her sunglasses, shaking her hair back from her face as she settled them on top of her head. “I am.”
“For good?”
“For good.” She nodded and reached up to brush back his hair from his face, letting her fingers trail down his cheek. “How are things here? You look tired.”
“The verdict is in.”
“And?” she prompted.
“Kam is officially done; his instructors license is revoked, and he is blacklisted from ever competing again.”
“What about the studio?”
“Zander and I are going to buy out his share, get his name off the paperwork.” Jaden sagged a bit. “It’s just so wrong, Mona, that was always his thing... his baby; Zander and I just went along for the ride.”
“You’re doing what needs to be done, he’s losing it in name, not in spirit.”
Jaden sighed and nodded slowly. “What about you? Things work out okay with your dad?”
“Well enough.” She let out a breath, bobbing her head. “Everything is packed and gone from the house in Zaragoza, the crates will be arriving in London within the week. My father didn’t even put up a fight; he even handed me a check for the money he’d set aside from competitions. So as of right now, I am a moderately wealthy woman.”
“Oh, does that mean I get to be a kept man? I could get on board for that.”
“First you have to let me inside.” She jerked her chin at the door.
“Oh, right.” Jaden rubbed the back of his neck and stepped aside, letting her enter the flat. Shutting the door he watched as she sat down her bag by the entry, and shrugged out of her coat, tossing it over the back of his sofa with her sunglasses.
She turned toward him, eyebrows lowered and a pout on her lips. “I’m hungry; I don’t like plane food.”
“You want me to cook for you?” She nodded slowly, biting her lower lip.
“But you do realize without your father’s money you’re going to have to learn to do these things for yourself, not always rely on some hired hand to do it for you.”
“You bastard, I know how to cook!” She shoved his shoulder. “I just happen to remember that you actually enjoy it.”
“Okay, fine.“ He sighed dramatically, spreading his hands. “I’ll cook for you, stop begging.” As he headed to the kitchen Ramona slapped his ass, and he turned back with wide eyes. “You can’t sexually harass the help, there are laws,” he stressed.
Ramona rolled her eyes and slipped her arms around his waist, leaning her head on his shoulder. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.” He rested his chin on top of her head, drawing her close. He was tempted to kiss her, but instead pulled back and led her into the kitchen. She sat down on a stool at the small island in the center of the room, watching him as he gathered ingredients.
“Nothing fancy today, I need to go to the market… but how ‘bout pasta Carbonara?”
“Fine.” She leaned her elbows on the counter, cupping her cheeks in her hands. Jaden picked out the supplies, throwing them onto the counter by the refrigerator. “I guess I have to bring it up then?” she said have a moment.
He looked at her over his shoulder, “I was gonna let you eat first.”
“Well, we are going to try this, aren’t we? Being a couple?”
“I was hoping….” Jaden lifted his shoulder, giving her a teasing smirk.
“Estúpido,“ she said laughingly, picking up a grape from the fruit bowl on the island and chucking it at his head.
“Abusing the help now? I should file a report.”
They fell into silence as Jaden prepared the meal with Ramona watching intently. The room soon filled with the scent of cooking bacon, and sizzling onions. He whipped together a decadent cream sauce, adding it to the pasta and meat and onions, along with fresh zucchini.
He plated it up, tossed the pans in the sink, and sat the concoction before Ramona; she leaned over it taking a deep breath, eyes closed. Jaden grinned at her, meaning to finish cleaning up, but she grabbed his wrist.
“Sit with me,” she asked, batting her eyes.
Jaden nodded and sat down on the stool next to her, watching as she took a bite of the pasta, relishing it.
“Good then?” She licked her lips slowly and nodded. Twisting her fork in the pasta she held up a bite for him. Jaden leaned in to take the bite, but she pulled it back slowly, making him lean forward more.
“Tease.” Ramona laughed, deep and throaty, and let him have the bite. “Not bad,” he shrugged.
They didn’t speak for a moment, the only sound in the kitchen was Ramona making throaty noises as she ate. Jaden shifted rather uncomfortably in his seat and fixed Ramona with a shrewd gaze.
“You’re doing that on purpose.”
“What?” She fringed shock. “I’m just enjoying my meal.”
“Mmhmm,” he grunted, trying to keep his mind clear of certain thoughts. As she finished the pasta she got up to deposit the plate in the sink and returned to Jaden’s side. Instead of sitting on the stool again she slipped up onto the countertop, nearly right in front of him, legs crossed and her skirt riding up slightly.
“I’ve been in contact with a lovely woman who is willing to rent out her Brownstone to me, unfortunately things won’t be ready for a few days,” Ramona said lightly. “And it seems in all my haste to leave Spain I forgot to book myself a hotel room.”
“Is that so?” Jaden wetted his lips and looked up at Ramona’s face. “Bit of a problem, that.”
“If only I knew some kind soul who might take pity on me? Perhaps let me stay with him until things are finalized with the rental.”
Jaden rose slowly from his seat as Ramona shifted, uncrossing her legs, the skirt riding up a bit higher, exposing long, tanned legs.
“Well,” Jaden said slowly, inching closer to her, his fingers raking up her calves. “Kam has plenty of room at his place, I’m sure he’d be more than happy to put you up.”
“I did always like Kam.” Ramona’s hands trailed over his arms and shoulders, going to lace behind his neck, pulling him closer.
“Or,” he drawled, fingers brushing her thighs. “You could stay with me.”
Ramona giggled, hooked one leg around his hip and tugged him down for a kiss. It was deep and heated, her fingers digging into his hair as he ran his hands over her thighs and hips. Tiling her head, Ramona slowly leaned back, pulling Jaden with her. Hands braced on the countertop he leaned over her, as both her legs wrapped around his waist.
There was a frantic moment as they fought against buttons and zippers, the fruit bowl on the island clattering to the floor in the process, but neither of them sparing it a single thought. All that matter in that moment was the feel of skin on skin, searing kisses, and the beat of their hearts.
***
There had never been a single meeting in the history of the Elysian Dance Studio that Kam hadn’t called himself, so as he sat in the main room, he couldn’t help but have a tingling sense of worry creep up his spine.
Once everyone was gathered he turned on Edmond and arched an eyebrow. “What’s all this then?”
“Sylvia as a proposition.” Edmond grinned at the petite blonde, and she carefully moved to the middle of the room.
“Kameron, I’m not sure what all you’ll think, but I want to buy out your share of the studio instead of Jaden and Zander.”
“I’m sorry?” Kam glanced toward Edmond, who only nodded encouragingly. Everyone else seemed just as lost as he was.
“I’ll buy your share of the studio, but considering I know next to nothing about dance or running a business, I was thinking I would be a silent partner… perhaps have someone to help run things in my stead. Someone who knows the ins and outs of Elysian -- someone like you.” She gestured toward Kam.
“You’re mad.”
“No, I’m serious!” Sylvia nodded. “And I know there are other troubles, I can’t have my new company failing, so my father is willing to offer me a loan in order to pay off the debts and make renovations.”
Kam gawked at Sylvia for a moment, then glanced toward Mina at his side, who seemed utterly pleased with this turn of events, then toward Edmond.
“Did you have anything to do with this?”
Edmond held up his hands. “It is all on her.”
He turned back toward Sylvia. “But how can we pay back this loan? I can’t let you sink because you’re trying to be kind.”
“I’m not trying to be kind, I want to do this. As for the loan... well, I was able to get a bit of information from Edmond and Jaden and Zander, and I think if the studio can pay off its debt and get the fixes it needs, it would do wonders. You could make the studio exactly what you’ve always wanted, expand it. After all that’s settled, daddy and I plan on recommending the Elysian to society people. Think of all the private lessons, all the young ladies wishing to learn for their coming out, all the debutantes. It will be perfect!”
Kam ran a finger down the bridge of his nose, thinking things over. Without looking up, he lifted his free hand. “What does everyone think of this?”
“It sounds kinda great,” Zander said.
“I agree.” Jaden shrugged. “Good on ya, Sylvia.”
“Kam don’t be stubborn… or stupid.” Mina leaned in close to his side and took his hand in both of hers. “It’s a perfect solution and you know it.”
“That’s the thing, it’s a little too perfect.”
“Someone out there loves you, Kam!” Zander teased.
“It’s like someone is writing my life and they decided to be nice about everything.”
“Or maybe they just realized you’ve been through enough shit and thought it was time to fix things.” Zander shrugged, spreading his hands.
“Alright.” Kam looked up at Sylvia and extended his hand. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
She giggled, clapping happily as she bounced in place. Instead of shaking his hand she bent down and gave him a bear hug.
----
BUT WAIT! There's still an epilogue... you'll get that.. sometime... :P