Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Later that day, the dance lesson began and of course the Hadid's had a dance studio in their house. It wasn't anything extravagant, but it was there. All the girls and I showed up in our heels and clothes to dance in. Most of us in shorts and crop top while others wore sweats and a plain tee shirt. The dance instructor, Sasha, was so nice compared to Farah. Her voice was soft and although she was stern, she was nice about it. Not something many people get the pleasure of having in a dance teacher. This waltz thing wasn't too bad. I'm not sure if she simplified it for us or what but I was getting the hang of it quickly.

For the first part of the practice Sasha had us dance in pairs. Twila was with Bradyn and Jenna with Ocean leaving Sienna and I to be partnered up. Of course, Bradyn was outshining everyone, and it didn't go unnoticed by Sasha. In fact, Sasha had her demonstrating with her up in front some of the time. It put a smile on my face to see Bradyn getting her praise. This was totally her week, her moment and I wanted nothing more. She looked like she was having a blast as well, which is always a plus. The surprises didn't stop there though.

After making sure we had the basics down, Sasha made a little announcement.

"Ok ladies, now that we the steps down it's time to put them to the test." She walked over to the door, opening it to everyone's surprise.

Jason walked through smiling looking directly at me. It didn't help the case in proving Twila wrong about him. The way he looked at me screamed that he had attraction towards me. I really didn't want it to be the case. The thought of that happening would crush Cyrus because that's his friend. Not only that but it was honestly plain weird. Why would you want to be attracted to someone your friend is attracted to? It made no sense and I'm sure it was breaking the code. Whatever the case, it was interesting to see him here. The fact that he was obviously a pro-dancer made me laugh on the inside. His looks don't fit the mold in my mind but that's why they say don't judge a book by its cover.

Sasha smiled, introducing Jason to us like we didn't know him. "You all will take turns dancing with Jason to see who does the best and gets their chance to dance with Cyrus on Saturday." She announced making this all worthwhile. "Who would like to go first?"

Immediately Jenna raised her hand, and she went first doing the waltz steps with Jason. She wasn't bad but she was very stiff in her movement. It was safe to assume she was not going to get paired with Cyrus. Twila went next surprising me in the process. For someone who didn't want to do it she sure did do a fairly decent job. It wasn't stellar but it was good. Afterwards Sienna and Ocean had their turns and weren't too bad either. It was stiff competition I tell you that much.

Now it was my turn and Jason was excited about that. I was nervous truly not knowing how this was going to go. It could go really well, or I could fall flat on my face. Getting to dance with Cyrus would align perfectly with my fantasy but that was likely not to happen. I was going to give it my best shot even if Jason made me feel a little awkward about doing it. He was a little too eager to do this with me. Why couldn't he tell I just wanted to be friends?

I walked up to him grabbing his hand as he put his other on the midst of my back. The music started and we began to show off our skills. I did alright. Dancing wasn't something I'd imagine myself doing but this was honestly quite fun. I couldn't wait for when I was dressed up and doing it. I wouldn't be the best in the room, but it didn't take away from the joy that I felt.

We finished and I was satisfied with what I put out there. Bradyn went next blowing everyone out of the water and I couldn't help but clap for her after she was done. Whenever one of my friends did well it gave me this happy feeling inside. She finally had a chance to stand out from us apart from her strawberry blonde hair. That's why when she was chosen to dance with Cyrus I wasn't upset. She deserved it as much as anyone else and the way she couldn't contain her excitement made me laugh. Also, it pissed Jenna off, which is always a lovely sight to see.

"You were perfection darling." Sasha said to Bradyn as everyone congratulated her. "When you have time, please practice everyone. Just because Bradyn is dancing with Cyrus doesn't mean to slack off. You all will still be dancing after all." She gave us instructions and I was going to practice as much as I could.

Sasha said goodbye and I congratulated Bradyn one more time before staying behind to talk to Jason. Twila got me freaking out about this whole attraction thing and I wanted to put it to rest. I didn't want to give Jason the wrong impression either. If he truly did take a liking to me, it would be best to let him know how I felt before he tried to pursue me. God, there was always these awkward positions being shoved in my face. When will it end?

Jason was chugging down on some water as I walked over to him. He was stunned to see that I was still there but gave me all his attention, nonetheless.

"Hi gorgeous. What's up?" He asked, smirking at me.

I sighed hoping not to crush his spirits too much. "Listen, I don't want to be a buzzkill but whatever this flirting shit is please stop it." I say in the calmest of tones. "If you want to be friends that's great with me but anything more will simply not work. I only have eyes for one person, and I won't ruin it just because you're flirting with me."

At first, he didn't say anything back and just stared at me. I thought I was a little too harsh and started to feel bad for a split moment. That is before he burst out laughing leaving me utterly confused. What was so funny? Did I say something wrong? His laughing was really starting to irritate me because I didn't know why he was laughing to begin with. If he was flirting with me, it needed to be stopped. My voice was calm and the option to be friends was still on the table. So, what was so funny?

He wiped a tear from laughing so much before he finally responded to what I said. "Oh, gorgeous you're funny. I'm not attracted to you in any way, shape, or form." He started laughing again.

My cheeks turned red from embarrassment. "Then what's with all the compliments and smiling at me?" I asked super confused. That's the last time I listen to Twila.

"The compliments are because you're simply too gorgeous not to compliment." He admitted. "And the smiling I can't really explain. It is probably creepy, but I don't know. You seem like a person I would want to know."

Wow, so he was just being nice, I guess. It was still all weird, but it was funny that he couldn't just talk to me like a normal person. I would have gladly had a conversation with him if he were normal around me. However, it was nice to know that he wasn't into me like that. It made me feel so much better about getting to know him now. We could honestly be good friends. On top of that, he knows how to throw a good party.

I giggled feeling relief. "Why didn't you just say that? You made me think there was something else to this." I was so embarrassed.

He laughed. "Sorry I just never had any friends that were girls. When I talk to a girl it's usually to fuck." He was honest and I couldn't be mad at him for that. It was, however, too much information.

"Oh, so you're a player?" I questioned joking with him.

He shrugged, nodding his head a little bit. "To be fair, I haven't found the right lady yet. Though that's beside the point. I'm sorry for making you feel like that." He apologized.

I brushed it off. It was my fault for listening to Twila of all people. "No, it's my fault for assuming. I appreciate it though."

"Of course. No offense to you because you are attractive, but I would never lose my best friend for some chick. I may not be the best guy around, but I have my morals."

I laughed, understanding him completely. This was all a misunderstanding, and he didn't have any feelings for me. I totally understood where he was coming from about not actually having any girls to be friends with. There weren't any guys that I was friends with, so it made sense how hard it was to communicate. Especially since he talks to girls to get in their pants. Honestly, it would've been best if we hadn't talked much. I'm sure he didn't want me to think he wanted to get in my pants. That wouldn't have been a good encounter for him, I'll tell you that much.

Putting that to rest, we walked out of the dance studio as he looked at me one last time.

"Again, I'm very sorry I came across that way, but it would be a pleasure for me to be friends with you." He extended the offer to me.

I smiled nodding my head in agreement. "I would very much love to be friends with you, Jay. If you start calling me Autumn or at least A." I pleaded.

He laughed understanding what I was saying. "Ok, A, I look forward to starting our new friendship." He shook my hand. "Also, I'm happy to know that if he does choose you, he'll be in good hands." He said before walking away.

That made me feel good inside knowing he would be all for Cyrus choosing me in the end. It felt even better that we're going to be friends after this. I still didn't know him too well but after today's conversation, he wasn't anywhere near my shit list. Anymore.