Flawless Flower Child.
Chapter 40
Poppy
My insides quake as we pass through the employee entrance. The closer we get to the stage, the slower I move.
“Baby, tell me what to do.” Evin squeezes my hand.
“It’s an eerie déjà vu. I sometimes spent seven days a week within these walls. Now, I feel like a stranger.”
He stops, stepping in front of me, and tips my chin upwards. “If you’re not ready, we’ll reschedule.”
“Sweetie, it’s been four and a half months. It’s time.”
“Want me to carry you?”
I give him a small smile. “Last time I was carried off and then wheeled out. Today, it’s important for me to walk.”
His eyes glow with understanding and support as he bends to kiss me. “Let me know if you change your mind.”
“Thanks,” I whisper. We stay this way, him giving me the time to gather myself. “I’m ready.”
Together, we walk toward the offices, my stomach coiling for a different reason. It’s too quiet. The training room is usually bustling this time of day. We haven’t seen one soul or heard a peep. The side of the stage comes into view, sending my heart racing, and then a loud whistle zings through the air.
I freeze, my eyes bulging out of the sockets, and a low squeak escapes. A crowd is gathered around the pool, and when I’m in full view, cheers erupt.
Dancers, performers, staff, trainers, choreographers—everyone associated with the show is waiting. My hands fly to my mouth as my Cirque family swarms around, engulfing me. I hug, kiss, and shout my excitement until my voice is gravelly and throat is raw. There are a handful of dancers I’ve kept in touch with some, mostly through text, but I haven’t seen anyone since my hospital stay.
All my nerves and jitters fade away. When I’ve greeted everyone and have room to breathe, I find Evin and Dante off to the side. Their stances are the same—arms crossed, legs planted, bodies solid, and eyes on me.
I fly across the short distance, throwing myself at Dante.
Because of circumstances out of his control and staff illnesses, he canceled his travel plans for New Year’s. It’s been five weeks since he left Charleston at the beginning of the Tasha debacle.
“Good to see you, Pips.” He jiggles me.
“You, too.”
“Hey! Are you crushing my talent before I can assess her?” Cal’s voice booms from behind us, and Dante sets me on my feet.
“He’d have to do a lot more than that,” I assure him, leaning in for a quick hug.
“Good to see you, Poppy. You ready for this?”
“More than ready.”
“The preppy doctor gave me the latest report. Don’t expect kid gloves.”
“Wrong thing to say, man,” Evin grumbles.
Cal and Evin formally met in the hospital and then again when we were here in November for my appointment with Dr. Rexwell. Both times were tense, but today, Evin is relaxed and grinning lightheartedly.
“I’m eager to get it underway. Have you seen the videos I sent?”
“I’ve seen you walking on your hands like a zoo animal. Let’s see what you can do on your feet.”
After the new year, I began strict personal training, going back to basics and incorporating the years of routines that focused on strength. For the last two weeks, Jesse’s been sending videos of my routines to show Cal and the other trainers my progress. I’m still an employee of the company and have an obligation to report progress.
Throughout the scandal with Tasha, one thing we could keep under wraps was the plans for the dance studio. Dante and I need to appear one-hundred percent dedicated to Cirque and my return. Regardless of my plans, Dante needs anonymity for his career.
I scoff, feigning offense. “Please, that was perfect form.”
“For a gymnast,” he jokes.
My eyes narrow, shooting him a daring glare.
“See you in the training center. You’re mine for two weeks.” He smiles sadistically, tipping his chin to Evin and heading backstage.
Dante follows, leaving Evin and me to the solitude of the stage.
“It was weird at first, but now it feels like home.”
His arms circle my waist and he bends to kiss me softly. “I’ll be around. Remember, we’re here for two weeks. No need to prove your excellence on day one.”
“I promise to ease into things.”
I take his hand and go to the training area. He squeezes me encouragingly before urging me through the door with a gentle shove.
Cal’s waiting near a set of mats and grinning smugly. He’s waited patiently for his turn to work with me. This will be brutal, and I can’t wait. Although we all know the chances of me returning to my role are slim, he’s not ready to give up. Neither am I.
“Let’s do this.” I kick off my shoes and crack my neck.
“You know the drill. Tell me if anything gets to be too much.” He lays out his plan for the day, and at first, it sounds too basic.
It doesn’t take long for me to realize I misjudged. He works me hard, pushing me to the limits and critiquing my movements. After two hours, he ends our session, and I collapse on the mat, heaving. My clothes and hair are soaked, my muscles are protesting, and my lungs are screaming for relief.
“Thought you said you were in shape.” He smirks.
“Day one is a killer. Wait until tomorrow,” I pant.
“Abundance of fluids, proteins, and carbs, no alcohol tonight.”
I nod.
“How’s everything feel?”
“My legs and arms are jelly, my muscles are on fire, and my heart is trying to recuperate. But no pops, rips, or crunches, so I’d say we’re good to go. The heel and knee are okay.”
“Good.”
“Could you call my husband to get me? Otherwise, I may spend the night on this floor mat.”
He snickers, shaking his head and motioning behind me. On a hunch, I call out, “Are you back there?”
“I’m here.”
Evin appears, standing over me a few seconds later, dressed in his own athletic gear and sweating.
“You worked out?”
“Not
