by Té Russ
"If you say so."
He instantly thought of Julie and wondered what she really thought of his place the one time he'd brought her here. Would she agree with his sister?
"Maybe I'll get Mom to help me make it more...homey as you called it."
"Oh! Then maybe she would lay off me for a little while," Diana said, excitedly.
"I highly doubt that."
"I convinced James to take dance lessons at Miss Dottie's for the wedding."
Dylan looked up again and smiled at his twin. He knew it probably hadn't taken much convincing on Diana's part to get James to take the lessons. His soon-to-be brother-in-law worshipped the ground his sister walked on and hardly denied her anything she asked.
"That's great," Dylan said. "When do you start?"
"Later this week," Diana replied. Her lips tilted upward mischievously as she added, "Looks like I'll finally get to meet Miss Julie."
"Looks that way." He tried not to sound too annoyed by his prying twin.
"So...how are things going with the two of you?"
"We have a date on Friday?"
"Really?" Diana asked, perking up. "On fourth of July weekend."
"Yes, and that is all I'm sharing with you."
He thought back to the weekend and the kiss they'd shared in the middle of the ocean. It had caught him by surprise slightly, but he welcomed it and quickly took charge of it. She seemed to enjoy it just as much as he did.
Julie was beginning to warm up to him. It seemed that Diana had been right, not that he would admit it and give her the satisfaction or opportunity to say, 'told you so'.
"Look at you, over there grinning," Diana teased.
"Shut up, Di."
"You really like this woman, don't you?"
Dylan tossed his pen on his desk and looked at his sister.
"Yeah," he said. "I do."
"Are you going to bring her to the wedding?"
"The wedding?" Dylan repeated, with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, as your date."
"I haven't thought that far ahead, Di. We're just getting to know each other."
"The wedding is not that far away, Dyl."
"We'll see," was all Dylan said.
Diana left soon after, but not before forcing Dylan to promise he would call their mother and make some kind of plans with her soon.
He tried to get back to work, but he had a hard time focusing with Julie on his mind. Since work was pointless now, he picked up his phone to make a call instead.
"Hey Mom, how are you?"
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"Jules, be a dear and go and grab that CD off of the desk in the office. There is some music I want for today's lesson on it."
Julie, who was in between lessons, hurried to the back to grab the CD her grandmother asked for.
As she grabbed the CD, she knocked down several books onto the floor.
"Shoot," Julie murmured. As she bent down to pick up the books, her eyes landed on the finance ledger that had fallen open.
She picked up the book and began to turn the pages, shocked at what she was looking at. She'd known their business wasn't doing well, but this...
"Julie, what is taking so long..."
Julie looked up to see Dottie standing at the door.
"¿Qué es esto Abuelita?" Julie asked, holding up the book. "What is this?"
"It's nothing for you to worry about," Dottie said, turning to walk out of the office.
Julie rushed in front of Dottie to stop her. "What do you mean it's nothing for me to worry about?"
"Never mind, Julie," her grandmother said, obviously not wanting to discuss what Julie had discovered.
"I knew business was slow, but this....Gram, this is not good."
"Julia!" Dottie said, her voice harsh. "I said never mind. You may run some of the classes, but I still run the business. I told you it's nothing to worry about."
"'Lita," Julie pleaded, one last time, but Dottie sidestepped her and began making her way back to the main area of the studio.
"We both have classes we need to prepare for," she said, letting Julie know their conversation was over.
Julie looked down at the ledger again. They needed help.
And she knew exactly who to ask.
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Dylan pulled up to the studio just as Julie was locking up for the evening. He got out of the car and watched her as she made her way over to him. He'd seen her in different outfits, including that sexy little bathing suit that hadn't left much to the imagination, but there was something about the way the jeans she was wearing tonight hugged her hips that made his mouth water.
"Hi," she said, stopping in front of him.
"Hey."
She looked down at her clothes. "Is this okay for tonight? You said to dress casual so–"
"You look amazing," Dylan said.
She gave him a bright smile and said, "Thanks."
"Come on, let's go," he said, opening her door for her. After she got in, he made his way to the other side, got in and took off. Several minutes later, they were hitting I-95 North.
"How were your classes today?" Dylan asked.
"They were good. My little ballerinas are getting so good. We want to have a showcase for them in a few weeks."
"Is that your favorite dance class to teach?"
"That and Zumba," Julie said, grinning. "Those little old ladies can really get down."
"I bet that is interesting to see."
Dylan took the exit for Biscayne Bay Boulevard, toward Downtown Miami and noticed out of the corner of his eye the curiosity on Julie's face.
"You're trying to figure out where we're going, aren't you?"
"Is it that obvious?" Julie asked, looking at him as he continued to drive.
"Just be patient, we're almost there."
He found a paid parking area not too far from their destination.
"I hope you don't mind walking a little bit," Dylan said, as he grabbed a bag out of the back seat.
"No," Julie said, watching him intently. "It's a Friday night in Downtown."
He got out of the car, bag in tow, and went to open her door for her.
"What's in the bag?" she asked, as she placed her hand in his.
He helped her out of the car then pulled her close to his body. He kissed the tip of her nose and smiled. "You'll find out soon enough," he said, as he tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and led her away.
They walked a couple of blocks and soon they were at Bayfront Park.
"Oh wow," Julie said, as they neared Mildred and Claude Pepper Fountain. "What's going on here?"
"They're having a skate night," Dylan answered.
"How fun!"
"I'm glad you think so."
Julie turned to him. "Is this...this is where you're taking me for our date?"
Dylan nodded and Julie turned to watch the skaters as they made their way around the fountain as a DJ played music for them to enjoy.
"I don't have any skates."
Dylan held up the bag with a triumphant smile.
Julie narrowed her eyes at him, with a suspicious smile of her own on her face. "You don't know my shoe size."
"Let's just say I got by with a little help from my friends."
"Gram or Brent."
"Does it matter?" he asked.
"No, I suppose it doesn't. But...I haven't skated since I was a kid."
"Well, I hadn't waltzed since I was a kid and we did that pretty well together. I think we can manage to roller skate together. Just make sure you hold my hand."
"You won't let me fall?"
"Hey, if you fall, I'll catch you. Just trust me."
Something flashed across her face that he couldn't quite decipher, but it passed quickly and her smile returned.
"Okay, let's do this."
Chapter 11
Julie was laughing hysterically as she and Dylan skated their way over to a park bench.
"That was so much fun," she said, as they sat down.
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," Dylan said, lifting her legs and placing them in his lap. She watched as he undid the strings of her skates and took them off one at a time.
"My feet are probably going to be killing me tomorrow."
"I'm available for massages," he offered, rubbing her feet for a moment, giving her a preview of what it would feel like to have her feet massaged by him.
"I'll keep that in mind," she said, as she moved her legs so she could put her shoes back on, while he took off his own skates.
"Are you hungry?" he asked.
"Starving."
"They've got food trucks all around here, let's wash up and find some food."
They settled on a truck selling tacos and made their way over to the picnic tables a little further away from all of the commotion.
They sat in silence, enjoying their food for several minutes before Julie spoke.
"Hey, can I ask you something?"
"You can ask me anything," he said, glancing up at her. He wiped the side of his mouth with a napkin then said, "Shoot."
"Remember when you mentioned the studio not having many customers coming in?"
"Yeah," he said slowly.
She began to explain how she'd stumbled across the books and discovered that business was worse off than she thought.
"I tried to talk to Abuelita about it, but she's being stubborn. She refuses to discuss it. I was thinking your idea about having a salsa night at some of the restaurants like the one we ate at in The Village would be a great idea. I was also wondering if you had any other ideas and could help me convince Gram that we need help. She'll listen to you, Dylan."
"Of course, I'll do what I can to help. And I do have a few ideas that I think would definitely boost productivity around there."
For the next half hour, they sat there coming up with plans to boost the notability of the studio.
"Okay," Dylan said, gathering their trash off of the table. "Enough shop talk for now."
"I agree," Julie said, standing. "You've helped come up with some great and solid ideas. I think Gram will get behind them. Thanks again, Dylan."
"You know I'd do anything to help your grandmother," he said. He reached out and took her hand. "Come on, if we're going to get a good spot for the fireworks we'd better hurry."
"So, that's what the blanket at the bottom of the bag was for," Julie realized.
Dylan winked at her then squeezed her hand as they made their way toward the grassy area.
Once they found a nice spot facing the water, Dylan pulled out the blanket and they sat down.
"So, what's the deal with you and my family? Why does 'Lita dote on you the way she does?"
"Brent and I met in elementary," he started. "We got into a fight."
"Really?" Julie asked surprised. "Over what?"
"I don't remember. We'd just moved to Miami from Massachusetts. I was an angry little kid. But as punishment, our parents made us work at your grandmother's studio, cleaning up. Once Brent and I got past our differences, we became best friends. Your grandmother insisted I continue spending time at the studio as a way to stay out of trouble and my parents agreed. Especially since my father was away a lot."
"What did he do?" she asked intrigued.
She noticed a sadness fill his eyes as he said, "He was a commercial fisherman. At first we lived out on Martha's Vineyard in Oak Bluffs, but when my sister and I were nine, he got a job offer here in Miami. So we packed up and moved down here."
"That must have been really tough on you and your sister."
"It was, but our parents helped us make the best of it. And my dad always made it fun for us when he was home. It got tough again for awhile after we lost him."
"When did you lose your father?"
"We were fifteen," he said. "There was a bad storm at sea."
"Dylan..." Julie whispered, placing her hand over his fist that was balled up on the blanket.
He blew out a breath. "We always knew it was a risk. But for some reason, we just knew...he would always come home. Until he didn't. My mom was a wreck." He looked up at Julie and smiled. "But your grandmother was a big help. When Mom gets here for the wedding, I know Miss Dottie's is one of the first stops she'll make. I think she'll love the new studio."
"Where does your mother live now?"
"She moved back to Oak Bluffs, after we went to college. Said she felt closer to my father there, since that's where they met and fell in love."
Julie thought that was both sweet and sad. Deciding to slightly change the subject, Julie said, "I met your sister the other day."
Dylan rolled his eyes and groaned. "She didn't harass you with a bunch of questions did she?"
"No," Julie laughed. "We just started on their dance lessons. Why would she harass me?"
"Because she knows how much I like you."
She never got over how direct he was.
"Exactly how much do you like me?" she asked, wanting to hear him tell her again, just for the tiny rush of pleasure that ran through her every time he mentioned it.
"This much," he said, pulling her against his chest for a kiss that set off fireworks in her mind.
It wasn't until he finally pulled away that she realized, that there were actual fireworks shooting off in the sky. Dylan wrapped an arm around her, and Julie settled again his chest as they continued to watch the fireworks light up the sky, reflecting over the water.
As exciting as it was to watch the show, it wasn't quite as thrilling as the new feelings she was developing for the man holding her.
Dylan sat in the studio watching his sister and her fiancé move around the dance floor as they were being instructed by Miss Dottie.
"You two are doing so well," Miss Dottie said after they finished. "You are going to look wonderful when you dance at your wedding."
"Which we expect you to be at," Diana insisted, with a smile.
Julie came from out of one of the back rooms wringing her hands and Dylan stood.
"You okay?" he asked her when she stopped in front of him.
She nodded her head quickly. "Just ready to get this conversation over with," she said, looking over her shoulder.
"Hey," he said, running a soothing hand up and down her arm, "it's going to be fine. You'll see. Plus, I brought reinforcements."
Before she could question him, the door opened and her brother walked in with a beautiful looking older woman.
"Marina!" Dottie shouted and went to hug the woman.
Julie glanced at Dylan and he said, "My mother."
"How are you Miss Dottie?" Marina asked looking at her. She took a step back and looked around the building. "Dylan told me you'd moved the studio."
"I'm doing good," Dottie said. "It's so good to see you. It's been way too long. How are things up North?"
"They're wonderful, but I'm glad to be here for Diana's wedding."
Dylan took a step forward. "Why don't we all go out for something to eat? Get caught up?" he suggested.
They all agreed and made their way over to The Village to the cantina that he and Julie had eaten at not too long ago. Once they were all seated in a nice restaurant, Dylan heard his mother ask Dottie, "How are things with the studio? Really?"
Dottie cut her eyes to Julie. "My grandchildren have been talking, haven't they?"
"Only because they are concerned."
"They shouldn't be concerned. I am the one who is responsible for the studio. I should be able to handle this myself."
"But you don't have to," Marina said. "Miss Dottie, they don't want to lose the studio anymore than you do. Dylan is great at helping turn businesses around and get them in top shape. And I've heard some of his ideas for the studio. You should listen to him."
Dottie sighed and said, "Fine, what are these plans you have?
"
Dylan sat up and began. "Julie and I were discussing things and I was thinking that maybe she and another one of your teachers could reach out to restaurants like this one and hold salsa nights here occasionally. You could teach basics and then anyone who may be interested in learning more can come to the studio for lessons.
"Also, I was thinking we could do some renovations on the studio, update the place a little and have a grand reopening."
Dottie shook her head at the last idea. "We can't afford major renovations. We couldn't even afford to get the toilet properly fixed."
"They wouldn't be major," Dylan insisted. "They would be small inexpensive things. We could all pitch in and do them ourselves."
"You think things like that would actually boost business?" Dottie asked, skeptically.
Dylan reached over and took Dottie's hand in his. "I do. This is what I do for a living. Let us help you get things back on track. You didn't work hard all of these years to build this up just to lose it. I know how important it is to leave a legacy for your grandchildren and beyond."
Dottie's eyes filled with tears and she nodded. "Okay," she finally said. "We'll do what we have to do."
Dylan squeezed her hand gently before releasing it. He looked up and noticed Julie looking at him with a watery smile. She mouthed the words 'thank you' and he returned her smile and nodded.
"I don't know about you all," Brent said, to lighten the mood, "but I'm starving."
"If I recall," Marina said. "You were always hungry."
"Something's never change," he replied, causing everyone at the table to laugh.
Soon everyone was lost in conversation while they enjoyed their dinner.
Chapter 12
As the evening progressed, their small crowd began to get even smaller. Marina left with Diana and James, saying they had lots of wedding plans to get to in the morning. Brent had to drive out to Miami Beach and make sure things were ready for the club opening for the night. And finally Dottie decided to turn in. Dylan and Julie stood at the same time she did.
Dottie turned to Dylan first.
"You are a good boy," she said. "I know your father would be proud."
Dylan simply nodded at her words.
