Lock down on Ice

Chapter 1

Perri took a long draw of his water bottle to avoid answering a question. Diversity's manager was used to his stalling tactics though, it was the same whenever she put forward a new tv proposition to him. She patiently waited for an answer. "OK" was his simple, pained response. It was all Dani needed to put things in motion. She had been looking for a way to raise this Diversity Member's profile and get him more tv work. The new job was perfect.

"You'll be fine Pel" she reassured him. She watched Perri try to shrink down in his chair. She chuckled to herself as she looked at the 6 foot 2 inch man's attempts to look small. He looked like a dad sitting on a nursery chair at parents evening. It didn't seem that long ago that his legs barely touched the floor sitting in it. She knew he would give everything he had to whatever he agreed to so she ignored his reluctance and gave him a kiss on his cheek.

The dancer was not as optimistic as his manager and long-time friend. A number of different disasters flashed through his mind, he swallowed down his biggest one, injuring himself so badly that he could never dance at the highest level with his team mates again. Dani had explained to him that the risk was always there when he rehearsed or performed or even just driving to the studios. He also worried about hurting his partner too. All of the professional women looked so dainty and fragile, what if he dropped her or landed on her. He shook his head as if shaking it would blow away the anxiety.

Diversity's gigantic 50 date tour was in full swing and Perri was enjoying every minute. He was especially excited to meet his skating partner later on. He had been badgering Dani and any itv staff he could find but no one would spill the beans. The moment he had been waiting for came so suddenly it surprised him, his best friend, Jordan told the sell out audience that there was someone ready to meet him, and before he knew it, he was meeting his professional skating partner for the very first time. "Meet Vanessa Bauer" Jordan yelled excitedly.

Perri couldn't hide his delight, he was secretly hoping for the best-looking skater and he had got her. He grinned at her as she waved to the crowd and turned to him dazzling him with her megawatt smile. Pel had to shout over the roaring crowd to be heard. "Hi, I'm so gassed you're my partner!" he beamed as he squeezed the air out of her lungs and rocked her side to side in a massive hug.

The male members of Diversity's eyes were all fixed on the gorgeous woman as she answered Jordan's questions. She was wearing a black mini dress and sexy thigh high boots.

"I can't lie, I'm completely buzzing right now I'VE GOT MY PARTNER" he screamed to the cheering crowd.

Jordan showed Vanessa off the stage and they continued the show. Perri's performance was even more energised than usual after his great news.

Finally backstage Perri ran straight to Vanessa who had watched the rest of the show from the wings.

"I got the best partner" he sang as he bounded up to her like an excitable Great Dane and wrapped his arms around her shoulders tightly.

"Thank you!" she replied, I'm so happy to have you as my celebrity too. I love Diversity" She laughed and winced a bit "I think you cracked a bone with that hug." she laughed.

"We're getting some food after we're done here, do you want to come with us and we can chat a bit more?" he asked, his eyes were wide as he looked at her hoping for a yes. She nodded and laughed as he picked her up, around her waist this time, and swung her round happily.

"There will be no problem with lifts in our routine," she gasped as he set her back down.

Perri hovered over Mitch as he sat on the bench and tied his laces. "Pel we're going as fast as we can" he sighed. Perri wasn't satisfied with that, he grabbed Mitch's arm and hauled the smaller man up off the bench. He then hassled every last member, shooing them out of the dressing room and into the foyer where Vanessa was waiting. He relaxed as he set eyes on her and led her out the door to a large crowd of excited fans. They spent half an hour or so taking selfies and signing then Perri told the crowd they had a reservation and had to go. Jordan looked at the uncharacteristically bossy dancer and said. "You alright Pel?" He raised an eyebrow in his direction.

"Yeah, I just didn't want to keep Vanessa waiting in the cold." Perri replied, sheepishly.

"Is that so?" Jordan asked narrowing his eyes at his long-time friend.

Perri opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by Vanessa who threaded her arm through his, drawing his immediate attention. "That was so intense, do you always get crowds like that?" She asked, her expression full of wonder.

"Yeah, we like seeing fans at the end of the shows, we see it as a chance to give something back." Perri replied, proud of his enthusiastic fans and enjoying the feel of her contact.

"I once got given a hundred notes from girls wanting me to give Pel their number!" Jordan chipped in, dodging the swipe from Perri's arm. Vanessa laughed at the pair, who looked like they were about to launch into a boxing match.

"Boys!" she laughed, letting go of Perri's arm before she got pulled into the middle of their battle.

Perri made sure he sat next to his shiny new partner in the restaurant, he had a thousand and one questions but more than that, he felt drawn to her. Ashley sat on the other side of her on the huge circular table, which made sense to him as they knew each other from the show. Jordan sat next to him and looked like a sentry, guarding him from he didn't actually know, which irritated him.

During the meal, Perri's sister squeezed herself in-between Vanessa and her brother to say hello. "Vanessa do you know what you're letting yourself in for?" Starr asked mischievously as she wrapped an arm around the smiling girl. "He's a monster!" she laughed then squealed as Perri picked her up and whisked her back to her seat, dumping her unceremoniously back in her chair. "See what I mean!" Starr yelled as Vanessa looked a little shocked.

"This is normal, they always fight like cat and dog." Ashley explained and chuckled, "OK yeah, it's more like Kitten and Great Dane, but they are just playing." Ashley sounded like a weary parent of twin toddlers as he tried to explain what Vanessa had just seen. Perri was still scowling at Starr who was sticking her tongue out at him and chuckling with her best friend Geo across the table.

"Well hopefully he will be a little more gentle with me." Vanessa replied gingerly tapping Perri on his shoulder, it was half a joke, half a warning. Perri turned to look at who had tapped him and as soon as he saw Vanessa's doe eyes staring at him, his annoyance melted away. He thought she was so beautiful. "That's better" she chimed as she watched his face change into a goofy grin. "I'm sure we'll be just fine."