It All Leads Back to You

Chapter 23 - Dani

You Might Not Like Her

You can do this. You've been here a hundred times. Why are you making this difficult?

I was walking into my first U.S. camp since April of this last year. I was fucking terrified. I almost didn't leave the London airport, but Leah talked me into it. She had her hands on my face and smiled as she said, "We're going to see each other in two weeks. You've got this. You're Dani fucking Cruz."

I was Dani fucking Cruz.

I saw Jill, Dawn, and Tony all talking by the check-in desk. I pulled my suitcase along as I timidly walked up to them. Good job, Danielle. So much for walking up to them with confidence.

"Dani!" Jill smiled. "It's good to have you back."

"Hi." I smiled. "It's uh, it's good to be back." I nodded. "Ready to get to work."

"Don't be such a workaholic. Have some fun." Dawn squeezed my shoulder.

"I assume you're down here for a reason."

"Alcohol test."

"Right."

"I've got to, Dani. It's not that I don't trust you, but it's—"

"It's a part of your job."

"I'm just going to do the breathalyzer test. Find me in my room when you're done down here. Three-twelve." Dawn patted my shoulder.

"Here's your room key." Jill handed me a small folder. "I roomed you alone. You're in three-eleven. In between me and Dawn."

Great. Alone...again.

"Okay."

"The schedule is in your email. There'll be a team meeting in an hour. Conference room B."

"Thanks." I mumbled. "Am I good to go?"

"Yeah. It's good to see you again."

"You too."

I headed off to my room. I didn't want anyone to see me yet, so I tried to make it quick. I didn't even bother to unpack though. I was afraid to be back. To be back on the team. To be playing in front of a crowd in California.. I was going to make an appearance I didn't want to really make.

I napped for an hour. I needed the energy boost before going back down to face the team that exiled me. I put on my U.S. jacket and shorts before I went downstairs. I walked into the lobby head high, hopes low. The first person I saw was Ashlyn. She came striding up to me and wrapped me in a hug.

"I've missed you, kid."

I gently wrapped my arms around the tall woman. "I've missed you too."

"How are you doing?" She held me out in front of her. "You look good."

"I am good." I smiled. "I haven't been drinking. Not once."

"What is that? Ten months?" I nodded. "Good for you. I know it's hard. Be proud of yourself."

"Thanks, Ash." I saw Dawn staring at me from the corner of the room. "I'll be right back. Save me a seat?"

"I've got you." She patted my shoulder.

I walked over to Dawn. She didn't seem happy with me. "I told you to come to my room."