Fallen Dancer: The Dancer Series, #2

By Lisa Perkins

When the woman he loves marries another man, Marcus Leone is heartbroken beyond recovery. In an attempt to forget her and move on with his life, he makes the biggest mistake of his life that could cost him his soul. When a serious tragedy occurs, Marcus decides to make changes in his life. Will he ever win Marissa's heart? Is her love the only thing that can save him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Perkins
• Release date: Jul 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201621445

Lisa Perkins

Lisa was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia. She loved to read teenage romance novels growing up. She was blessed with a vivid imagination and the ability to tell stories in great detail. When she got older, her hobby became photography. She loved taking pictures and capturing moments in time forever. Storytelling, in one form or another, has always been her wheelhouse. As a teenager, she created a world with characters that she loved dearly. She abandoned that world as an adult and moved on to other things. One day, she revisited that world and those characters. She decided to take the story and make it into a book. Having never written a book before, she wasn't sure how it would go. The second she sat down to write, the story just poured out of her. That one book turned into two, and a series was born. She always had a love of dance and took dance lessons as a child. Her love of dance is what inspired her books and how The Dancer Series was created.

Book preview

Chapter 1

It's a very hot and humid Sunday in early August. I sit in my Audi in Central Park eating my lunch and watching the people in the park enjoying the summer day. I watch couples walking through the park hand in hand and mothers pushing their babies in strollers. There are a few people walking their dogs along the walking path and runners doing laps around the park. Everyone looks happy and content.

Central Park is where I go when I want to get out of the condo but don't want to be around people. If there are lots of people in the park, I sit in my car and people watch. But if the park is empty, I get out and walk around the walking path or sit on a bench and take in the fresh air. Today, there are just too many people around and I just want to sit in my car and have lunch in peace.

My life is such a mess and I have sunk into a deep depression. It takes all of my strength and will power just to get out of bed every morning and get on with my day. I feel as if there's a dark cloud looming over me every day. I spend all of my free time alone because I don't want to drag others down with me. I avoid any social interactions outside of work as much as possible.

It's been nearly six months since Marissa married Travis Channing and I haven’t been the same since that painful day. Working so closely with her and knowing that she's someone else's wife cuts me to the core. She still has no idea how I feel about her and I plan on keeping it that way. There's no reason for her to know how I feel. It would only make things uncomfortable between us. And I won't give Travis the satisfaction of knowing that he has what I want.

After watching people for nearly an hour, I decide to head home. I need to get some things done around the condo. Tomorrow is Monday and I'll be starting another work week. The funny thing is, I find myself getting excited about seeing Marissa on Monday morning. As much as it hurts to see her, I still get excited about being in her presence.

I start up my Audi and take one last look around the park. My car windows are down and I can smell charcoal burning in the distance. Someone must be grilling lunch. The warm summer breeze blows through the windows of my car as I put on my sunglasses and back out of my parking space. Slowly, I drive out of the park and onto the street. Traffic is light as I make my way home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's a sunny Monday morning and everyone seems to be in a good mood. Randy and Ruby are in the dance studio talking with Marissa when I walk in. Randy is telling them about his wild weekend of drinking and hooking up with strange women at the club he hangs out in frequently. It never ceases to amaze me how he can live that kind of lifestyle and be so happy.

Good morning, Marcus, Ruby says when she sees me. Randy immediately stops talking.

Good morning, everyone, I say as I set my gym bag down on the table. 

Hey, buddy. How was your weekend? Randy asks. He's clearly in a good mood.

It was okay, I reply, giving him a smile.

Good to hear. Well, I think I'll get back to work...unless you want to hear more about my weekend, he says jokingly.

I think we've heard enough, Marissa says, rolling her eyes. Ruby nods, agreeing with her.

Okay. Be that way, then. I'll just keep it to myself, he says, pretending to be hurt.

Come on. Let's go do something productive, Ruby says, taking him by the arm and leading him to the door. Bye, guys.

They walk out the door and down the hallway to their offices. Marissa looks at me and smiles, shaking her head. Her smile makes my heart race. I return her smile, trying not to act like a lovesick schoolboy.

How was your weekend? I ask her as I change my shoes.

It was okay. My parents had a barbecue yesterday and we went to it. It was fun except for the fact that my parents don't like my husband, she replies.

I'm happy to hear that Marissa's parents don't like Travis, but I manage to hide my feelings about it. I'm glad you were able to enjoy the barbecue in spite of that issue, I reply, trying to remain neutral about the matter.

Don't get me wrong, I love my parents. And I can understand them being concerned about Travis’ drug issues. They just don't see the side of him that I see. He's really trying to beat his addiction and I truly believe I can help him. I just wish they would trust my judgment, she says, sounding frustrated.

I smile at her, unsure of how to respond. Marissa is a beautiful and amazing woman. She has an effect on me that no one else has ever had. But in my heart, I know that even she can't pull Travis out of his drug addiction. He's too far gone to be helped by anyone other than a trained professional in a rehab facility.

They love you, Riss, I finally reply. She nods.

I know they do. Are you ready to get to work? she asks, quickly changing the subject.

I just need to warm up and then I'll be good to go, I reply, taking a spot on the dance floor to start warming up. 

Okay. While you're warming up, I'm going to check in with Ruby, she says, walking to the door.

Okay. I start warming up as she walks out the door. 

While I'm doing my stretches, I replay our conversation over and over in my mind. It's disappointing how much faith she has in Travis. He has promised her so many times that he would get clean, but he always seems to let her down. And yet, she continues to believe in him. Why does he need to use drugs in the first place? He has her. He should be flying high without the influence of drugs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's another smoldering hot day and I hurry into the building to get out of the heat. As I get into the empty elevator, I can't help feeling as if something isn't right. I've had this feeling since I woke up this morning and I can't seem to shake it. I try to put it out of my mind as the elevator stops on the sixth floor. The door opens and I step out into the hallway.

When I reach the dance studio, I see Marissa sitting at the table and Ruby sitting next to her. They’re talking quietly and looking intense. I can tell that something is wrong and it makes me start to worry. As I walk into the studio, they stop talking and look at me.

Hi, Marcus, Ruby says, smiling at me.

Hi, Ruby. Is everything okay? I ask, concerned.

Riss can fill you in. I'm going to get some coffee, Ruby says, getting up from the table. She nods to Marissa then turns and walks out of the studio.

Marissa, what's going on? Is something wrong? I ask, fearing the answer.

She looks at me and gestures for me to sit down. I take a seat next to her at the table. Once I’m seated, she begins to speak. Travis called  his drug dealer last night and told him that he won’t be using drugs anymore. His dealer got very angry and threatened to harm me if he stopped getting drugs from him. This morning, I was followed here. Travis got a call this morning from a strange man telling him that he’s watching me.

My heart sinks and panic runs through my body. The woman I love is in serious danger because of her drug addict husband. If anything happens to her... I take a deep breath, trying to hide my fear.

Marissa, what are you going to do? I ask, unable to hide the worry in my voice.

I don't know, she says softly.

You should go to the police, I urge her.

I can't, Marcus. If I go to the police, Travis could get arrested for using drugs. And my dad is friends with the police chief. If he finds out about this, he'll tell my dad. My parents already dislike Travis. That would just add fuel to the fire. I can see worry in her eyes.

You can't just let this go, Riss. This is serious. You're in danger. I know you want to protect Travis, but you have to think about your own safety. I...care about you and I don't want anything to happen to you. You have to go to the police, I plead to her. It's impossible to hide the fear and concern in my voice.

She reaches across the table and takes my hand. I know you're worried about me and I appreciate your concern. But I have to handle this very carefully. I know what I'm doing. I've gotten used to dealing with this kind of thing. I promise I'll be careful, she assures me.

She shouldn't have to get used to dealing with this kind of thing. She's too good for this kind of life. I fight the urge to lecture her about her safety. I don't want to upset her anymore than she already is. Instead, I give her hand a gentle squeeze and smile at her adoringly. She smiles back at me then lets go of my hand and gets up from the table.

I need to get my mind off this for a while. You need to warm up, so I'll get the music ready while you’re doing that, she says, walking over to the stereo.

I get up from the table and head to the dance floor to start warming up. I know she doesn't want to discuss the situation any longer, so I drop it. I start doing my stretches while she rummages through CD’s at the stereo. I can tell she's scared and all I want to do is protect her. I would do anything to keep her safe.

Once I've finished warming up, she joins me on the dance floor. We start working on our material, putting the dangerous situation out of our minds for the time being.

––––––––

Marissa scans the parking lot from the window of the dance studio before we leave for the day. Fear washes over me at the thought of someone waiting for her in the parking lot. What if someone follows her home? I can't stand the thought of something happening to her. I need to follow her home and make sure she gets there safely.

Just as I start to speak, Travis Channing walks into the studio. He walks over to Marissa at the window and wraps his arms around her.

Hi, baby, he mutters in her ear.

Hey. I didn't see you in the parking lot, she replies, turning to face him.

I've been in the building for a while. I went upstairs to see my agent. Anything strange happen since this morning? he asks, releasing her.

Not since I was followed this morning, she says, moving away from the windows.

You're safe now, baby. I'll be right behind you all the way home, he says, watching her walk over to the table.

I'm ready to go, she informs him, her voice sounding nervous.

Okay. Let's go home, Travis replies. He walks over to her and takes her hand. She grabs her handbag from the table then turns to look at me.

I'll see you tomorrow, Marcus. Have a good evening, she says with a smile.

See you tomorrow, Riss. Be careful, I reply, returning her smile. She nods then walks out of the studio with Travis.

I watch as they walk hand in hand to the elevator. Seeing the two of them together breaks my heart a little more each time. It's bad enough that I'm completely heartbroken and severely depressed over their marriage. But now, I have to worry about her safety, as well.

Suddenly, Randy and Ruby appear in the doorway. They walk into the studio, looking around for Marissa.

Did Marissa leave already? Ruby asks. I nod.

I was going to follow her home to make sure she made it safely, Randy says.

So was I. But Travis showed up and they just left together, I inform them.

I’m glad she didn’t go out alone, Ruby says as she puts her cell phone in her purse.

I just have to say it...she's not safe with Travis. She shouldn’t have married him. She's caught in the middle of his drug addiction. It's not good to have drug dealers following you and threatening to do you harm, Randy says, disgusted.

I can only imagine how she must feel. She has to be terrified. I know I would be, Ruby adds.

I keep quiet and listen to what they’re saying. I agree with them completely, but I keep my opinion to myself. They can tell I'm worried about her just from the look on my face. I don’t need to voice my concerns to them.

I wish she would get away from Travis. I don't understand why she wants to be with a drug addict, Randy says, shaking his head.

I wish the same thing, but it's not our place to say anything to her about it, Ruby says, looking at her watch. I need to go home and get dinner started.

See you tomorrow, Ruby, Randy says as she heads toward the studio door.

See you guys tomorrow, she replies then out the door she goes.

I walk over to the table and grab my gym bag then head to the door. Randy follows me out of the studio and waits for me to lock up. We walk to the elevator together in silence and wait for it to arrive. The elevator is empty when we finally get inside. As the door closes, I push the first floor button.

What are you doing for dinner this evening? he asks, looking up to see what floor we're on.

I’m going to make pizza, I reply, knowing where this is headed.

You should have dinner with me tonight. We could have a guys night out, he suggests.

Thanks for the offer, but I'm just going to stay in tonight. I don't feel like going out for dinner, I reply, hoping he's not offended.

I wish you would reconsider. We haven't had dinner and hung out for awhile, he says, trying to persuade me to change my mind.

We'll do it another time. I'm not up to it tonight, I say as the elevator door opens on the first floor.

Okay. But I'm going to hold you to it, he says as we step out of the elevator and head towards the front doors.

Man, it's hot out here, he says once we step outside into the heat.

Yes, it is, I say as we hurry to our cars.

If you change your mind about dinner, give me a call, he says as he unlocks his car door.

We'll do it another time, I reply, opening my car door.

Okay, buddy. See you tomorrow.

See you, Randy. We get into our cars and drive away.

––––––––

I finish my dinner at the kitchen table with so many thoughts running through my head. I feel guilty for blowing Randy off tonight, but I just don't feel like socializing with anyone these days. My thoughts then turn to Marissa. If we were together, she wouldn't be in any danger.

Travis doesn't deserve her. He has the one thing I would give anything to have, but that's not enough for him. He needs drugs to make him feel good. Marissa is the only thing I would ever need to make me feel good.

I get up from the table and clean up from the dinner I forced myself to finish. I haven't had much of an appetite since Marissa got married nearly six months ago. I've sunk into a deep depression and I can't seem to pull myself out. I’m caught between an emotional shut down and random crying spells. I'm an emotional mess and I try to avoid being around others as much as possible. I don't want anyone to see what a mess I truly am.

I finish up in the kitchen then head into the living room to watch TV.  I collapse on the couch and stretch out. It feels good to get comfortable and relax. Suddenly, I hear sirens in the distance. My body tenses up immediately. I hope Marissa is safe. I lay my head back against the couch cushion and stare up at the ceiling. I find myself worrying about her a lot lately. As long as she's married to Travis, she will always be in danger.

After lying here for a while driving myself crazy with my thoughts, I feel myself getting sleepy. I get up from the couch and make my way upstairs to the bedroom. Quickly, I get undressed and climb into bed. I need to try and get some sleep tonight. I haven't been sleeping well lately. Whenever I close my eyes, I see Marissa's face. I can't get her out of my head no matter how hard I try. I feel like I'm going crazy.

I roll onto my side and try to get her out of my head. Stop it! You need to get some sleep. Don't torture yourself again tonight. Go to sleep! I pull the covers up higher and close my eyes. After a few moments, I feel myself getting sleepy. It's getting harder and harder to stay awake. Finally, I drift off to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I walk into the dance studio on Monday morning and I'm surprised to see Travis inside with Marissa. They’re standing by the window having what appears to be a serious discussion. He’s wearing dark sunglasses and appears to be under the weather. Marissa looks unhappy as he talks to her. When I walk in, they both stop talking and look at me.

Hi, Marcus, she says, walking away from Travis.

Hi, Riss, I reply, setting my gym bag down on the table.

I guess I'd better go so you can get to work, he says to her.

Yeah, I guess you should, she replies, avoiding eye contact with him.

He walks over to her and gently lifts her chin with a curled index finger, forcing her to meet his gaze. Hey...we'll talk when you get home. I love you, Marissa.

She looks away and walks past him to the table. He watches her closely then looks at me and nods. I nod to him then walk over to the mini fridge to get a bottle of water. It takes every bit of strength I have to keep from giving him a piece of my mind.

When I turn back around after getting my water, I see that he's leaving the studio. Marissa gives him a cold stare as he walks out the door. She is definitely upset with him about something. I don't want to pry into her personal life, so I choose not to comment on what I've just observed. I take a few sips of my water then walk over to the table and set it down. Marissa smiles at me and walks over to the windows to look outside.

It's another hot day, she says, scanning the parking lot.

Yes, it is. Thank goodness for air conditioning, I reply, giving her a smile.

She returns my smile and walks over to the table with her arms folded in front of her. She sits down at the table and stares off into space. I take a seat in the other chair and watch her for a moment. Finally, I get the nerve to ask her what’s wrong.

Are you okay? Is something wrong? I ask cautiously.

She looks into my eyes and my heart melts. It's Travis, she says, looking upset.

Talk to me, I reply, leaning forward in the chair to make closer eye contact with her.

He got high last night. He was doing so well and then he was tempted by one of his contacts. I'm so upset with him, she says, shaking her head.

That’s not good. I don't blame you for being upset with him, I reply, taking a sip of my water.

No, it's not good. Last night, his contact called him while I was out with my mom. When I got home, he was sitting by the pool completely strung out. I was so angry, I got in my car and drove to the park for a while. I just had to get away. I couldn't even look at him, she says, getting up from the table and pacing around the studio.

Marissa, you have every right to be angry. That's a lot to deal with, I say, watching her pace back and forth across the floor.

He's been dodging his dealer and avoiding the whole drug scene for a while now. Then he gets a call from this guy and all his hard work to stay clean goes out the window, she says, frustrated.

I clear my throat, contemplating whether or not to give her my opinion. I decide to offer her my advice. I know this is none of my business and I hope you don't think I'm out of line. But he needs to be in rehab. That's the only way he's going to get better.

I don't think you're out of line at all. I value your opinion. And I know he needs to be in rehab, but he doesn't want to go. He says he can do it on his own, she says, leaning against the table with her arms crossed.

I'm sure he thinks he can. But the truth is, he needs help from trained professionals who know how to deal with this, I say, getting up from the table and standing next to her.

I completely agree with you, Marcus. But I can't force him to go into rehab if he doesn't want to. All I can do is let him know how upset I am about it, she says, looking up at me.

This must be so hard for you to deal with, I reply, looking into her eyes.

I honestly don't know which is worse...seeing him high or taking care of him while he’s sick from it. He gets really sick for a while afterwards and then he finally passes out, she says, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger.

I don't understand why he wants to put himself through that, I say, taking another drink of my water.

He's an addict. He doesn't want to go through it but his addiction has control over him. I can hear the frustration in her voice as she’s discussing the situation with me. I’m glad she feels comfortable enough to confide in me.

I wish there was something I could do to help you, I reply, feeling helpless.

You do help me, Marcus. You listen to me and let me vent. That helps me more than you know. And I really do value your opinions and advice, she says, smiling at me. Her smile melts my heart.

I'll always be here for you. You can talk to me and vent anytime you need to, I assure her. I'd do anything in this world for her.

Thank you, Marcus, she says, walking away from the table and heading over to the stereo.

I suddenly realize that I haven't warmed up yet. I walk to the middle of the dance floor and start warming up as she looks through CD’s at the stereo. Once she’s finished picking out our music, she turns and watches me doing my stretches. My heart starts to race when I notice she's watching me.

The park was beautiful last night, she says as I finish warming up.

Oh, yeah? I reply, walking over to the table to get a drink of water.

There was hardly anyone there and the sun was setting. The sky was pink with a hint of purple. It looked beautiful. I sat on a bench and enjoyed the warm breeze. It was very peaceful, she says.

I can imagine her sitting on a bench with the breeze blowing through her beautiful long hair. That sounds nice, I reply. I go to the park myself sometimes.

I don't know what made me go there last night to get away, but I'm glad I did, she says, walking to the dance floor.

I take another sip of my water then set the bottle down on the table. Suddenly, an idea comes to mind. Feeling brave, I decide to suggest it to her.

If you ever need to get away for a bit, you can always come by my place. I'm home most of the time. Or, I could meet you somewhere and we could talk, I offer, hoping I'm not out of line.

You’re such a good friend, Marcus. I'll keep that in mind. She gives me a beautiful smile that makes my heart melt.

I'm always here for you...anytime you need me, I say as I join her on the dance floor.

Thank you. That means a lot to me, she says.

That's the last thing I needed you to sign. You're all finished, Randy says as I stand at his desk signing paperwork.

Okay. There you go, I reply, laying his pen down on the desk.

Thanks, buddy, he says, taking the paperwork and sliding it into a folder.

No problem, I reply, heading for the door.

As I start to leave, Ruby walks into Randy's office. Hi, Marcus. I hope I'm not interrupting, she says.

No, not at all. I was just signing some paperwork, I say to her.

Hey, Ruby. What's up? Randy asks.

Travis keeps calling my office wanting to talk to Marissa. The first time he called, she told me to tell him she was busy and couldn't talk. And if he calls back, give him the same excuse again. He's called twice and both times I've told him she's busy, she says, leaning against Randy’s desk.

Why doesn't he just call her cell phone? Randy asks.

He said her cell phone was turned off, she replies.

Something must be going on with them. Sounds like she just doesn't want to talk to him, he says, sitting down on the corner of his desk.

Just between the three of us, I don't care for him. I think Marissa deserves better, Ruby says quietly.

I completely agree with you. I don't like him either. Why on earth would you need to use drugs when you're married to Marissa? Randy says in a low voice.

He promised to stay clean when he proposed to her. I don't know if he's keeping his promise or not, she replies.

Marcus, have you heard anything about what's going on with them? he asks, folding his arms.

There’s no way I’m going to betray Marissa's trust. She obviously hasn't confided in anyone else about what's going on between them. She trusts me and I'm not going to do anything to ruin that. I would never hurt or betray her.

No, I haven't heard anything, I reply, leaning in the doorway.

I worry so much about her safety. She was followed to work the other day by his dealer's cronies. There's no telling what they were up to, she adds.

They were up to no good, that's for sure, Randy says, glancing out into the hallway.

I should get back to the studio. Marissa’s probably wondering what's keeping me, I say to them.

"Marcus, what do you think of Travis and the whole situation?

Anything you say is between the three of us," Randy says quietly.

I suddenly feel as if I'm being backed into a corner. I don't like talking about Marissa's situation behind her back. I would never do anything to hurt her. But at the same time, I don't want them to think I don't care about her. I worry a lot about her safety.

It looks like we’re all worried about her safety. But we have to keep it to ourselves, Ruby says, looking at Randy.

I know. I won't say anything to Marissa about what we've just discussed, he  says, looking her in the eye..

Even though we feel the way we do about Travis, Marissa loves him. He's her husband, she adds.

Hearing those words makes my heart sink. I’m fully aware that she loves him. I don't need to be reminded of it. I need to get back to the studio. I can't stand listening to them pick apart Marissa’s life any longer.

I'll see you guys later. I have to get back to work, I inform them.

Okay, buddy. Catch you later, Randy replies.

Bye, Marcus, Ruby says.

I wave to them then walk out of the office, heading back to the studio. Ruby's words are still burning in my mind. Marissa loves him. He's her husband. Those words make me die a little more inside. I've already died a thousand deaths inside since Marissa married him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The audience applauds as Marissa and I walk off the stage. Another Friday night show is wrapped up. It's a good feeling to know that the crowd was pleased with our performance.

Randy is waiting for me backstage with a towel and a bottle of water. I take the towel from him and wipe the sweat from my face and hair then guzzle my water.

Great show, Marcus, Randy says, giving me a pat on the back.

Thanks, Randy, I reply, trying to catch my breath.

Suddenly, Randy's phone rings. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his cell phone. Randy Newton, he answers.

I turn and walk away from him to give him some privacy. Gulping my water as if it were the last bottle of water on earth, I take a quick look around to locate Marissa. Wiping the occasional bead of sweat that drips from my forehead, I start pacing around trying to catch my breath. From a distance, I hear Randy calling out my name. I turn to look at him and he's motioning for me to come over. I walk over to where he's standing, still on his cell phone.

Marcus, do you know a woman named Joann? She says you gave her my number and told her to call me if she wanted to come backstage after a show, he says, resting his phone against his shoulder.

Yeah, I know Joann. She's my neighbor. I did give her your number for that reason, I say, wiping away a bead of sweat as it falls from my forehead..

So, it's okay for her to come backstage to see you? he asks.

Yeah, it's okay, I reply, taking another sip of my water.

Okay. I just wanted to be sure, he says, lifting his phone back up to his ear. Okay, Joann. You can come on back.

He hangs up and puts his phone back in his pocket. She's coming backstage. You didn’t say anything about her to me, so I didn't know, he says, watching for her to come through the door.

I'm sorry. I gave her your number a while ago and I must have forgotten about it, I reply.

Is this her? Randy asks, nodding his head in her direction.

I look to see if it's her. Yeah, that's her, I reply.

Joann sees us and starts heading our way with a smile from ear to ear. I smile at her as she walks up to us. Hi, Marcus, she says cheerfully.

Hi, Joann, I reply, giving her a hug. I'm glad you made it to the show.

Me, too, she says as I release her.

Joann, this is my manager, Randy Newton, I say, introducing her to him.

Randy extends his hand to her. It's nice to meet you, Joann.

It's nice to meet you, as well, she replies, shaking his hand.

I'm sorry for being hesitant about letting you come backstage. We get some crazy people back here sometimes and I have to look out for Marcus. I have to be careful who I let backstage to see him, he explains to her.

Don't be sorry. I completely understand. You should be cautious, she says, smiling at him.

It's my fault. I forgot to mention it to Randy. It's been a while since I gave you his number and it must have slipped my mind, I say, finishing off my water.

It's okay, Marcus. This is the first chance I've had to come to a show since you gave me his number. No harm done, she replies, giving me a wink.

I briefly glance over at Marissa. Travis has joined her as she’s signing autographs for some fans. I truly despise that man. Quickly, I turn my eyes back to Joann.

It was a great show, Marcus. I really enjoyed it, she says with a smile.

Thank you, Joann. I'm glad you enjoyed it, I reply, sneaking another look at Marissa.

You and your partner are good together, she says.

What do you mean? I ask, worried that she figured out I have  feelings for her.

You dance beautifully together, she replies.

Oh...thank you, I say, feeling relieved.

You're both very talented. You put so much feeling into your dancing. It's beautiful to watch, she says, looking me in the eye.

I appreciate that, I reply, taking another quick look in Marissa’s direction.

I'm going to be making some homemade potato salad and a couple of blackberry pies tomorrow. I'll bring you over some of each, if that's okay, Joann says as I wipe the sweat from my forehead with the towel.

That sounds great. Thank you. You spoil me, I say with a smile. 

She laughs. I told you, I'm the fan who likes to mother you.

Randy rejoins us after chatting briefly with one of the security guys. Did I miss anything exciting?

I was just telling Marcus that I'm making homemade potato salad and blackberry pie tomorrow and I'll bring him over some of each, she informs him.

That sounds good. You like to cook? he asks, making conversation with her.

I love to cook and bake. It's kind of a hobby of mine. Sometimes I make enough of what I'm cooking to share with Marcus, she says, winking at me.

That's nice of you. Bachelors don't get many home cooked meals. It's a lot of takeout or frozen dinners, Randy chuckles.

That's what I figured. I like treating him. Like I told him, I'm the fan who likes to mother him, she says with a grin on her face. Randy smiles.

Joann, I don't think of you as a fan. I consider you a friend, I say to her.

Well, I'm honored you think of me as a friend. I consider you a friend, as well, she replies.

I can feel the love, Randy jokes.

Well, I'd better be going. I don’t want to be out late. Thank you for letting me come backstage, she says.

No problem. Thank you for coming to the show, I reply, smiling at her.

I'm glad I got to come, she says, taking her keys out of her purse.

Whenever you want to come backstage, just give me a call and I'll get you back here, he tells her.

Thank you. I'll keep that in mind. It was nice meeting you, Randy, she says, extending her hand to him.

Likewise, Joann, Randy replies, shaking her hand.

I'll see you later, dear, she says, giving me a quick hug.

See you, Joann, I say as she releases me.

She turns and walks towards the back door of the arena. My attention immediately turns back to Marissa. She appears to be deep in conversation with Travis and Ruby.

She was nice, Randy remarks, pulling my attention away from Marissa.

I'm sorry...what was that? I ask, feeling embarrassed that I wasn't paying attention to him.

Joann...she seemed like a nice lady, he says.

Yeah, she's very nice, I reply, wrapping the towel around my neck.

She really likes you, he says, smirking.

She's been very good to me, I reply.

It sounds like it. I think that's great. Good neighbors are hard to come by. I'm pretty sure my neighbors hate me, he says, chuckling.

I shake my head and smirk at him. I'm going to my dressing room to get changed.

Okay, buddy. I'll wait for you out here, he replies. I nod then start heading towards my dressing room.

Marissa and Ruby are nowhere to be seen. They’re probably already in her dressing room. Travis is standing off to the side talking on his cell phone. I can see him looking at me out of the corner of my eye, but I keep looking forward, avoiding eye contact with him. He has no idea how much I despise him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I roll onto my side on the couch and feel as if someone is watching me. I open my eyes and see my dad sitting on the edge of the coffee table next to the couch. His unexpected presence startles me.

Dad? I say, rubbing my eyes. He doesn't respond to me. Instead, he sits there in silence and stares at me..

I miss you, Dad. He continues to stare at me without speaking. It's very unsettling.

Is something wrong? Why aren't you talking to me? You always talk to me whenever you're here, I say, willing him to talk to me. He remains silent.

I sit up on the couch and face him. He continues staring at me, but this time a smile spreads across his face. I wish he would say something to me. His silence is haunting.

Dad, please talk to me, I beg. A tear slowly rolls down my cheek. Dad...

I look down at the floor feeling hurt and confused. When I look up, he's gone. Why did he leave? Why wouldn't he talk to me?

Dad...where did you go? Why did you leave? Dad? Please come back, I call out to him as tears fall down my face. He doesn't return. Dad! Come back! Dad!

I suddenly open my eyes. Taking a quick scan of the room, I realize that I was dreaming. I rub my eyes and quickly sit up. My dreams about my dad always seem so real. We're always talking, just like we did when he was alive. But this time, it was different. In this dream, he remained silent. All he did was stare at me. It was very unsettling.

I decide to get up and do something productive. I remember having a piece of Joann's blackberry pie before lying down for a nap. I left my dirty dish in the sink and I need to load it into the dishwasher.

I get up from the couch and head into the kitchen. I put my dirty dish in the dishwasher then decide to do some laundry. The cleaning lady will be here tomorrow while I'm working and I don't want her doing my laundry as well as the cleaning.

I go upstairs to the bedroom and change into my gym shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt. Quickly, I gather up my dirty laundry and toss it piece by piece into the laundry basket. I scoop up the overflowing basket and carry it downstairs to the laundry room.

Briskly, I load the laundry into the washing machine and start it up. Leaning against the dryer, I start thinking about the dream once again. What did it mean? Why didn't he talk to me? I remember the way he was staring at me. It was very haunting. I need to put it out of my mind.

I raise my arm and glance at my watch. It's four o'clock in the afternoon and I should be outside washing my Audi. That would certainly keep my mind occupied for a while. I go into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. As I open the refrigerator door, the doorbell rings.

I wonder who that could be. I close the refrigerator door and make my way into the living room. Maybe it's Joann. I run my hand through my hair, making sure it's not a complete mess. Without checking to see who’s there, I fling open the door. Standing there in front of me is the woman I love. 

Chapter 2

Marissa...hi, I say, surprised to see her standing at my door.

Hi, Marcus. Is this a bad time? she asks.

It's never a bad time, Riss. Come on in, I reply, stepping aside to let her come in.

Great. Thanks, she says as she comes into my condo. She looks breathtakingly beautiful, as always.

Have a seat, I say, gesturing towards the couch. She walks over and sits down on the end of the couch. Would you like some lemonade or soda?

No, thanks, she replies as I sit down next to her.

She looks like a fashion model dressed in a floral print sundress and wedge sandals. Her hair is in a ponytail and she smells like fresh flowers.

What's going on? I ask, taking in her beauty.

I had to get away for a while. I'm so angry with Travis. I just can't be around him right now. I hope I didn't disturb you, she says, crossing her legs and resting her hands in her lap.

You could never disturb me. I told you to stop by anytime and I meant it. I'm always here for you, I assure her.

I know you meant it. You're so great, Marcus. I know I can always count on you, she says, smiling at me.

Always and forever. I clear my throat and shift in my seat. So, what happened with Travis? I ask, giving her my undivided attention.

He was supposedly going to the store to get a few things earlier. An hour passed and he still wasn't back. I didn't stress over it. But after two hours, I started to worry. Finally, he called and said he needed a ride home. I asked him why and where he was. He told me his vehicle broke down on him and he was in Central Park. So, I got in my car and headed to the park. She pauses for a moment to gather her thoughts.

As I was driving, I was wondering what he was doing in Central Park. When I arrived there, I saw his car parked in a parking space. I parked next to him and got out of my car. He wasn’t in his car. I looked around the park and saw him sitting on a bench up ahead. When I walked up to him, I could tell that he was high, she says, sounding frustrated.

I’m sorry, Marissa. That's awful, I reply, looking at her with concern. What happened to his car?

Oh, that's the best part. There was nothing wrong with it. He was just too high to drive home. He knew if he told me that on the phone, I wouldn't come and get him. He had no intention of going to the store. He was meeting his drug dealer in the park. He wanted to keep it from me, she says, leaning back against the couch.

Why would he think he could keep that from you? I ask, crossing my arms in front of me.

I guess he thought he would get a small fix then come home as if it never happened. But instead, he got higher than he expected and  couldn't get himself home, she says, shaking her head.

So, you had to go get him and drive him home, I say, disgusted and angry at Travis.

Yep. I had to help him to the car and get him in the back seat. I listened to him singing all the way home, she says, moving to the edge of the couch.

I’m sorry you had to deal with that, Riss, I reply, reaching over and stroking her arm.

His car is still sitting in Central Park and it can stay there. He can figure out how to get it home once he's back to normal, she says firmly.

What was he doing when you left? I ask, shifting in my seat.

He was passed out on the bed, she replies.

Suddenly, the timer goes off on the washing machine. Damn it! I hope it doesn't cause her to leave. She'll think she's keeping me from doing my laundry. I look at her and smile.

Are you busy with something? she asks.

I just have a load of laundry in the washing machine that's finished. They’ll be okay until I put them in the dryer. It's no big deal, I reply, hoping she doesn't want to leave.

I should go and let you get your work done, she says as she starts to get up from the couch.

No. Please don't go. You're not keeping me from anything. I promise, I reply, trying to hide the desperation in my voice.

Okay. If you want to go put your clothes in the dryer, that’s fine, she says, leaning back against the couch.

Okay. I'll just be a minute. Please don't leave, I say, getting up from the couch.

I'll be here, she says, smiling at me as I walk out of the room.

I quickly go into the laundry room and remove my clothes from the washing machine. As fast as I possibly can, I toss them into the dryer and push start. My heart races, fearful that when I return to the living room, she will be gone. Without wasting another second, I immediately head back into the living room. When I enter the room, I'm happy to see that she's still sitting on the couch waiting for me to return.

I'm back, I say, sitting down next to her on the couch.

Did you get everything taken care of? she asks with a smile.

Yes, I did. There won't be any more interruptions. I'm all yours, I reply, smiling back at her. I've been all yours since the day I met you.

Thanks, Marcus, she says, sighing.

What can I do to help you, Riss? I ask, turning to face her on the couch.

You're already doing it. Just listening to me and letting me vent helps me more than you know, she says, looking into my eyes.

Anyone can do that for you, I reply, losing myself in her dark brown eyes.

But that's just it, no one else does. I can't talk to anyone else about this without getting lectured. I've had so many arguments with my parents about Travis. I don't even talk to Ruby about this anymore because I know she'll lecture me, too, she says, leaning forward on the couch.

I’m sorry everyone lectures you about Travis, I say softly.

Marcus, you're the only person I can talk to without being judged or lectured. You listen to me and give me your opinion on occasion. I know you worry about me, but you don't tell me what I need to do. You're just here for me and you have no idea what that means to me, she says, reaching out and taking my hand.

Chills run through my body from her touch. She's the only one who can nearly bring me to tears and get my heart pounding at the same time. I desperately try to hide my feelings for her as I gaze into her eyes. I give her hand a gentle squeeze and she does the same to mine.

I look down at our hands then look up into her eyes again. A lump forms in my throat and I clear it before speaking. I'll never judge or lecture you. It's not my place to lecture you. I just want to be here for you and help you in any way I can. You’re welcome here anytime, I say, giving her hand another gentle squeeze.

You're the best, Marcus, she says, leaning over and embracing me.

I inhale the scent of her hair as we embrace. Holding her, even briefly, is amazing. I never want the moment to end. Slowly, she releases me. It's hard letting her go, but I'm thankful for any chance I have to hold her.

Nah...I just care about you, I reply, trying to keep from revealing my true feelings.

I care about you, too. And I'm here for you if you ever need me, she says, smiling at me.

I always need you...more than you'll ever know. I appreciate that, Riss. Thank you.

Well, I’d better get going. I've taken up enough of your time, she says, getting up from the couch.

I follow her lead and get up from the couch. You haven't taken up any of my time. I'm glad you stopped by. But you don't have to leave. We could go get some dinner, if you'd like, I offer, hoping to keep her from leaving.

Thanks for the offer, but I should get back. I'll take a rain check on dinner, if that's okay, she says as she walks gracefully to the door.

Yeah, that sounds good. We'll have to do that sometime soon, I reply, following her to the door.

I open the door for her and she steps out onto the porch. I really wish she would stay. It's hard to let her go. She turns to look at me, giving me a smile that makes my knees weak. I love this woman so much.

Thanks for everything, Marcus, she says as she steps off the porch and walks to her car.

Anytime, Riss, I reply, watching her every move as she gets into her Porsche.

She starts her car and slowly backs out of the parking space, waving to me as she drives away. I wave to her and watch until she's completely out of sight. When I can no longer see her, I go inside and close the door.

Leaning back against the door, I close my eyes and sigh. She actually came to me when she needed someone. I told her to come by if she ever needed to get away and she did. I walk over to the couch and sit down in the spot where she was sitting. I can still smell her sweet scent.

I can't help feeling hopeful. It's definitely a good sign that she came to me when she was upset about Travis. Eventually, she'll get tired of his drug problem. If she feels comfortable enough to come to me, then maybe there's a chance for us. I just don't want to get my hopes up again, only to have them shattered. I'll just be thankful that it happened and leave it at that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's Monday morning and I’m excited to see Marissa. I still can't believe she was at my condo yesterday. She actually came to see me when she needed to get away. I feel like we're really getting close and that makes me hopeful.

As I get closer to the studio, I see that the light is on but the door is partially closed. I wonder what's going on. Marissa always opens the door completely. I start to worry. Something must be wrong. When I reach the studio, I can hear voices inside. Quickly, I move out of sight and stand behind the door in the hallway. I can hear Marissa having a conversation with a man who sounds like her father.

Marissa, I just don't get it. What the hell do you see in him? He's a drug addict, for crying out loud.

Daddy, I know you don't like him. You've made that perfectly clear. And I'm well aware of his drug problem, she says.

I've got a damn good reason for not liking him. I don't like seeing my daughter with a drug addict. His lifestyle puts you in danger. He’s never going to change, he replies.

"That's not true. He's trying, Daddy. I wish you would just trust