Allie

 

“Last dance,” I say to the group of twenty women and one guy in front of me. This is my Saturday class and it’s nice to be teaching them today. I move through the dance, watching everybody as much as I can. They copy nicely and I start the song again, letting them do it on their own as I go around the room, correcting what is needed.

“Nice job, guys. See you next week.” I say and pick up my towel to wipe my head. I grab my bag after rolling the mats up in the room and putting them away.

Izzy and Maisy aren’t in class today because Maisy said Jake kept her and Seb up all night teething and Izzy has gone to help so they can get a little sleep.

Poor little man, I will pop to the shops and get him some ice lollies to sooth his teeth. Hopefully, I can find the sugar-free baby ones I’ve seen Maisy give him.

“So you finally got what you wanted?”

I turn from locking the cupboard door and see Lily walking over to me. She looks perfect as usual, long red hair in a bun, wearing tight jeans and a tighter blue top.

“What?” I ask.

“Elliot. You finally got him to yourself.” She says, stopping close to me.

“Yes, I did,” I reply. I don’t mean it sound cruel but I know it does. Lily always knew how I felt about Elliot but she started dating him anyway. We stayed friends but she was never a good friend to me, I think she just kept me close so she could keep me away from Elliot.

“Don’t expect it to last long. I knew he always wanted you but it was me he always came to. I know all about your father.” She steps closer. Elliot told me that Lily used to come to the Cage, he said he never really cared that she was there. Nothing like the reaction I got when I went. I don’t understand how she could go and watch him fight all those years, and still be a bitch to him by cheating on him.

“I know because Elliot invited me to every fight. He wanted me there and he was my best friend. Feelings like that don’t just go away. Did he tell you we planned our future together? The club he brought, I helped him choose.” She says, trying to make me jealous. I hate that it is working.

“I don’t have time for this. You’re a two-timing bitch and a crappy friend.” I tell her and walk around her to the door.

“He won’t stay away from me. Just wait and see.” She says behind me. I don’t believe a word; I know Elliot isn’t crazy enough to go back to her. He would tell me if he saw her, at least I hope he would. I don’t have any ex’s around but I would tell him if I was chatting to one.

“Can I have a word, Allie?” Harley asks me as I walk outside the room. Harley is dressed in a blue suit that makes him look a mixture between scary and hot. His hair is long and I’ve never seen it down, he keeps it in a knot at the back of his head and sometimes has braids down the side. Harley has slight stubble that suits him.

Why did God have to make all the King Brothers so attractive?

“Sure, what’s up, Harley?” I ask him, thankful for the distraction from Elliot’s ex.

“My office,” he says nodding his head in the direction of the right corridor and I follow him as he walks towards his office. Harley shuts the door behind me and I take a seat in the chair opposite his desk. Harley takes his seat on the other side.

“Why do I feel like I’m back in first school and I’m about to get told off?” I ask and Harley laughs.

“No idea. I want to speak to you about your dance classes.”

“Oh, go on then,” I say leaning back in my seat.

“The instructor who was meant to take over from you, can’t. I’ve had over fifty children and parents sign up on a waiting list for more dance class. Everyone has asked for you, I want to offer you a job.”

“That’s a lot.” I say.

“Yes, it is. The job would be very well paid and you would have your choice of the new rooms or the one you have. You would be given a free gym membership and be able to hire a dance assistant. We would be able to offer new classes in the week.”

“I'll have to think about it, I’m in university now and I have a few more years before my course is finished.” I tell him.

“I understand, I will find someone else until you finish but if you change your mind. Let me know.” Harley nods, a simple smile on his face as he leans back in his chair.

“Thank you, Harley.” I say and he nods.

“One more thing.”

“Yes, what’s up?”

“Does your father know about you and my brother?” he asks me.

“Kind of but not that we are still together. It’s complicated.” I say, looking away. It’s not like I can tell him about my dad’s warning.

Harley would make us break up. I know he would do anything to save his brother of any harm and as much as I never want Elliot harmed, I can’t make him leave me again, I just can’t.

“Just be careful Allie. Also, how did you get that ringtone stuck on Elliot’s phone?” Harley asks me.

“Oh, it’s an app. It changes the ringtone back and it just looks like a game app. So even when Elliot buys a new iPhone, it sends the app over. That ringtone is not ever going to be not funny. I have no plans to tell him.” I say and Harley laughs.

“I think I need to borrow this app for Luke’s phone. The little shit keeps eating my salted caramel chocolates. When he doesn’t even like them, he just does it to piss me off. Can you send me the link later?” He asks and I nod in laughter.

“I have something for you both,” Harley say and pulling out a drawer in his huge desk and looking in it as I wait. He hands me an envelope.

“What is it?”

“Open it.” he laughs.

Inside are some school photos, one of me and Elliot when we were around eight. We were both laughing and Elliot was pulling a pigtail of mine. I used to love pigtails when I was that age. The rest are of our school photos, we used to sit together until he started hating me.

“When were these taken? I don’t even remember this day.”

“It says sports day on the back. I found a box of photos in the spare room the other day when I was sorting it out. I don’t know who took them and printed them out but I thought you would like that one.”

“I really do, thank you, Harley,” I say slipping it into my bag.

“A cake would be a great thank you,” Harley suggests.

“You Kings are all the same. It’s all about food with you guys.” I shake my head, standing up.

“Lemon cake is my favourite. With icing.” He replies, not caring.

“I like you, Harley King. I might even add a casserole in as well.”

“Welcome to the family, Allie.” He says with a laugh as I walk out.