Dances with Monsters(89)

"I want to show you something," Drew said suddenly. They were just across the street from Elements, but Drew pulled him around the corner of the block and down the street slightly. She stopped in front of a small street front store space that had a "Lease available" sign up in the window along with a phone number.

"This is my studio," she said. "Well, my dream studio."

With new interest, Heath regarded the façade of the building before cupping his hands around his face to peer inside the window. It was pretty gutted and needed quite a bit of work, but it was in a good location and he could start to envision a little studio like the one she used at the Y.

"I've spoken with the bank, and they know I'm interested," she went on. "But until I make my down payment this place is still considered available. Luckily there don't seem to be any other takers on this property—yet. So I'm sort of in a race against the clock to get my shit together. But I'm close. I'm really close."

Heath's curiosity was piqued and he wanted to ask her how much more she owed; he would be more than willing to give her what she needed to make sure she got the space for herself and could actually start to realize her goal. But he didn't want to be rude or pry, although he really did want her to know he'd be happy to offer her any help she wanted or needed. But she seemed like the kind of person who would take immense pride in being solely responsible for making her own dreams come true, and would turn down any offers to get her there faster. So, he just nodded.

"Nice little space," he commented. "I could definitely envision a dance studio in here."

She beamed at him and turned her attention back to the window. "I'm workin' on it," she said. She rapped her knuckles on the glass. "This will be mine one day. I'm determined to make it happen." She sighed and let her fingers trail down the window before resuming their place on his arm again. "Let's go."

They crossed the street and entered the restaurant. Heath noticed how busy it seemed when they walked through the door, the level of chatter loud and constant, as was the clatter of silverware on china.

"Good evening," the hostess said pleasantly, smiling at them as they neared her counter.

"Hi," Heath replied. "I have a reservation. Riley."

"Just a moment," the hostess said, turning to her computer. "Ah, yes. Mr. Riley. I do have a table ready for you. Please follow me." The hostess carefully plucked two elegantly embossed menus from her station before leading them through the restaurant. Drew's hand slipped from his elbow to his fingers in order to accommodate the narrow path around the other tables. The hostess smiled and extended her hand toward the table, and pulled out Drew's chair for her as she lowered herself down. The hostess handed a menu to Drew, then one to Heath, and told them that their server, Sophie, would be with them shortly.

Heath glanced around. It was definitely a fancy place, fancier than any place he'd ever been in before. It was dimly lit, with candles glowing on every table and soft overhead lighting from several chandeliers in the ceiling. The tables were made of dark, polished wood, with elegant place settings and comfortable chairs.

Their server, Sophie, appeared and placed two goblets of water down before them and greeted them. "Welcome to Elements," she said. "I'm Sophie and I'll be taking care of you this evening. Have you dined with us before?"

"She has," Heath replied. "I haven't."

"Well, welcome back," Sophie said to Drew with a smile. She proceeded to rattle off the impressive list of that evening's specials, then handed Heath a special wine list. She left to let them look over the menu.

"I won't be drinking," Heath said, handing over the wine list. "But knock yourself out."

Drew laughed. "I don't know about knocking myself out," she replied. "We've seen what happens when I do that. But I wouldn't mind a glass of red wine."

Heath glanced over his menu, making an impressed face. "Wow. Gourmet and fancy, for sure." He looked over at Drew as she pored over the wine list. "What's your favorite thing here?"

"Hmm," she replied. "Probably the salmon with the pumpkin risotto and pan-fried green beans." She looked up and saw Heath blinking at her, and she laughed. "Not really your thing? Well, I've had the filet mignon here before and it was great."

"Steak for me," he commented with an approving nod.

Sophie returned and took Drew's wine order as well as their dinner orders and placed a basket of warm, freshly baked bread in front of them. "I'll get your orders in right away," she promised. She glanced at Heath. "I'm sorry," she said, sounding embarrassed. "But are you Heath Riley?"