I know… totally crazy.
“Yes, I do.” For just a moment he shifts uncomfortably under my stare. Like he’s not quite sure how to broach what needs to be said. Which is definitely weird…
Before he can say anything, I ask, “Is something wrong with Ivy?” Even I can hear the threads of concern weaving their way through my words. I mean, why the hell else would this guy be here? “Is she in trouble or something?” The thought leaves me stone cold and just a bit panicky.
After a long silent moment, he finally shakes his head. His shoulders sag just a bit before he sighs. He looks even more uncomfortable. “Look, she not going to be happy that I’m here talking to you. But you need to know what’s going on-”
Again I shift before cutting him off. “But Ivy’s okay, right?”
Almost instantly his face softens as the words spill from my lips. “She’s fine but there’s something she hasn’t told you.”
I wish this guy would just spit out what he’s come here to say. Because right now it feels like he’s messing with my head. If there’s something wrong with Ivy, I want to know what it is. I honestly can’t imagine what he’s come all the way over here to tell me. Nor can I imagine what Ivy could possibly be keeping from me. But it must be pretty big if he felt the need to seek me out at the stadium.
His eyes skitter away for a long moment before he finally mutters, “She’s going to be pissed that I said anything to you.”
Feeling suddenly aggravated that he won’t get to it, I snap, “Dude, just tell me what the hell is going on.”
Straightening to his full height, he finally says, “You know the Cincinnati audition?”
Why the hell is he bringing that up? “Yeah, she was passed over for it.”
Silently Eric stares at me before slowly shaking his head. “No, she wasn’t.”
What the fuck is this guy saying?
Rearing back, I fold my arms across my chest. My red and white helmet dangles from my fingers. “Yeah, she told me she was…” as soon as I bite out the words, the implication of what he’s saying finally sinks in. Feeling confused and caught off guard, I slowly shake my head. “Are you telling me that Ivy lied about the audition?” I can’t believe she would do that.
“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” he replies softly.
“But why?” My brows pinch together. She wanted this so badly. “Why would she do that? She’s been working her entire life for a shot like this.” What he’s saying doesn’t make the least bit of sense. Ivy wouldn’t lie about something like that. It’s all she’s ever wanted. It’s her dream to dance for a company.
Slowly he nods his head in agreement. “Yeah, she has.”
Again I ask, “Why?” My lips slide down at the corners. Because I finally understand the look in his eyes. It’s as if he’s silently accusing me of sabotaging her budding career before it ever has a chance to take off. Shifting my hips, I point to my chest right before narrowing my eyes. “You think this has something to do with me?”
Looking decidedly unhappy, Eric sighs. “I think it has everything to do with you. A few months ago, Ivy never would have turned down an opportunity like this. She was with that other guy for far longer than she’s been with you and she didn’t think twice about studying in Paris for almost a year and a half.”
He cocks his head to the side as if he’s trying to take my measure. It has me unconsciously drawing up to my full height. Which is, by the way, considerably taller than this guy.
Professor or not.
It’s as if he’s trying to figure out exactly what Ivy sees in me. Even though I’m pissed off she kept this from me, my chest swells with love for her. Because this dude can’t possibly see what Ivy does. She’s one of the few people who has ever taken the time to get to know the real me.
“Look, Roan,” he finally says, “you can’t just let her walk away from this.”
Like I want her to do that? Of course I don’t. Feeling surly, I suddenly ask, “What am I supposed to do?”
“Don’t stand in her way. You’ve seen her dance, she belongs on a stage performing. She may not regret her decision right away, but she will. Eventually. Especially if she’s not able to get in anywhere else. Or, god forbid, she injures herself and isn’t able to dance at a professional level.”
The salvia in my mouth dries even thinking about it. I only want the best for Ivy. She deserves it. The last thing I want is to stand in the way of her achieving everything she possibly can. I don’t ever want to be the reason she doesn’t chase down a dream. And I sure as hell don’t want her resenting me for holding her back.