Free Speed of My Heart by Erika Trevathan Page A

nose, reading a book. Rain meant that everyone around here caught a break.
    I stuck my head in the door to the living room on my way out.
    "I'm heading to the studio, and then I might meet Sadie for lunch," I told them, hoping I wouldn't get a lecture from my grandma on the dangers of driving in the rain.
    My grandmother looked up from her book. "Alright, but give us a call when you're heading home so we'll know to keep an eye out for you."
    I smiled, relieved there was going to be no lecture this time. "Of course, Grandma."
    I could see the worry behind her eyes and knew that even with the restraining order against Marcus, she would still stress every time I walked out the door.
     
    "I'll be fine," I called back, as I closed the door behind me and headed to my car.
     
    *  *  *
     
    Thirty minutes later I was in my happy place, dancing to a romantic solo from the ballet, Giselle. Even though I knew I wouldn't be using ballet as much as other forms of dance during the tryouts, it was the category closest to my heart, and I always started and ended my dance workouts with it. Ballet was something I did for myself, and would always do, as long as I was able.
    I was almost ready to finish up for the day, when I felt the slow sliver of apprehension that came from being watched. My eyes darted around the studio and stopped, relieved, when they fell on Miranda standing in the doorway, her face thoughtful. As usual, as soon as she realized I saw her, she quickly pasted on a bright smile. She was always so careful not to ever seem anything but happy. It had to be tiring.
    "Wow, Mara, that was beautiful. Are you sure you'd rather be on some university dance team than tryout for a real dance company?"
    I bit back the sharp retort that was trying to press its way out from behind my lips and reminded myself that Miranda and I just had a difference in opinion when it came to dance. "Yes, I'm sure," I replied, my voice surprisingly calm. "I don't want the kind of career that's totally dependant on the perfection of my body. I dance because I love it. I'm afraid that dancing professionally would kill that."
    Miranda studied me for a second before shrugging. "Suit yourself. Have a good practice." She turned on her heels, disappearing down the long corridor.
    I shook my head, releasing a deep, tense breath. I knew Miranda didn‘t mean anything by her comments, and she could be great to be around most of the time. I just needed to learn not to be so sensitive when it came to some of the things she said.
    I gathered my stuff and strolled out of the building, deep in thought. Cole was supposed to call later about getting together and I couldn't help but wonder where things were leading with us. I wasn’t nearly as torn as I should be when it came to where I wanted them to go.
    I was so deep in my thoughts that I almost didn't notice the fact that my car was tilted at an odd angle. My eyes widened in shock when I saw that my driver's side tires were completely flat. I knelt down, inspecting the front tire. I figured I must have driven over something in the road on my way to the studio; maybe causing a slow leak.
    I gasped when I saw a long slit running down the length of the now floppy tire. I looked over at the rear tire only to see the same thing.
    For a moment, I just sat there crouched down by my front tire in astonishment. Who would do something like this?
    As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I instantly thought of Marcus. Would he be stupid enough to come within twenty yards of me with a restraining order in place? I really didn't think even he was that crazy. Or was this some random prank?
    Sighing deeply, I pulled out my cell phone and started to dial my grandparents before hesitating, and then ending the call. There was no way I could let them know about this. They'd immediately think it was Marcus and forbid me to go anywhere alone again. And I really didn't think it was him. I knew Marcus better than I cared to, and his