Three

I pull into the Dance Academy. I hope I can look at Corey without looking guilty. I shouldn't have been snooping in his file. It is so disrespectful of me.

I open my car door and climb out the passenger side. I hear the car beep when I lock it. I move towards the main entrance of the studio. Hearing loud music, I turn to look at the parking lot.

I see an old beat-up truck. It was gray and had a massive amount of rust on it. I smile seeing Corey bob his head up and down to the rock music. He smiles when he notices me. I wave, feeling like an idiot.

Corey steps out of the truck. I see him rub a cigarette against the pavement, and he puts the leftover above his ear.

"I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but the cigarette has to stay in the car." He laughs and opens the truck door.

In moments, he is by my side. We walk into the Academy together silently. He smells like a mixture of cheap cologne and cigarette smoke. For some reason, I like the smell and I have no idea why.

"Sadie, hey beautiful," I hear a familiar voice.

I look at Corey, who looks annoyed. "Hey, Adam." I smile.

Adam is my mom's best friend's son so he was a good childhood friend.

"Hey Corey," Adam says.

"You two know each other?" I look at both faces, trying to detect what type of relationship they have.

"I work in law enforcement, I know just about everyone," Adam laughs.

"Oh yeah," I chuckle, trying to appear less uncomfortable.

"I must get to my duties," Corey says, looking at the ground. He also seems very uncomfortable.

Adam grabs my hand and we walk toward the dance studio. I know he has had a thing for me since we were kids. He was my date for prom. I just don't feel the type of connection I am looking for.

Walking into the studio, I flip on the light with my free hand.

Adam drops his hold on my hand. "That Corey guy is trouble. I want you to be careful around him."

" Trouble?"

"You know I can't go into detail," he tells me.

I nod.

"Just trust me," he says.

"Okay, well he's just our janitor, nothing more," I laugh.

I move towards the ballet bar.

"I am glad you cleared that up," Adam laughs.

I put my leg on the ballet bar and start stretching. Bending forward, I touch my toes.

I look to my side and see Corey enter the room with a map bucket. I can't help but watch him. Now he was distracting.

"Do you have plans this weekend?" He asks.

" Plans?" I try to look away from Corey.

"Yeah, like fun movies, shopping," he laughs.

" Umm no," I smile, finally looking at Adam.

I try, but I am having such a difficult time keeping my eyes off Corey and on Adam.

"You want to go to dinner?" He asks.

I see Corey stop mapping, giving him my attention again. He looks aggravated.

"Sadie," Adam yells.

"Yes, sorry dinner sounds nice." I smile.

"Great," Adam says, shaking his head.

"Looking forward to it."

Moments later, I hear my dancers start walking in loudly, chatting with one another.

"I will pick you up Saturday at five," Adam says with a grin.

I smile. He turns and walks away. I couldn't help but notice the stare down between the two men. There was clearly some tension between them.

"Alright, get in your place dancers." I look at all their smiling faces.