They were settling into a routine she loved. Andrew worked from home and had an open-door-at-the-house, knock-first-for-the-office policy with Lucas, who spent about half his afternoons there.
Susan kept busy with school—both teaching and attending. She was pretty sure the goofy grin she wore around Andrew would never fade.
We’re outside. Where are you? he asked.
Yup. There was that grin. Most of the girls exited through the back and side doors, heading toward the parking. Susan took a guess and headed for the front of the building instead.
“Susan, do you have a minute?” Grace’s familiar voice halted her.
Susan spun to face the director. Echoes of their last conversation tapped in her head. She blocked them out. She understood Grace’s reasons for not offering her the job, but that didn’t mean she liked them. There was also a risk she’d run into the same wall here, but she hoped to avoid it. “Sure. What can I do for you?”
“I saw part of your try-out. You’re amazing,” Grace said. “I’ll be honest. I don’t see dancers make this kind of turn-around very often.”
“Thank you. I have a fantastic teacher.”
Grace raised her brows. “Oh? Someone in the industry? Anyone I’d know?”
Susan swallowed a laugh. “In an industry, and if you’ve heard of him, you probably wouldn’t admit it in polite company.”
“Okay… The thing is there’s still the issue we discussed last time.”
“With Mr. Rice. Of course.” Susan kept her tone pleasant, despite the curses streaming inside. “I was hoping you could make this decision based on my skill, rather than his checkbook.”
“That’s not quite fair.”
Susan wasn’t interested in turning this into a guilt-trip. She expected her father’s money might come up and had a response. “Not to either of us. How about this? If you think I’m qualified—if his donation is the only thing holding you back—I’ll raise whatever financial support he pulls if he makes good on his threat. Put me on the phones. Plant me in the middle of pledge drives. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Andrew had offered to make up any donation needed. Susan told him the company could use the funding if he wanted to support them, but she wouldn’t use it as leverage. She refused to bribe her way into a job—even one she’d been blackmailed out of.
Susan tried not to hold her breath while Grace chewed the inside of her cheek, her brow furrowed.
“You’re right. I need to get input from everyone who led the auditions today, but I want you here. If you don’t hear from me by the end of the week, call me,” Grace said.
“I will. Thank you.” Susan held back a squeal. It was too early to celebrate, but that didn’t stop the party from kicking off in her brain. They said their goodbyes, and Grace disappeared back into the recesses of the building.
Despite the ample lighting in the studio, when Susan pushed outside, the glare of sun on concrete and snow made her blink several times until she adjusted.
“Hey, sexy. I was worried you changed your mind.” A pair of arms wrapped around her waist, and Andrew kissed the back of her neck.
She leaned into him. “No you weren’t. I bet you were too busy enjoying the view.”
“Nope. Kept my eyes closed the entire time. Made it hard to walk, but I have a good guide.”
“Hello.” Lucas waved. He stood a few feet away.
Susan returned the gesture. “In that case, I’m sorry I kept you waiting.”
Andrew squeezed her tight, before letting to go grab her hand. “You can make it up to me later.”
Lucas stuck his fingers in his ears. “It’s rude to talk about sex stuff. LALALALALA.”
Susan laughed, and Andrew rolled his eyes before tugging Lucas’s arms down. “We’re behaving,” Andrew said. “How’d it go?”
Susan related the conversation, not able to keep the anticipation from her voice. “I think I’m in. I hope I am.”
“Never doubted you for a second.” Andrew kissed her.
Lucas screwed up his face, then pulled at Susan’s free hand. “Come on.” He almost dragged her down the street. “We’re going for ice cream.”