Anticipation bubbles through my limbs as I consider that Eva will soon discover what else I’ve prepared for our future together.
The large square with the white building comes into sight and I point. “Look, that’s where we’re going. It’s a walking distance from our main office’s tower.”
It was crucial to me to find a location that would allow me to have my lunch breaks—because, yes, I intend to start taking those from now on instead of gulping down a sandwich in front of my computer—with Eva. Plus, if Alejandro starts his training, he can also see his sister more easily.
“What is that place exactly? And why are you so eager to show it to me?”
I keep a straight face but add a mysterious smile. Or at least I hope it’s mysterious and not only utterly and ridiculously lovestruck—judging by my racing heart, that could very well be the case. We get to the heavy metal door, and I quickly unlock it before Eva notices the large mirror-lined room through the window.
Eva steps inside before me, and I follow a few feet behind her. I’d like her to explore the space without me first and see if she manages to guess for what it is meant. As she moves along the brightly lit, orange-painted corridor—the exact same shade as Eva’s kitchen to give her and her future students a homey feel—she gasps.
Is that a good sign? Does she like it? Maybe I should have chosen a plainer hue?
When Eva reaches the first spacious room and takes in the specialized wooden ballet flooring that I had delivered from Memphis, where apparently the best ones are fabricated, Eva’s exclamation transforms into a loud shriek.
She pivots around and gapes at me. “Nathan? What is this?”
“Can’t you tell?”
“Yes.” She bounces her eyes from the large Dolby sound system, to the state-of-the-art air filtering machine to keep the room oxygenated even with the windows closed, then over to the silk curtains, until finally her gaze stops on my face. “It’s the most beautiful dance studio I’ve ever seen. But why? Why are you showing me this?” The incredulous yet girlishly enthusiastic edge in her voice suggests she already understands my intentions, but is too shocked still to believe it.
At least that’s what I hope.
“There are two other rooms like this in the back, though slightly smaller than this one. The full capacity is around a hundred people at any given time. And to your question about why I’m showing this to you? Because it is for you. I have rented and renovated this studio so that San Sebastian can finally have a decent Latino dance school. One that’s worthy of the Black Angel.” I hug her waist and haul her closer to me. “Eva, I’m starting a new dream, and I want you to start one, too. You told me if you could do anything, you would open a dance school. Now you can.”
Eva chews on her lips as if she’s battling with herself. She peeks up at me, her lips moving without a sound. Then she inhales, cupping my face. “Nathan, this is the sweetest thing ever. But—”
“Hush.” I press a finger to her lips. “Before you tell me anything further, let me say something.” When she nods, I drop my hand and continue, “I know it isn’t a pair of earrings or a bunch of begonias. I get it. I’m offering you more. Not because I have the money to throw out of the window. Nor is it charity. I didn’t do it because I can, but because I want to. I love you and I want you and your family to have the best possible future. I want a job that helps you live out all your secret aspirations, one suited for your talent, your wit, and your kind and loving heart.” Eva’s eyes are glazing over, but I don’t stop. “I have the financial means, my love, so please allow me to give you a hand with this. Don’t see it as a gift or charity, because it is not. It’s an investment. One that I strongly believe you’ll succeed in.”
“But I’ve never led any business before. I always dreamed of doing one…yes, but…” she protests, her eyes wide.
I need her to see herself exactly as I see her. The most amazing woman who can make anything real that she sets her mind on. “Eva Flores, anyone who’s ever seen you dance would consider investing in your talent a no-brainer. You’re not only an exceptional dancer, but also a great teacher. With real passion for what you do. You’re also hard-working and smart. Plus, you have me to advise you about anything business-related and, soon, your little brother too. Besides, it is just rented for now. You’ll be able to buy the place yourself if it works out well…and I know it will.”
Will she accept it?
I know she wants it. It’s the fantasy she told me she holds dearest, besides helping her brother get a shot at better future. Nonetheless, if Eva still has even a grain of doubt whether she can trust me, her past fears will take over and she’ll refuse it. This is the moment where I will see what she truly thinks of me.
Eva stares at me, then slowly a smile makes its way to her lips. She inhales deeply. “Let me restart, Nathan. It’s the sweetest thing…and I’m so happy about it. Thank you.”
My heart leaps and does a twirl and a pirouette, all in one. “You accept it?”
“Are you kidding me?” She grins, and the way her eyes crinkle make my insides melt. “It’s the most amazing idea ever. I will earn back the rent and renovation costs, I promise you.”
I shake my head, chuckling. “Sure you will. This school will boom if you’re teaching in it. But, if you are dying to start a
