All for the Mirrorball

Chapter 30 - That's My Girl

Back in the studio, Alan wiped the sweat from his forehead with his shirt, revealing a teasing grin. "Okay, we need a break from dancing."

Ilona raised a brow, already reaching for her water bottle. "Time for tik tok?"

"No," he said dramatically. "Snacks."

She laughed, setting her bottle aside. "Alright, snacks and then tik tok. I have a hilarious idea."

On their way back from crafty, he pressed her for details. "Okay, what's the idea this time?"

"Actually," she said, pulling out her phone and scrolling, "I was thinking we shake things up. Something no one would expect from us." She held up her phone and Ginuwine's Pony began to play.

He nearly choked on his water. "Ilona! This is... quite the choice. It's pretty explicit."

"Exactly," she said with a cheeky grin. "It's the ultimate misdirection. No one will believe we're secretly dating if we post this. It's too ridiculous."

"That's... one way to look at it," he said, laughing like crazy. "Alright, but we're leaning into the absurdity."

She saluted him, stepping into frame as he set up the tripod. When they finally finished filming, they were both doubled over in laughter, their cheeks aching from smiling.

"Honestly, no one will expect this," Ilona said, catching her breath. "But they might think we've lost our minds."

Alan winked at her. "You're too good at this."

—

The ballroom was buzzing, its polished floor reflecting the stage lights as they adjusted to Ilona and Alan's positions. She swished her rehearsal skirt, trying to shake off the nerves that crept up every time she stood on that floor.

"Alright," Alan said, his tone steady and reassuring. "Ready to show this paso who's boss?"

She nodded, slipping into position. The familiar music began, and they moved as one. The drama of the dance carried them across the floor, every movement sharp and deliberate. He loved hearing everyone react to this - especially the final pose.

Ezra's voice rang out. "Ilona, you better be careful," he called, his grin audible. "You keep dancing like that, and you might just turn me straight!"

Ilona's laugh burst out before she could stop it, her cheeks burning.

Emma chimed in from the side. "No one's safe! I might be the one flipping. That was so hot."

Ilona couldn't help smiling. "Any notes on the dance?"

"It's incredible," Ezra said seriously. "And following that sexy thing up with the most romantic waltz? Lives will be destroyed by the end of it. In the best way."

Backstage was a flurry of movement as crews adjusted lighting, sound, and cameras. Alan wiped his face with a towel, his breathing steadying after the intensity of their run-through. Ilona was already on her phone, her fingers flying across the screen.

Ilona:
Alan and I... need a minute before the second dance. You guys watch the other rehearsals, and we'll be right back for our waltz.

She didn't wait for her sisters to respond. Still catching her breath, she glanced around to make sure no one was watching before tugging his arm.

"Come with me," she murmured, her voice low but filled with intent.

Alan raised an eyebrow but didn't resist, his hand automatically finding hers as she led him down the hall. They slipped into her trailer, the door clicking shut behind them. She locked it.