If I Could Dance With You Again

IICDWYA: 64

Chapter 64

Ruby woke earlier than usual, though she didn't rush to change out of her pajamas. Instead, she found herself lingering in the kitchen, clinging to the comfort of routine. The smell of sizzling butter filled the air as she cracked eggs into the pan, the yolks spreading golden against the heat. She moved with a quiet rhythm, almost meditative, as though cooking breakfast for Aaliyah could anchor her to the past—their past.

It had been years since Ruby had cooked for her friend like this. The sound of utensils clinking against porcelain plates carried a nostalgia that made her chest ache. She plated the food carefully, toast stacked neatly, eggs soft and steaming, bacon crisp. When Aaliyah entered, her presence filled the room like sunlight breaking through a window.

They sat together at the table, the silence between them heavy but not uncomfortable. Ruby didn't ask questions. She didn't pry. She simply let Aaliyah eat, watching her friend's movements with quiet reverence.

Aaliyah broke the silence first. "Aren't you going to ask anything?"

Ruby looked up, her calm expression betraying nothing but a small, fleeting smile. "I am sure you are going to, when you are ready."

The words landed gently, like a hand resting on Aaliyah's shoulder. Aaliyah understood. She nodded, deciding to keep her thoughts tucked away for now. Wren was busy, and she didn't want to burden Ruby with more than she already carried.

The clock ticked on the wall, its hands sharp against the pale background. At 8:00 a.m., Aaliyah's eyes flicked toward it. Ruby was still in her pajamas, her hair loosely tied, lipstick absent.

"Aren't you going to work?" Aaliyah asked, her tone curious but light.

Ruby shook her head, her voice firm yet soft. "I will not. I will stay with you."

The words surprised even Ruby as they left her lips. She hadn't meant to sound clingy, but the truth was undeniable. Last night she had clung to Aaliyah more than she intended, and now the thought of leaving her side felt unbearable.

Aaliyah raised a brow, teasing gently. "What kind of reason will you throw at me? I am pretty sure you are a morning person, and you love going to work. You're a busy person."

Ruby's eyes narrowed, darting glares at her friend. "I want to stay with you. Those papers can wait."

The firmness in her voice silenced Aaliyah. Guilt pricked at her chest. She knew Ruby had responsibilities, yet here she was, choosing her instead.

"Okay," Aaliyah said softly, her lips curving into a small smile. "I will come at work. I also wanted to see the studio now."

Relief washed over Ruby, her shoulders relaxing. "Accepted."

Being with Aaliyah gave Ruby confidence she hadn't felt in years. She didn't want to leave her alone in the house, not when shadows of the past still lingered. Ruby wanted to protect her, to keep her close.

Aaliyah giddily returned to her room, her steps light with anticipation. She wanted to see how things had changed, how the studio had survived—or if it hadn't. She had left it under Camilla's care, one of her trusted partners in DNCE Studio, but years had passed. Anything could have happened.

As the shower water cascaded over her, her mind wandered. Was it sold? Rented? Abandoned? The uncertainty gnawed at her. She had poured her soul into that studio, shaping it into a place of discipline and joy, a sanctuary for dancers who wanted more than just movement—they wanted belonging.

She dressed casually afterward, slipping into jeans and a basic tank top. Summer heat pressed against the windows, and she didn't want to overthink her outfit. Normally, she hid her figure, self-conscious about the weight she had lost. But today, with Ruby, she felt braver.