Chapter Nine

Simon whistled Three Times a Lady, as he now considered it his and Veronica’s song. Yeah, it was a trip in time back to junior high, but sue him. He planned to take tonight’s dance lesson just a little further, beyond kisses from a distance or with layers of heavy clothing between them.

“Simon.”

He turned to see her standing just inside the studio and felt a huge smile bloom across his face. “Veronica.”

Dressed in a suit and heels, she sure hadn’t come ready to take a dance lesson. Something was wrong; he sensed it as she walked across the room toward him. “We have to talk,” she said.

“Okay.” He wished he’d worn pants with pockets instead of sweats. His hands needed something to do. He felt like a fish with, well, hands.

“This isn’t easy, so I’m just going to say it.” She sighed. “My father, Cecil Cooke, is running for Massachusetts governor. He’s afraid of scandal and because of that, he’s demanding I break things off with you.”

“What?” This had to be a bad dream right? “Why?”

“You remember running into my Queen of the Planet Rude mother the other night?”

He nodded, no need to front.

“Father had you investigated and—”

“What?” His voice might have cracked.

Veronica shook her head. “Long story short, he found out that you work at Hardbody and told me that if I continue seeing you, he’ll ruin your career here at Barrett and destroy any chance you have of ever getting a position as a choreographer anywhere soon.” She licked her lips. “So I can’t see you any more. Not because I don’t want to, because now that I know you’re the cowboy from Hardbody, there’s no way I want to not see you.”

“What are you saying? Are you breaking up with me? Not that we were really dating hard and heavy yet.” Not for lack of time and desire on his part.

Her shoulders slumped. “Yes. I am. I have to. You’re a gifted dancer and a good teacher and I won’t let my family be the cause of your career being destroyed.”

“Your family can’t be that powerful.” Really.

“I don’t want to argue. It kills me to argue with you like this, because I’d love a chance to see how far we could take this thing between us. But my father will carry through on his threats, and I can’t let that happen.”

“You think I’m afraid of your father?”

“You should be.”

Every muscle in his body stiffened with hostility. “I’m not and I’m pissed you think I can’t take care of myself.”

She looked at her shoes. “It’s not that,” she whispered. “Men like my father?” She lifted her gaze back to his. “You have no idea. Anyway, I won’t let him ruin you. You’re too important to me.” She swallowed audibly. “I know you’re angry and you have every right to be. Once you’re not mad any more, you’ll see I’m making the only workable decision.”

“Bullshit.”

Her eyes swam with tears. She reached out a hand to cup his cheek but he flinched rather than let her touch him.

She stared at him, her mermaid eyes awash with unshed tears, the magic that lit them dimmed. “Good bye. Stay well.” She turned and practically ran from the studio.

No way was he letting her get away like that. He caught up to her in two long strides and grabbed her arm. “We’re not done here.”

She froze. “Please let go of me.”

He lifted his hand off her. “Please don’t run. Hear me out.”

“There’s nothing left to say.”

“Veronica? Is everything okay here?”

Simon turned toward the newcomer on the scene, a tall man dressed in an elegant gray wool suit, with hair and eyes the same colors as Veronica’s.

“Roger.” Veronica stepped away from Simon. “Everything’s fine.”

“It didn’t look fine,” Roger said.

“It really is. Simon and I were having a disagreement, that’s all.”

“You’re on the verge of tears.” Roger studied Veronica’s face.

Simon thought he was going to pop a blood vessel. “Excuse me, but this is a private conversation.”

This Roger barely spared Simon a glance before he turned back to Veronica. “I was looking for you. I just got back into town and thought we could catch up over drinks.”

That kicked up Simon’s blood pressure a notch.

Veronica nodded. “I’d like that.” She looked at him. “Good bye, Simon.”

He unclenched his jaw. “This isn’t over.”

Her eyes looked heavy burdened with sadness. “Yes, it is.” She left with Roger.

Damn! Whoever this Roger was, he had no business coming between him and Veronica.

Neither did her father and, by hook or by crook, Simon would put this situation to rights.

****

“So little sister, what did I just walk into there? Why was that guy trying to hurt you?”

Veronica swiped at the moisture spilling from her eyes and gave her brother Roger a watery smile. “It’s not what you think. I was the one hurting him.” She hated that her voice trembled.

“Ridiculous! You wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

She told him the whole story.

“Son of a…you can’t be serious!”

Veronica shrugged. “I don’t even know if Simon feels about me the way I feel about him, but I won’t let Father destroy his life and his career.”

Roger’s mouth thinned into a tight line. “Well, it turns out there’s something I can do about this.”

“What do you mean?” Her heart skipped a beat.

“I just accepted a position here at Barrett as conductor in residence. It’s what I was trying to find you and tell you.”

“Congratulations!” She honestly felt happy for her brother. This was a big step forward in his career as an opera conductor.

“Thanks. Here’s the thing. I’m also booked to conduct the upcoming season for Opera Addington, and we’re going to need a choreographer. Is this guy any good?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I’ve seen him dance and I’ve seen him teach. I think he’s good.”

“Then I’ll go talk to him. Don’t worry about the senator. I’ve got enough clout to head him off at the pass.”

She bit her lip. “Are you sure?”

A determined and triumphant light shone from Roger’s eyes. “Oh yeah. I’ve been waiting a long time to have this conversation with the judgmental old bastard.” His expression softened. “You look tired. Go home. Have a glass of wine, watch the episode of General Hospital you DVR’d, and relax.”

Her jaw went slack. “How do you know about GH?”

He chuckled. “You’re talking to the person who grew up with you and suffered through every damn minute of the Sonny, Brenda, Jax triangle.”

She rolled her eyes. Of course Roger would remember that. “You had a crush on Brenda.”

“Who didn’t? Now, go. I’m want to hunt down your Simon and see if he’s up to the job I need done and then take dear old Papa down a peg or two.” Roger rubbed his hands together like he was relishing the fight.

They stood and she leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I love you, even though you’re a smelly jerk.”

Roger grinned. “I love you even though you’re butt ugly.”

Veronica grinned back at him, grateful he was her brother.