The Hit List (32 page)

As if on cue, my stomach growls. “Okay.”

We walk to the tables loaded with food. Adam starts piling things on a plate.

The music stops and someone taps the microphone at the front of the room. I turn around to see what’s going on. Miss Catherine stands on the stage, microphone in hand.

“Can I have your attention?” She waits for some of the noise to die down before she continues. “This semester, the dance department offered up a special prize in addition to spots performing in Fall Showcase. One lucky dancer would get to spend a semester in London, studying with some of the most influential teachers in the world.”

There are some “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” from the crowd. I roll my eyes at the dramatics of it all.

Brielle enters the lobby from the hallway by the dorms. Even from here, I can tell her eyes are red and puffy.

Miss Catherine continues on the stage. “The teachers and I met after Fall Showcase to discuss who we thought had the best year as a whole. The dancer we chose has made tremendous strides, overcoming a lot in the process.”

The crowd is silent as it waits for the winner to be announced.

“I’m pleased to announce that Brielle Watkins was picked as our winner. Brielle made a lot of improvements this year. She deserves this.”

Her eyes widen and her gaze meets mine. Adam leaves my side and collides against Brielle in a hug.

She climbs the stairs and waves at the crowd. Miss Catherine gives her an awkward hug.

Brielle leans toward the microphone. “Thank you for the opportunity, Miss Catherine.”

She steps off the stage to applause. I join in. No one else knows what I do. Right now I look like the jealous roommate.

Adam rushes up to her again. “Congrats. You’re going to love London.”

I head back toward the food so they can chat. I’ve said all I need to say to her. I hope she can find some peace in London away from the chaos of The Conservatory and L. A.

“Sadie Bryant?”

I turn to see a man in a suit standing behind me. “Yes?”

“My name is Emmett Brower. I’m a talent scout at Premiere Talent Agency in L. A. I’d like to talk with you and Luke about a couple of jobs. Give me a call and we’ll set up a meeting.” He hands me his card.

I smile, unable to form coherent thoughts. “Thanks. We will.”

He walks away and my mouth drops open. My goal for the last month had been to make it through Fall Showcase in one piece. I’d been so wrapped up in it that I didn’t expect to get any kind of job.

“Excuse me, can you pass me a napkin?”

I grab a napkin and turn to the person behind me. I smile when I see who it is. “Here you go.”

“Thanks. I’m Luke Morrison. I’m a sophomore in the dance department.”

I shake the hand he offers me. “Sadie Bryant, freshman, in dance, too.”

“I saw you tonight. You were beautiful. I’m wondering if you’d like to go out to dinner sometime. I’m not really good at it. I don’t date a lot. But I want to try with you.” He runs a hand through his hair.

When I asked him to start over, I didn’t expect it to be like this. But I’m glad it is. It’s almost perfect.

I shrug. “I don’t know. Most of the people I know lie or leave. It’s hard for me to trust anyone.”

The smile drops from his face. “I’ll make it worth it. You won’t regret it.”

It’s cute that he’s taking this so seriously.

“Okay. I’ll take a chance on you. I trust that you won’t hurt me.”

It’s relieving to say. I’ve wanted to forgive him, but something stood in the way. Now that we’ve started over, we can start fresh. I came to L. A. wanting a fresh start—maybe that’s him. My fresh start, my chance at the life I deserve, full of happiness and laughter.

He holds out his hand. “Dance with me?”

I take his hand, letting him lead me out into the small section of tile set aside for dancing.

Familiar guitar chords sound through the microphone. It takes four counts for me to place the song as the one we first learned together, the dance we couldn’t nail because we couldn’t fake love. I glance up at Luke in time to see him wave to the singer.

We sway to the music. His arms are wrapped tightly around me, like he’s afraid to let go. I hold him close, never wanting the moment to end.

I don’t know what’s going to happen when the song ends or when we stop dancing. I don’t even know if the fragile relationship we have will survive the break between semesters. But there is one thing I’m certain about at this point in my life.

I won’t give up.

Luke leans down, kissing my shoulder. Goosebumps trail down my arm at the soft touch.

“I know I don’t deserve it, but let me be your exception.”

I press a kiss to his lips, burning the memory and his words into my mind forever. His request is sweet, but it’s pointless for him to ask.

He’s always been my exception.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Writing this book has been a journey and there are so many people who have helped along the way.

The biggest thanks to my readers, for taking a chance on my debut novel. I appreciate it more than you will ever know. I hope Sadie and Luke inspire you to go after your dreams, no matter how big.

To Josh, for being the supportive husband even when I was crazy on deadlines. We’ve been through a lot in the last year and a half and you’ve never failed to be there for me no matter what. I love you.

Thank you to my mom, for putting me in ballet class to improve my balance. I don’t think it worked, but all that experience fueled this book so that’s something, right? Your unwavering support and love over the years has made me the person I am now. There’s nothing I can say to thank you for that.

Huge thanks to my agent, the wonderful Nicole Resciniti, who has supported me through this process. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me already and look forward to where we go from here. To my agency siblings at The Seymour Agency, for your wisdom and guidance. To Danielle and the rest of the team at Spencer Hill Contemporary, for your endless support and enthusiasm. I am so grateful to you.

To Kate Brauning, for reading this book multiple times and still loving it, putting up with my insecurities, and for keeping me grounded during this process. You are invaluable, bestie! To Lizzy Charles, for coffee outings, Google Chat dates, and just being you. Your optimism is infectious. To Dahlia, Brandi, Amanda, and Delia, for reading early versions of this book, giving excellent feedback to make my writing better, and falling in love with my characters. To my peeps at MNYA, for being there to listen and share in this journey with me. To Heather and Sarah, for getting me out of the house and away from my computer. You guys have no idea how much you’ve helped this process. Love you! And to Tiffany, for being an amazing photographer and all around awesome person.

And finally, to everyone else who has supported me throughout my life. I appreciate you. This book is for every single one of you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nikki Urang grew up loving books, so it’s no surprise she started writing them. When she’s not writing, she works as a chemical dependency counselor to help people overcome their struggles with opiate addiction. While she doesn’t dance anymore, she enjoys all things related to it, especially ballet. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and two stubborn cats.