“Ready to fly?”
“I’m all packed.” I held up my bags. I smiled brightly.
“This is going to be amazing,” Heather helped me put my bag on the cart. “I love traveling.”
I put my arm around her shoulder. “Is there anything about being a Goddess you don’t love?” I teased.
“Not a thing,” she answered. “It’s the best job in the world.”
Presley puckered her lips and applied a layer of lipgloss. “The best. Why would you want to do anything else? We dance. We travel. The men love us.” She laughed.
I tried to keep a straight face. “That’s true.”
She smacked her lips together. “We know you want to go back to the ballet. But could you least pretend you’re having some fun?”
“You know what? I am having fun.” I giggled. “I appreciate what you all have done for me. I do.” I pulled them into a hug.
“Whoa, what’s gotten into you, honey?” Heather asked.
“Nothing. I just wanted you to know how much I love being a Goddess. Being a part of the team.”
Presley eyed Heather. “Is she drunk? Did I just hear her say that?”
“I’m not drunk.” My eyebrows rose.
“Ahh, there it is. That admonishing tone we love so much. Okay, it’s her.” Presley winked.
“I don’t admonish,” I argued.
They folded their arms and stared at me.
“Maybe a little bit. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t do that. It’s a very bad ballet habit.”
“You blame the ballet?” Heather wasn’t convinced. I actually felt a little hurt. I didn’t realize they thought of me that way.
“Yes. No. I don’t know. Madame Collette was very opinionated. And she practically raised me, so maybe a little of the dance snobbery rubbed off on me. Okay?”
They both smiled. “We’re just giving you a hard time, Natalia. We know it’s different being a Goddess. But we still love you.”
I sighed. “Thank God. I was starting to think you weren’t going to let me travel this weekend.”
“And mess up the halftime show? You’re crazy. Maybe she is drunk.” Presley still wasn’t convinced.
We climbed onto the bus together. It was a quick ride to the airport and from there, we would fly to DC.
For the first time I felt as if I had this all figured out.
I sent Sam a quick text.
Headed to the airport for DC. I’ll miss you.
I waited until my phone buzzed.
Don’t stay gone long.
I started to giggle and covered my mouth.
“Who are you texting over there?” Presley leaned over the seat.