Watch Me

Chapter 23

"Happy Friday everyone," Jesse said as they all took the rehearsal stage Friday afternoon. "I know it's been kind of a long week for some of you, so I just want to run what we have so far just once today. Having said that, I want to see emotions in your faces as well as your feet. Robert's running a bit late, so go hydrate and stretch until he comes in." Everyone one spread out on stage and began stretching. Jesse walked over to Zoe and Colton. "Hey Zee. You ready for this? I mean, I've kept our rehearsals pretty short this week..."

Zoe smiled at him. "I'll be fine Jess, you know, like I told you all week."

Jesse laughed. "Yeah, I know. I just want to be sure I'm not pushing you."

Colton laughed. "Like you could push her harder than she pushes herself."

Jesse grinned at him. "You know her so well. All right, stretch out you two."

"Ok, everyone sit on the edge of the stage for notes." Robert said after the company had performed. "As a whole, I'd say we're right on track. There are certain parts where we need a bit more. Remember, this is a modern ballet, which means facial expressions are half of what makes a good performance. Having said that, Erica, Beth, Maddie and Stacey I need to see more from your faces. Couples number, your timing is a bit off, so consider that next week's plans. Zoe and Colton, you're doing great so far, but don't let that go to your heads. Next week, you'll learn the last number in the performance." He looked at everyone with a serious look. "We have two more weeks before the performance. That's two weeks until The Brightbrooke Dance Company takes the stage and brings in a whole new type of ballet to our patrons. According to Anna, there's been a lot of positive feedback about this performance and the new direction we're going in with it, but it's up to all of you to show everyone how good you all are and why we're worth the talk. Also, I need to know how many tickets each of you need for the performance on Monday by 10am. That's when they go on sale. We're done for the day. Have a great weekend everyone."

"You know you don't have to do this, right?" Colton said as he sat on a stool watching Zoe in his kitchen cooking on Sunday afternoon.

Zoe smiled as she put the lasagna in the oven. "I know, but I figured your brother would like a home cooked meal when he came home. I mean, he's been out of town for over a week. I'm pretty sure he's sick of take out." She turned the oven on and wiped her hands on a dish towel and walked over to him as he sat on a stool watching her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and stood between his legs. "Besides, you know how much I like cooking." She kissed him softly.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him as she kissed him. "Just one of many reasons why I love you," he said against her lips.

"I'll never get tired of hearing you say that," she said and smiled as she nipped at his bottom lip and kissed him deeper, her tongue intertwined with his as she moaned softly, pressing her body against his. His hands slid down her back and cupped her ass, pulling him closer to the edge of the stool and moan in her mouth. They were so into each other they never heard the door open.

"Honey I'm home. Well, what do we have here?" came from the living room. They broke apart and saw Dale standing there with a smile on his face. "Is this what you two did all week?" He held up his hand. "Don't tell me. I don't want to know."

Colton laughed and stood up. He crossed the room and gave his brother a hug. "We weren't expecting you for another half an hour."

Dale laughed as he broke away from the hug. "Well, that's quite obvious." He looked over his brother's shoulder. "Hi Zee."

Zoe smiled and walked over to him. "Hey Dale." She gave him a quick hug. "How was your trip?"

He shrugged. "Not too bad. Got a couple of new clients out of it, so I can't complain too much. Just missed my bed, you know."