Double Score

“True. We can sleep in for once.”

Our manager had emailed the schedule for tomorrow and our first photo shoot didn’t start until almost eleven. I had a vision of sleeping in and ordering room service. It sounded as if Heather was as tired as I was. We practiced four days a week, made charitable appearances, met early before games, and danced for four hours straight during the games. By the time the game was over, we were exhausted. Mondays were usually our days off, but not this time. We had to work.

It took a while for all of us to check in. It would have been nice if the squad had let us have our own rooms, but if I had to have a roommate, Heather was a good choice. I felt closer to her over the past month. She knew my secret about Sam, and even though we didn’t discuss what happened, it gave us an intangible connection.

She handed me the key card to the room. “What if we get in our PJs and have a romcom marathon and order some dinner?”

I smiled. “I love that idea. I don’t think I can muster up the energy to go out. I’m exhausted.”

“I call dibs on the shower.” She giggled, pretending to race me to the elevators.

I wished we were in a fancy hotel with big Jacuzzi tubs, but there was no way ownership would spring for that. The back of my leg was starting to ache. It usually did after a game. It was another reminder that I wasn’t ready for troupe auditions. The more I danced, the stronger I became. Sticking with the Goddesses had been good for me. It was increasing my stamina and my muscle awareness. I saw that now.

I followed Heather in the elevator and to our room. She took the bed closest to the window.

“Why don’t you look for the romance channel while I hop in the shower?”

“All right.” I picked up the remote and sat on the edge of the bed.

I was still wearing my Warriors traveling suit that marked us as the dance team when we were going to a game. The pants were tight, but stretchy, and the top zipped up over a sports bra.

I looked around the room when I heard the phone buzz. I leaned over a pile of pillows and grabbed the receiver.

“Hello?”

“Hello, this is the front desk.”

“Hi.”

“I have a delivery for a Ms. Dupont.”

“Me? What is it?” I couldn’t imagine what was at the desk. We hadn’t ordered food yet. “I’m not expecting anything. It might be for one of the other girls.”

“No, no. It specifically says Natalia Dupont.”

“Oh. Okay, I guess I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

“Thank you, Ms. Dupont.”

I hung up and knocked on the bathroom door. “Hey, Heather, I have to run down to the front desk to pick up something. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay, I’m almost finished,” she called through the door.

She had been in there at least fifteen minutes. I doubted she was in a rush to get out.

I picked up the second key card and shoved it in my jacket pocket. I tried to think of what was waiting for me downstairs as I rode the elevator to the lobby level.

As soon as the doors retracted, I knew. He didn’t have to turn around for me to recognize him.

Sam.

He must have heard the elevator ding because he spun around to face me.

I was afraid to approach him. My heart pounded. I was certain he’d be able to hear it. I froze next to the elevators.

Was it stupid that I wanted to run and jump in his arms? At the same time, I couldn’t move.

“Natalia.” His eyes lit up and it all came flooding back.