Free Strictly Friends? by Jo Cotterill

Jasper.’
    Megan giggled. ‘They’re called Skye and Jasper? Wow, they’re going to stick out a bit in Milton.’
    â€˜I know. Skye told me she’s already had some kids at school making up songs about her.’
    â€˜Oh, that’s nasty.’
    â€˜Ah well, they’ll get bored soon. I told her not to worry. She’s really nice. Same age as us.’
    Megan felt suspicious. ‘Do you
fancy
her, Jake?’
    â€˜Of course not.’ Jake’s response was just a little too quick, Megan thought. ‘She’s just a friend.’
    â€˜Riiiight.’
    â€˜Why do you girls do that? I haven’t asked you if you fancy Danny Boy, have I?’
    â€˜Don’t call him Danny Boy.’
    â€˜Anyway, it doesn’t matter.’ Jake took a breath. ‘Listen, there’s something else. Mum and I were talking the other day and she said maybe I could come down and visit you guys in half-term. What do you think?’
    â€˜Oh!’ Megan felt a smile sweep across her face. ‘That would be fab! Half-term’s only about three weeks away, isn’t it? That would be amazing!’
    Jake sounded a little relieved. ‘Good. I wasn’t sure if . . . I mean, I thought maybe you might be busy with your new friends or something.’
    â€˜Are you kidding?’ Megan laughed. ‘You’re my best friend. It would be so cool if you came to see us. Would you stay for a bit?’
    â€˜Yeah, a couple of nights, I think. If that’s OK.’
    â€˜I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’ll talk to Mum.’
    â€˜My mum says if you can meet my train, too . . .there’s a direct one from Milton to Parchester, which is kind of handy.’
    Megan grinned. ‘We can get it sorted. Oh, wow! I can’t believe you’re coming to stay! We’re going to have such a brilliant time!’

Chapter 6
you’re GOING OUT WITH HIM?
    â€˜ I
AM
GETTING better, aren’t I?’ Mari gazed anxiously at Megan. ‘You would tell me, wouldn’t you, if I was completely hopeless?’
    Megan laughed. ‘You’re making good progress, Mari. You just need to listen to the rhythm a bit more. Try to feel the beat.’
    Mari glanced around the studio. It was the end of the class and Megan had spent most of it trying to teach Mari the short routine Corinne had given them. ‘Everyone else can do it better than me.’
    Megan pulled off her shoes. ‘No they can’t. You’re imagining things. And you’re doing really well in those shoes.’
    â€˜They help,’ confessed Mari. ‘I can sort of imagine I’m a proper dancer, you know. Thanks so much for lending them to me.’ She glanced at the shoes in Megan’s hands. ‘Are you sure you don’t want these back? Only, the ones you’ve got now . . .’
    â€˜Are very comfortable,’ finished Megan, grinning. ‘Don’t worry. They’re not sparkly silver like yours but they’re fine. I have another silver pair but they’re for best only.’
    â€˜Best what?’
    â€˜Well, when I do competitions and things like that.’
    Mari shook her head in awe. ‘Wow. Competitions. I can’t imagine dancing in front of anyone, let alone competing.’
    Megan felt a pang. She had always entered competitions with Jake. Now, even those shoes were a reminder of the old days in Milton. When was she going to find a class that was more suited to her level? Because nice though it was, this salsa class wasn’t challenging her in any way – unless it was as a teacher!
    As if she’d read Megan’s mind, Mari suddenly said, ‘I don’t suppose . . .’ and then stopped.
    â€˜What?’
    â€˜Well, I was wondering . . .’ Mari chewed her lip for a moment and then rushed on with, ‘You’re such a good teacher, Megan, I was wondering if you’d give me a bit more help. Outside classes, I