{Dancing With The Stars Studio}
Hollywood, California
Tuesday had arrived which meant it was time for Michael to learn the new routine. He's doing well so far and it was time to kick up the difficulty a little.
"What is our dance for this week?" Michael asked excitedly.
"Well, this week is New York City and Vegas Night," River said. "New York is now my second home."
"Yeah, I like going there too when I get the chance."
"We'll be dancing Charleston to Living in New York City by Robin Thicke." He nodded. "It requires you to have a lot of stamina. There's a lot of fast-paced footwork. I need you to bring in it."
"Okay"
"Alright let's get to it." She began showing him the steps to the routine. Michael realized what she meant about having high energy. The song was upbeat which meant he had to keep his energy up the whole time. He had to do that when he was performing of course. When he's on tour he can place set times where he could take a break there weren't any breaks here.
"Wow, that's a lot." He was panting trying to catch his breath.
"I know come on again." The two went over the routine a few more times. River was not one to play around. Michael admired that about her. She took her craft very seriously. He's thankful for having her as his partner. "That was better but I need your energy to be higher. You're just learning it now so it will sink in. Do you want to get some water?"
"Yeah," His still out of breath.
"Let's take a ten-minute break and we will start back up again.
~~~~~~~
The two were sitting on the couch in the studio. River wanted to talk to Michael to see where his head was at.
"You made it through your first week of boot camp." River joked and the two laughed. "We're at the top of the leaderboard right now. How are you feeling?"
"I know we got all eights which is good but I know we can do better," Michael responded. "I know we weren't going to get tens on the first night but I guess that's the perfectionist in me."
"Hey," She held his hand. "You were fantastic Michael. I don't want you to feel bad about the score. You should be proud of yourself. When you came in here you weren't sure if you could do this. Our first dance was the Tango. That's a dance that can be challenging." He could count on her to encourage him. "You're doing a great job don't beat yourself up. We've survived to see another week. Let's make the most of it."
"I did have fun last week even though I was nervous." If she said he did a good job he had to believe her. She wouldn't lie to him about that. "Ballroom Dancing is still new to me. I want to show the judges that I've improved from last week."
"You will Michael you're putting in the work every time you step in here."
"That's because I have a teacher that's pushing me." He smiled at her.
"You're a good student Michael. I don't have to yell at you too much." She giggled. "I'm glad you agreed to take this journey."
"I'm glad I did too. I'm happy to take this journey with you."
"Awww" She hugged him. "Alright, we should get back to work. I hope your energy has replenished."
"Probably not but we'll see what happens." The two started practicing the routine again.
~~~~~~
{Hayvenhurst}
Encino, California
Later that evening Michael arrived home. He's exhausted from practice but it wasn't a bad thing. If he's tired that means he's giving it his all. Hopefully this week he will get better scores from the judges.
The phone rang as soon as Michael entered his room. "Hello?" He answered the phone.
"Hey Mikey it's me," Nova said from the other end.
"Hey baby you called right on time. I just walked into my room."
"You know my timing is impeccable." She giggled. "How was practice? Can you tell me what dance you're doing?"
"This week River and I are doing the Charleston. It's a little difficult because the movements are so big and energetic. River's been very patient with me learning it."
It was a good thing that Michael couldn't see her right now. She's sick of hearing River's name. She's not even all that like everyone thinks she is. "The Charleston? That sounds exciting! I can't wait to watch when you do it." Nova covered up the fact that she was annoyed. "The Tango you did for the first week was awesome! I knew you could do it, baby."
"I was nervous but I'm glad everything worked out."
"You're going to win for sure Michael. You're at the top of the leaderboard right now. That's a good sign." She knew her man was going to take that mirrorball trophy.
"I wouldn't say that Nov." He chuckled. "This was the first week so we're all getting our feet wet. I can't say for sure that I'll win. Marlon is in second place which could change to first next week."
"Michael you got this. Marlon isn't going to beat you."
"Marlon is a great dancer you know that. I have my work cut out for me. I'm going to do my best each week. Hopefully, I'll make it to the end."
"You will" She has no doubt in her mind. "Mikey, how about we have date night soon? We've been busy with work and you being on the show. I miss you a lot."
"I miss you too Nova. I know things have been crazy lately. I appreciate you sticking by me. Yes, we'll have a date night." He hadn't had much time to spend with her lately and he felt bad. He didn't want her to feel like she wasn't important. "Do you have an idea of what you might want to do?"
"Hmm," She thought for a moment. "We haven't gone out for dinner in a while."
"Dinner it is." He agreed. "I'll talk to you later okay? I can barely keep my eyes open right now."
"I'll let you get some sleep. Goodnight and I love you."
"I love you too. Goodnight."
