DANCE LESSONS

Charlotte observed Sebastian intently as he dialed, her thoughts drifting to how far she'd come.

His office, once intimidating, now felt strangely familiar.

She recalled her first visit, wanting to disappear into the floor. Now, the room felt welcoming.

"What are you thinking about, Orchid? About me?" Sebastian's voice interrupted her reverie.

He winked, setting his phone aside. "Don't be shy, share your thoughts."

Charlotte scoffed, her posture straightening. "Mr. Sebastian, I think this should be the last informal meeting in your office. I think we've blurred professional lines enough."

"You started this blurring yesterday." Sebastian chuckled, his hands raised in mocked surrender.

"That was strictly business, Mr. Sebastian." Charlotte's voice rose in defense

"Besides," she continued , her words spilling out, "your secretary 'Tulips' has been giving me the eye since yesterday."

Sebastian's gaze snapped sharper, his brow shooting up. "Did she say anything to you?"

Charlotte shook her head, her hair swaying. "No, but it's unnecessary attention. This is why we should keep our conversations strictly outside the office."

Sebastian leaned forward, his elbows on the desk. "What if it's work-related?"

Charlotte exhaled deeply, her frustration evident. "I'll consult Mr. Hugh then. You're just a figurehead, unaware of the project's details."

Ah, cruel words!" Sebastian pretended to stumble back, hand on his chest. "And, by the way, Hugh's not a fan."

Charlotte's eyes flashed, her voice sharp. "He doesn't need to be."

She crossed her legs, her expression shifting to curiosity. "Did Mr. Raymond tell you of his relationship with Natalie?"

Sebastian sank back into his chair, a relaxed smile spreading across his face. "He didn't reveal much, just that he knows her and her name is Maggie, not Natalie."

Charlotte's brow furrowed, her chin rubbing thoughtfully. "That's strange. Maybe he's got the wrong person."

Sebastian stood and walked around the desk. "Let's put them aside for now. I'd rather discuss us."

Charlotte's rolled her eyes, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Another date? Can we have a day off from...whatever this is? We have works to do."

"No!" Sebastian shook his head, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "How will you fall in love if you don't see me every day?"

He swiftly brought out his phone and held it inches from Charlotte's face.

"By the way, I stumbled upon your Instagram page," he said, his grin mischievous.

Charlotte's eyes widened, shining with alarm. She tried to snatch the phone from Sebastian's hand, but he was too quick.

"Your page is pretty bare," Sebastian teased, holding the phone out of her reach. "No posts since last year. I gave you a follow, though.

Charlotte's face fell, her eyes clouding. "I don't use that account anymore."

Sebastian's brow furrowed. "Why? You think it isn't useful?"

Charlotte's gaze shifted, her voice questioning. "How did you find my page in the first place?"

Sebastian's expression turned wry. "C'mon, Orchid." He sighed, his tone laced with offense. "You might see me as dumb, but finding someone's social media account is basic knowledge."

Charlotte's eyes dropped, her lower lip caught between her teeth.

"Don't worry, we'll revive that account. We'll go to amazing places, and I, your loyal photographer, will capture unforgettable moments." Sebastian reassured, his eyes sparkled with excitement as he spoke.

Charlotte's expression turned cold. "No, thank you. No memories should be taken of me." She stood up abruptly. "I must take my leave now." she announced.

As she reached the door, Sebastian sprang up, his hand closing around her wrist.

"Wait, we have a dance session tomorrow. I already signed us up."

Charlotte's brow shot up, confusion engraved on her face. "What did you say?"

______

Rachel burst into the office, Her gaze sweeping the room, searching for Natalie.

Lydia, engrossed in her phone call, didn't notice Rachel's entrance. Rachel's eyes fixed on Lydia, her expression impatient.

"Where is your sister?" Rachel asked, her voice urgent.

Lydia lazily raised her gaze, pulling out her earphones. "Huh?"

Rachel's eyes narrowed. "Where is Natalie?" she repeated, her tone edging towards annoyance.

Lydia's focus drifted back, her expression vague. "She just left to get something from the house. She'll be back soon."

Rachel's jaw clenched, her patience fraying.

"I can't wait," she said curtly, spinning on her heel.

The door swung shut behind her, leaving Lydia staring after her, a flicker of curiosity crossing her face.

*****

As Rachel arrived at home, she and Natalie bumped into each other in front of the door.

Natalie's eyes widened in surprise, her hand grasping the door handle.

Rachel's expression was stern, her eyes narrowing. "Come with me."

She grasped Natalie's wrist, pulling her into the house.

Natalie's confusion deepened as she followed.

Rachel unlocked the door code with swift motion, pushing Natalie inside.

The door shut behind them, enveloping them in silence.

Rachel's gaze pinned Natalie. "What's your relationship with Raymond?"

Natalie's eyes darted away, her face flushing.

"I don't know him," she muttered.

Rachel's eyes narrowed. "Don't lie to me, Nat. You know him."

Natalie's gaze dropped, her fingers rubbing the back of her neck. "Alright, alright...we've crossed paths, that's all."

Rachel's voice escaped in a gentle murmur, "Do you owe him money?"

Natalie's hands shot up, palms facing Rachel. "No!" she exclaimed, her denial emphatic.

Rachel's arms crossed, doubt pasted on her face. "Then why did you lie about your name being Maggie?"

Natalie's lips sank, her voice defensive. "I don't like giving strangers my real name, that's it."

A moment of weighted silence hung between them as Rachel's intense gaze bore into Natalie.

"Well," Rachel finally spoke, her voice low and even. "I gave him your number."

Natalie's eyes widened, shock exploding across her face. "You gave him what!" Her voice shrilled, echoing off the walls.