Road trips were not my favorite thing. I threw my warm up outfits in a bag along with my makeup case. I also didn’t want to admit that flying out of state meant being far from Sam. It sounded silly, but I didn’t want to be farther away from him than I had to be.

He promised me another trip to Canyon Lake when we both had a day off again.

I hadn’t seen him in six days and I missed him. We talked every night, but it wasn’t the same. He texted throughout the day, but I wanted to kiss him. He sent me flowers in the middle of the week, and I wanted to jump in his arms to thank him.

I hated to admit it, but maybe he was right. Maybe being in two different cities was too hard. I struggled with the decision, but I wanted to finish the season with the Goddesses. There was a part of me that knew I had taken someone else’s spot at try outs. There was a girl out there who dreamed of being a Goddess her entire life, and I made the cut and she didn’t.

What did it say to her if I walked away? What did it say to the other girls on the team if I left before the playoffs? Part of being a dancer meant supporting the other dancers. It wasn’t only about me. I didn’t think I had made that clear to Sam. Ballet would be there when I was done with this commitment. I had to pray he would be too.

I zipped up my bag and hauled it to the front door. We had several press events and a big part in the halftime show. There was more packing required than usual and the bag felt too heavy.

Heather and Presley met me at the gates of the squad entrance.

“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.

I turned my phone facedown. “Something funny I read.”

Heather grinned. “I think you have a boyfriend and you aren’t telling us.”

“No. No way.” I shook my head.

“Something has you all giddy and mysterious. It’s been going on for weeks. I can tell.”

“Nothing is going on.” My voice must have returned to ballerina status, because their eyes widened. “Sorry, I did it again, didn’t I?”

They nodded.

I had that nervous feeling in my stomach. The same one from the conversation when Heather admitted she knew about Sam and me. Although, this time, it wasn’t only about the money. I didn’t want to lose this. I was finally happy. Everything in my life was bliss. Sam. Dancing. I could wear my pointe shoes. It was perfect.

“Tell him you’ll be home Sunday night and we’ll take care of you,” Heather instructed.

I smiled. “Not necessary, but thank you.”

I settled into my seat as the bus driver closed the doors. In a few minutes, we’d be on the tarmac and in the air.