Free Pirouette by Robyn Bavati Page B

Actually, Candance is kind of my last fling, dance-wise, I mean. I’ll probably give up dancing this fall because I’m starting Year Twelve. Have to really hit the books.”
    â€œWhat do you want to do when you finish school?”
    Tom shrugged. “Don’t really know. My parents want me to study law. I guess I just want to do well enough to keep my options open. You?”
    â€œNot sure,” Simone said. “Maybe work with languages. Or edit books,” she added, suddenly thinking of Seagull Press.
    â€œWhat kind of books? Textbooks, or—”
    â€œNovels,” she said without hesitation.
    Tom’s face lit up. “I like novels too.”
    Simone gave him a timid smile.
    â€œI like this side of you,” he said.
    â€œWhich side?” she asked him.
    â€œThe shy, serious side. Don’t you think it’s fascinating how people can be different at different times?”
    Simone wiped her mouth carefully on a napkin, avoiding his eyes.
    â€œI’ll take these back for a refill,” said Tom, reaching for her empty cup. His hand brushed hers and a ping shot through her at the contact.
    From the way he was staring at her, she knew that he’d felt it too.

    When he came back, they talked about their favorite books. Then somehow his chair had moved closer to hers, and she was too aware of his proximity and the sound of his voice to concentrate on what he was saying.
    Later, he reached for her hand as they walked back to the dorm. Unlike the hot, sweaty hands of the boys at school, Tom’s hand was warm and dry, and as they strolled down the leafy streets, the air scented with the perfume of jasmine and frangipani, she wished the night would last forever.
    Outside the dorm, it was dark and quiet. In the shadow of the darkened building, Tom leaned toward her as if he might kiss her. Time slowed, and for a second she was breathless.
    Tom hesitated, brushed the back of his hand across her cheek, and then stepped away. “Good night, Simone. See you tomorrow.”

    â€œSo,” said Hannah. “Are you glad you went?”
    â€œYes. No. There were moments when we … but I really don’t think I can see him again.”
    â€œWhy not?” Hannah asked.
    It was after midnight and the two girls were lying in their beds, facing each other even though it was too dark to see each other’s features.
    Simone let out a frustrated sigh. “Because in the end I’d give it away. I mean, how many questions will I have to field before he realizes that I’m not you?”
    â€œWhat did he ask you?”
    â€œWhat I thought about the hip-hop dance we did in class and whether I think the contemporary number will come together in time for the concert.”
    â€œAnd what did you say?”
    â€œNot much. God, I felt dumb!”
    Hannah chuckled softly. “Don’t worry, Sim. That doesn’t sound too terrible. And just in case he asks again, the hip-hop dance is wild and the contemporary’s a mess.” She yawned loudly. “So, did he kiss you?”
    â€œNo, he … I thought he might. But he changed his mind.”
    Hannah propped herself up on her elbow and tried to see her sister’s face. “Did you want him to?” she asked.
    Simone turned onto her back and hugged her pillow. “Yes,” she whispered.

sixteen
    All through Miss Roth’s lesson the following morning, Tom kept throwing Hannah meaningful looks.
    Hannah struggled to focus on her dancing. How would she play it, now that she’d supposedly gone out with Tom? She’d only wanted to do something nice for Simone, but perhaps she’d acted too impulsively, arranging the date without thinking things through.
    Together with Sam and Liam, she’d always spent most of her day in Tom’s company. Now she’d have to find a way to keep her distance from him while still being around him.
    What would she do if he tried to kiss her?