Chapter 5: Dancing on Thin Ice

Maybe because I’d been so well-behaved at school, Mr. Carter didn’t hassle me again. On the scheduled day for piano practice, I had the staff move the piano out to the garden. I was really afraid of being alone with Mr. Carter, even outside class.

The garden was filled with sunlight, the air sweet with the scent of blooming roses. I let the music drift out over the lawn, hoping it would calm my nerves.

Plink—

I idly played a few notes.

The melody was simple, but it helped steady my hands. I closed my eyes, letting the music wash over me.

"Savannah, do you know how to dance?" The new maid, Ashley, isn’t the brightest, but she’s a great cook, so I like her.

She set a tray of lemonade on the table, her eyes wide with curiosity. I grinned, always happy to show off a little.

Mrs. Watkins shot Ashley a look. "Does Savannah look like someone who can dance?"

She tried to sound stern, but I could see the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

I raised an eyebrow. Saying that in front of me—have I gotten too soft?

I placed a hand on my hip, giving them my best mock glare. "You two don’t know half of what I can do."

I coughed. "How about I show you?"

I stood up, smoothing my skirt, ready to prove them wrong.

Mrs. Watkins muttered, "Can you really?"

She folded her arms, skeptical. I winked at Ashley, who giggled.

"Huh?" I put my hands on my hips, staring them down. "Don’t say girls can’t do things."

I stuck out my chin, channeling every ounce of girl power I had.

Please—I aced dance exams back in the day.

I thought back to my old recitals, the applause echoing in my ears. I missed those days sometimes.

"Oh? Mind if I watch?" Caleb appeared again, strolling over with his usual swagger.

He leaned against the piano, arms crossed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I lifted my chin. "Caleb, play your best."

I shot him a look, daring him to keep up. He grinned, rolling up his sleeves.

He smiled. "As you wish."

He cracked his knuckles and launched into a lively tune. The notes danced through the air, bright and cheerful.

Plink—

The piano music was bright and lively. I stepped back, spun, and let my blue skirt swirl. Caleb looked up, surprised I had real skills. Under the maple tree, leaves drifted down, and in the lake’s reflection, a girl danced. Just as I was about to grin, I saw a figure under the tree. Crap! There was a rock by my foot—I tripped. No way—am I going to die from a fall instead of poisoned cake?

I stumbled, arms flailing. For a split second, I saw my life flash before my eyes—again.

Suddenly—a pair of hands caught my waist, the faint mint scent overwhelming my senses.

The grip was strong, steady. I looked up, heart pounding.

Startled, I looked up into bright, wide eyes. The look almost made me fall again.

The surprise on her face mirrored my own. I grabbed her arms for balance.

"Savannah, steady now." A familiar voice was gentle and kind.

Elena’s voice soothed my nerves, even as my heart raced. She smiled, steadying me.

Crap! Why was it Elena? I stepped back, and out of the corner of my eye, saw two figures—one in black, one in white—approaching.

I glanced over, recognizing Mr. Carter and Caleb, both watching intently. The tension was thick.

"Elena, why are you… here?" I stared at her in her neat pantsuit, surprised.

She looked so put-together, so calm. I felt like a mess in comparison.

Elena lowered her eyes and smiled. "Mr. Carter brought me."

Her voice was soft, but there was a hint of pride. I wondered what was going on between them.

I turned and saw Mr. Carter looking at me with a half-smile, his gaze… strange. Was he mad I stole the heroine’s hug? I grinned and said, "Since you two have business, I’ll leave you to it."

I tried to back away, hoping to escape before things got awkward.

Just as I tried to slip away, a hand caught my collar again.

Mr. Carter said, "I invited Elena so you could see her piano skills and hear her advice."

His tone was calm, but there was a challenge in his eyes. I gulped, nodding.

"Uh…" I quietly hid behind Caleb.

He grinned, shielding me like a big brother. I felt safer with him around.

I always felt that being between the main couple was dangerous.

It was like standing in the middle of a storm—exciting, but risky.

Caleb chuckled. "Is it Savannah who needs Elena, or Mr. Carter?"

He raised an eyebrow, teasing. I shot him a warning look.

My heart skipped a beat. This guy would say anything! Everyone knew Elena’s dad—the state representative—wanted to win over Mr. Carter, and though Mr. Carter had clout, he still needed the state rep’s backing. In the original plot, Elena and Mr. Carter became allies, took down the main villain and Savannah, and ended up together. Caleb, of course, played the loyal sidekick. Sadly, the heroine never noticed him. I nodded at Caleb, and though he looked confused, I felt a sense of solidarity.

I shot him a quick smile, grateful for the backup—even if he didn’t know what he was backing up.

Mr. Carter looked from Caleb to me, saying, "If you don’t hurry, you’ll have to practice piano with me in the music room."

His voice was low, almost threatening. I shivered, knowing he meant it.

I was stunned. So he knew I was avoiding him? Even as a teacher, he could threaten a Whitaker. It worked. After the performance, even Elena looked at me differently.

She smiled, her eyes warm. For the first time, I felt like maybe we could be friends.

"You play well, Savannah," Elena said with a smile.

Her compliment was genuine, and I felt a swell of pride.

I was about to smile back.

I opened my mouth, but she spoke first.

Elena added, "How about trying something else? Just now, I saw you dance like a swan—graceful and strong."

Her words caught me off guard. I blushed, not used to such praise.

Pfft.

He winked at me, his grin infectious. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help but smile.

I rolled my eyes at Caleb’s flattery.

I stuck my tongue out at him, feeling more relaxed than I had all day.

Mr. Carter didn’t reply. I looked at him, hopeful.

He met my gaze, his expression unreadable. I held my breath, waiting.

He opened his eyes and said, "Do you want my opinion?"

His voice was soft, almost gentle. I nodded, bracing myself.

My heart dropped.

I steeled myself for criticism, but he just looked at me, thoughtful.

Elena continued, "Your dancing is beautiful. How about we do something together? I’ll play piano, you dance."

Her offer was sincere, and I found myself nodding before I could think. Maybe spending time with the heroine wouldn’t be so bad.

I was stunned. It was a good idea, but… more time with the heroine was risky.

Still, I couldn’t say no. I smiled, hoping this was the start of something new.