Dances of Angels
By: Dana Lynn
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Chapter 24
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Dakota rushed out of the house, surprisingly running a little behind schedule. She hopped into her car and sped over to the studio. Great first impression, Dakota. Just great. she thought to herself.

Britney walked into the lobby of the small dance studio. Looking around she noticed no one was around so she took a seat away from the window. Security walked in a few minutes later, taking a seat across the way. What am I doing here? she thought to herself. Out of all the studios in the world, out of all the choreographers… why here? It was hard enough getting over Justin without working with a friend of his. Just a friend… she hoped. She knew she had nothing to worry about. The one time she did talk to JC, it seemed that he’d made his intentions clear. Justin wouldn’t date double-cross JC. Of course, there were a lot of things that she didn’t think Justin would have done. The one thing she did know was that a month, well, a month could change everything.

Dakota rushed in the door, startling her guest. “Hi” she smiled. “Sorry I’m late… you know how it goes.” She walked over to where Britney was sitting. “I’m Dakota, and I’m usually not late. I apologize again.” Britney stood up, immediately taking a liking to Dakota. “No problem.” She said, shaking her hand. “It happens to the best of us.” Dakota laughed. “Don’t I know it. Come on back, we can get started.”

~*~

JC fiddled with his napkin as Courtney slid into the booth across the table. He looked up and smiled. She could always brighten his day. “Thanks for meeting me Court.” He said as she placed her napkin on her lap and reached for the menu. She smiled. “You don’t have to thank me, Josh. You come first, no matter what.” He returned her smile. “Even over Laaaance” he teased.

“Hey now” Courtney blushed. “None of that. And yes. You’re my best friend. You’re first.” She smiled. As sappy as it sounded, she meant every word. Best friends. That meant something, everything, to Courtney. Not even Lance could change that.

“I’m worried about Dakota” he said finally, breaking her out of her own thoughts. Dakota had told Courtney that he knew the whole truth and nothing but. She was almost relieved he knew. It might explain a few things where relationships go when pertaining to her. “I wouldn’t worry too much, Josh. She’s been dealing with this for seven years. She gets emotional over it, and then she’s fine. Trust me when I tell you, she’s a hell of a lot stronger than she looks. She’s had to deal with a lot, ya know?” she said.

“It still doesn’t stop me from worrying. I want to do something for her. I don’t know… anything!” he said. “Josh, really, that’s sweet. But what can be done? Even you can’t bring her parents back, and believe me, that’s the only thing that could even start to make a difference in the shit that she’s gone through.

Josh thought about it. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, Courtney was right. There really was nothing he could do. Nothing except… “All you can do Josh, is be there for her. Let her talk, listen… whatever. Remember this isn’t news to her, just to you. She’s through dwelling on the past.” Damn. She read his mind. “She’s just gonna need a little more time if you two are gonna try to start a relationship.”

Once again Josh’s mind went into deep thought. Courtney’s words of wisdom sank in, and made perfect sense. Time. What more could anyone ask for? And hell, he knew as well as the next guy, that time spent with Dakota was time well spent.

~*~

Two hours later landed Britney and Dakota sitting on the floor of the studio during a well-deserved break. “I just felt I needed a change for this tour.” Britney explained. “I hear that!” Dakota smiled. “A month ago, I was miserable. Teaching five-year-olds the joy of dance, instead of actually enjoying it myself. A friend of mine convinced me that if I wanted to change that, I was the only one who could do it.” Britney smiled, then her face fell. “I wish I could say I was happier than I was a month ago, but that’s not true at the moment. Believe me.” She said softly. Dakota gave her a knowing glance. It was obvious she was talking about her breakup with Justin, there was no need to over-kill the situation. “I just dread the next time I have to see…” her words stopped short just in time…

“Well, this looks productive.” he said sarcastically. He laughed as the two girls snapped their heads towards the door. “Oh my god, JC.” Britney smiled, picking herself up to her feet. A few seconds and a hug for Britney later, Dakota stood up to join the other two. He faced her and smiled. “Hey D.”

She smiled in return. It was nice to see him again. “Hi Josh.” Britney saw the two of them look at each. She almost laughed out loud. “Excuse me,” she said “I’m gonna go chat with Courtney for a little. I haven’t seen her in years”.

JC watched as Britney left the room. “She seems to be handling things well.” He said, not particularly to Dakota. “She’s strong I gather. She has to be with the shit she’s put through.” Dakota said, stating information that JC obviously already knew. He smiled. “And you? How are you doing? I haven’t talked to you in a whole day and half. A lot can happen, ya know?” he laughed. “I know! Since the last time we saw each other I got married and tomorrow little Timmy goes off to college!” she said, trying to keep a straight face. Josh tried to hide his smile. “You’re so not funny, Dakota. Really, you try, but sometimes…” he shook his head. Dakota laughed. “Yeah well. Better luck next time I guess.” She said.

JC looked at the clock on the wall. “Break’s almost over…” Dakota followed his glance. “Yeah, just about.” She nodded her head. “I should get gong anyway. I’ll talk to you later?” he said. As he went for the door, Dakota sprang to life. “Josh!” she stopped him. He turned. “Yeah” he said softly. “Dinner tonight?” she asked. He smiled. “Absolutely.”

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