Jae POV
Today was the biggest day of my life and I couldn't even focus. It was the day of Khalil and I's audition for NYSA. We'd finished the choreography for our duo almost two weeks ago and had been practicing rigorously everyday since then, so my nerves wasn't because I don't think I would do good. I was confident in my ability to get into the Arts school, especially with a dancer as talented as Khalil at my side.
So my nerves wasn't about out performance together, it was about Elijah and the solo he was supposed to be helping me with. We'd barely saw each other in the past few days since his affair and I was worried that our lack of communication would impact our performance. I wasn't even one hundred percent sure if he'd show up today. The beautiful dance was only so alluring when our chemistry was sizzling.
Maybe I shouldn't have chose him as my partner back in September considering the hot and cold nature of our relationship. But he had practically begged me too and I could never resist him when he was on his knees.
I give Khalil a small smile as we finish our stretches. "Nervous," I ask.
He shakes his head, flaring his arms like the dramatic boy he was. "Me? Nervous? Never."
I giggle, accepting his offered hand and allowing him to pull me up. "That's good to hear. We can't both be nervous wrecks up their."
His gives me a questioning look. "What's up with you?"
I shrug like I wasn't a wreck inside. "You now, boy trouble and all of that."
"I haven't seen much of him in the past few day." We both already know who he's talking about. "He used to pick you up from every practice."
I wrap my arms around myself, feeling smaller then I already was. "We're not talking right now."
Khalil's light brown eyes fill with empathy and the gentle smile he gives me had my own lips twitching a little. "Sorry to hear that. Is he gonna be here for your solo or is he here now for our dance?"
I felt like crying, but now was not the time or place. So I shrug and remove my arms from around me, standing tall and proud as I give him my best nonchalant expression. "I don't know."
He sees right through it. "I can help you with your solo is he doesn't show," he offers.
I give him a grateful smile, mumbling my thanks when a pair of arms wrap around me. My smile broadens and my heart flutters in my chest at the familiar scent of Elijah. I turn in his hold, reaching up to lock my arms around his neck and standing on my tiptoes so I can kiss his grinning mouth. His hands tighten around my waist, pulling me closer as my lips mold to his.
Even though I should hate him for what he did, I missed his kisses and the way they made me feel.
When we pull away all of my earlier nerves have disappeared to be replaced with a feeling a calmness and content. I could do this if his hand was there holding mine. I was slightly breathless as I whispered hey against his lips.
He pecks my lips against before pulling completely away. "Sorry I'm late, Becca took her sweet time picking up Ena today."
"It's fine, your here now."
His grin brightens. "You look beautiful, baby, like always."
My outfit was basic, just a pair of jean shorts and a loose shirt with socks to match the mood of our dance, but maybe it looked beautiful to him. "Thank you," I say anyway. Just then Khalil and I's name was being called, signaling the beginning of our audition. Elijah hurriedly kisses me, assuring that I would do great as Khalil grabs my hand and leads me to the stage.
