Getting Over Edie Ch. 05

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nerd4music
nerd4music
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Grady sank to the floor, cradling his head in his hands. "Why baby," he gasped. "Why did you do this?"

He was never an emotional person; his range varied between "super chill" to "mildly irritated". But she'd managed to utterly fuck his world up and his mind and body did not know how to bounce back.

So he shut down.

********

Grady groaned in satisfaction when the steaming spray of water hit him. A hot shower was exactly what he needed. He'd just returned from another grueling gym session with Benny. They both seemed to be working out some demons as they ran on the elliptical and lifted weights.

By the time he finished he was sore and his mind was racing.

His dream last night still taunted him; it had been vivid as his mind recalled the night of his breakup with Edie. He woke up gasping, clutching his chest, his heart thumping wildly. The pain, the humiliation, the anger—it all felt so fresh.

It freaked him out.

As he lathered up, his mind wandered; what brought on that dream? He was doing so well before. The past month made him feel brand new. This wasn't exactly a step back, but thinking about Edie just seemed so out of the blue.

Although it could have been residual leftovers from the last time he ran into her, the night of Tony's party.

Fuck. Tony's party. That phrase opened up a floodgate of "whatthefuck". Grady shampooed his hair and tried not to think about his little after-party with a certain wide-eyed dancer. He hadn't spoken to Arden since that night, and it was almost a week ago to the day.

Grady wasn't sure what to say. This was supposed to be the girl who annoyed the ever-loving holy hell out of him. But something was different between them; he couldn't deny that. She seemed kind. Not in a pitying way, but truly kind, as if she really understood what he was going through.

Her obnoxious tendency to correctly read his behavior irked him, but he was secretly impressed by her ability to call him on his bullshit. He couldn't help it; he was curious.

And yeah, okay she was kind of hot. Grady still couldn't get the image of her dancing out of his head, her long and fluid form leaping gracefully on her toes, pirouetting around the room in a flash of dark limbs and purple.

Her skin glowed with a sheen of sweat, the bitter chocolate color flushed with excitement. And when she looked up at him with those big brown eyes, he couldn't help it. He kissed her.

And goddamn, she was sweet. The little sounds she made were incredibly sexy and he wasn't surprised when his body reacted. In fact, his body had been reacting all week. Every night, those breathy whimpers and sighs taunted him. Every night, he went to sleep and woke up hard as hell and confused as fuck.

It was thoroughly annoying.

Grady sighed. So the best course of action was to take some time away from the matter. He did his best not to contact her (he didn't have her number anyway, so that was easy). Through phone calls with Tony he discovered she'd been asking about him.

Tonight was the night of her dance showcase. Tony and Gemma were going, and he was sure Stevie was as well. He promised her last week he would go, and for some strange reason he didn't want to disappoint her.

The thought of seeing her dance again made his stomach flip with excitement. Grady rolled his eyes as he exited the shower. "Get a damn grip, Kade" he said aloud. Once again he found himself in front of his closet, pondering various outfit possibilities.

The action was not lost on him, the amount of care he was taking with choosing what to wear. It was an anxious, yet familiar feeling. For some reason it felt like a first date. That's ridiculous, he thought to himself.

He was zipping up his jeans when his phone rang. Grabbing it from the dresser he answered it.

"What's up, Tone?"

"Hey man. Just checking to see if you're coming tonight."

"Well, I made her a promise. So I guess so."

Tony laughed. "Stop acting like you're being forced to go. You know you want to. You like Arden, Grady" he said in his smug 'I know I'm Right' voice.

Grady fought the urge to curse him out. "I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that it may incriminate me later on."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know what's going on. You can deny it all you want. Plus Arden already told Gemma what happened. You smooth bastard, I didn't know you had it in you."

He scoffed. "It figures she would tell her friend about the kiss. Girls can't keep secrets for shit."

"Neither can guys, apparently. Arden never said anything, but you just did."

Grady groaned. "Are you fucking kidding me? Did I just really fall for that third grade shit?"

"Yeah, you did." Tony was laughing hard now. "You are way too easy, man."

"You're an asshole," he muttered.

"And you're too tense. You need to get laid, man."

"Oh jeez, now you're the one who sounds like Benny. I'm FINE right where I am. I don't need pussy fucking up my plans."

Tony scoffed. "But it wouldn't be just any pussy. What if it's some golden, 'I'm a hot dancer' pussy? Come on man, she's a DANCER. Can you imagine all those tight leg muscles?"

Grady bit his lip in frustration. Oh course he could imagine her legs. It was all he could think about for a fucking week. "There's a special spot in hell for you, man."

"Calm down dude. I just like bustin' your balls. Truth be told, I'm kind of glad to see you interested in someone else. And I know Arden can drive you batshit but she's a good girl. Gemma told me some stuff; she's been through some rough shit."

He was intrigued. "Really," he inquired as he slipped into a pair of dark blue jeans. "What do you mean?"

"That's something you'll have to ask Arden, bro" Tony replied. "I will say, you two have a lot more in common than you think. So will I see you tonight?"

"Yeah. I'm getting dressed now."

"Good. Don't be late man. I mean it dude. Don't run on Princess Time tonight."

"Alright Mom. I hear you. The show starts at eight, right? It's six-thirty right now. I promise to be ready at seven on the dot." He smiled at Tony's laughter.

"I'll believe that when I see it," Tony said.

"I'm gonna hang up so you can't use me as an excuse for your lateness later on."

Grady ended the call and shoved the phone into his pockets. As he dressed, Tony's words played repeatedly in his head. "You two have a lot more in common than you think." What the hell did he mean by that?

It was a cool evening for spring, so Grady threw on a blue blazer over his long-sleeved fitted grey Henley. Grabbing his keys, he locked up and headed out with twenty minutes to spare.

The night air was pleasant and since he only lived a few blocks away from Madam Dauphin's he decided to walk. He tried to calm the mild case of the butterflies that seemed to occupy the lower half of his stomach.

It was so weird, to be so affected by someone who, just months ago he couldn't stand to be around. But he had to admit he wasn't the easiest person to get along with at the time.

He was man enough to admit that he'd been wrong about Arden Finch.

Grady reached Madame Dauphin's Dance Studio just as a yellow cab pulled up out front. "Right on time," Tony said as he scrambled out of the cab. He held out his hand for Gemma and turned to grin at his best friend. "This might be the first time in the history of our friendship where you are actually on time for once."

"Don't get used to it," he said as he jostled his shoulder. "Hey beautiful," he remarked to Gemma, giving her a friendly peck on the cheek. She was slight and delicate; Gemma was tiny, barely breaking 5'5 but what she lacked in height, she totally made up for by being an absolute stunner.

She was all softness and played the part of a trendy interior decorator, from her retro A-line cocktail dress in a deep shade of merlot to her artful silver glitter Louboutins.

"Hi Grady," she said sweetly, her Aussie accent high and clear. Her cerulean eyes practically glowed against the warm sienna color of her skin.

"Wow. Working out with Benny has really helped. You look fantastic."

"Thanks, Gem. If only Tony here wasn't scared to lift weights he could join us. He's been looking rather scrawny lately."

"Shut up, dick" Tony shot back playfully. "Just because you can finally fit your hefty ass into your skinny jeans doesn't mean you can run my life. My weight is just fine. Take your Richard Simmons 'Yes I Can' attitude somewhere else."

"You see how he treats me? He's just angry because he's hungry. Eat a cheeseburger and quit your bitchin'."

The guys laughed as Gemma shook her head, a large smile on her pretty face. "You two are ridiculous. Is Benny joining us tonight or is he pretending to have another engagement?"

"That depends. Is Stevie going to be here?" Grady asked.

Gemma shrugged. "I'm not sure. She knows it's Arden's big night. I doubt she'd miss it."

As if on cue, another cab pulled up and out stepped Stevie Knox, looking as if she'd just rolled out of bed: impossibly tight jeans, mid-calf biker boots, and Dead Boys band shirt under a bright red leather jacket.

Her onyx hair was artfully tossed and teased, but Grady could definitely spot genuine bed head. Frankly speaking, she looked like she had a good, hard fucking.

Way to go Benny, he silently cheered.

"Hey," she rasped, her voice heavy from cigarette smoke. "Sorry I'm late."

"Actually you're right on time," Gemma said. "We were just about to head in."

"Is Benny going to show up?" Tony asked carefully.

Stevie shot him a weird look. "Why the hell would I know what he's doing?"

"Really?" Gemma said. "Really?" The collectively shot her variations of the 'gurl stop lying' look before she huffed loudly.

"Alright Jesus, you fucking nosey ass old ladies!" she yelled. "Yes goddammit! The guido and I are...well whatever. Are you guys happy?"

"Sure. But you really didn't have to shout it out to all of Brooklyn, though." Grady said with a grin.

Stevie glared at him. "Whatever. Can we just go inside and get this over with?" She marched into the building, the three of them following after her.

"She's going to be in a stellar mood," Gemma whispered.

Grady felt his stomach lurch as he stepped inside; returning to the scene of THE INCIDENT, he thought silently. Thankfully they followed the small crowd of people into the auditorium. It was a medium-sized venue, but boasted a rather impressive stage and killer lighting.

They chose seats relatively close to the front. Grady was about to thumb through the program given to him by the usher when he heard a loud voice screech his name.

"GRADY KADE? IS THAT YOU?"

He cringed. He knew that voice anywhere. Grady turned to the offending creature who was making her way through the crowd at an alarming speed, flame-red hair billowing behind her. "Hey Gia," he said tightly.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, hands on hips. As usual her curves were poured into another signature Gia outfit: skinny jeans that looked practically painted on, and a form-fitting white sweater. On her feet were a pair of hideous Ugg boots in blinding white.

"Uh, I'm here supporting a friend of mine. This is her showcase."

Gia's blue eyes lit up. "Oh you know Arden? What a small world. My niece Maria is in her beginner's class. I'm here for her performance."

"Oh. Well that's cool." He turned back to his friends, who were watching the exchange curiously. "Guys, this is Gia Amato. We work together at EDGE."

"Hey," she said brightly. "Well I guess I should be getting back to my family. We'll be the loud ass Italians in the front row."

"Speaking of loud ass Italians, our own resident guido has arrived," Tony called out. They turned to see Benny heading toward them, looking uncharacteristically subdued.

Shit, Grady thought. This is not going to be good.

As Benny approached he was accosted by Gia, who threw her arms around him. "You jerk," she said playfully as she gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. "You never called."

"Oh uh," Benny started. He was clearly caught off guard. Grady wondered how he was going to get himself out of this on.

Grady's eyes traveled to Tony who was assessing the scene carefully. Gemma look confused, but the look on Stevie's face was absolutely priceless. She was throwing so many icy looks in Gia's direction it was a wonder that the tiny girl didn't have frostbite.

This was going to end in a visit to the precinct if someone didn't step in. "We should probably sit down, the show's about to start," Grady remarked.

That seemed to snap Benny out of his stupor. "Yeah. Well it was nice seeing you, Gia" he said, removing her grip on him. "I'll be in touch."

Gia giggled, clearly oblivious to the tension. "You'd better. I've got something for you." She gave Grady a quick wave before sauntering back to her seat, the sexy wiggle in her walk purely for Benny's benefit.

Benny shot him a gracious look. "Thanks man. I owe you for that."

Grady shrugged. "I just want to see what happens when you try to explain yourself to Stevie. That will be all the thanks I need."

The lights in the auditorium began to flicker, signaling the start of the show. The group took their seats just as the curtains started to open.

A pale petite woman wearing a black leotard breezed onto the stage. She was older, but Grady could tell she was still quite spry. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I am Madame Dauphin," she said, her native French tongue tumbling almost melodically over the syllables.

"Welcome to our annual Spring Showcase. Every year we highlight the particular achievements of our gifted instructors and their diligent pupils. This spring, I am pleased to feature Madamoiselle Finch and her little birdies. So without further ado, I present for your viewing pleasure our program: Springtime Revolution."

The audience applauded as the lights dimmed. There was a chorus of 'awws' when the lights came up and ten little children, who couldn't have been more than seven emerged clad in green leotards and tutus with giant petals of various colors atop their heads. The music started, a jaunty ballet number that reminded Grady of springtime. He watched as the kids executed their moves with precision beyond their years.

The flower number was brief, moving seamlessly into a nighttime garden scene, where the older children dressed as sprites, did a mischievous number in a modern ode to 'A Midsummers' Night Dream'.

His stomach was tight with anticipation; he couldn't wait to see Arden, but watching her students perform her pieces, he was in awe. Finally, as the music ended for a group of teenagers dancing to a modern medley the lights went out completely.

A lone spotlight shone onstage, the whitish blue giving off a cold tone. Grady felt his breath hitch when he saw her, crouched low, the spotlight trained on her frame.

The music started and he was mesmerized. The song was vaguely familiar (Björk mayhaps?), but she was flawless. It was a sparse, haunting melody. There was a feeling of pure loneliness in her piece, a feeling so beautiful and exquisite, it moved him to his very core.

Her makeup was minimal, her dark hair swept into a tight chignon high atop her head. She wore a black leotard, black tights, and a simple white dance skirt. Her feet glided effortlessly onstage in nude ballet slippers. It was a contemporary piece, a blend of classical ballet and modern moves.

Grady's heart quickened at her dramatic leaps and tumbles. The song (it definitely was Björk) spoke of emotional confusion and the concept of new love. The hurt and loneliness too overwhelming but somehow healed through new beginnings. Every step, every twirl evoked raw, energetic emotion.

He felt her leaps in his bones, the pain written in her curve of her wrists and lean arms. All of it moving seamlessly together to culminate in a dance that was both gorgeous and heartbreaking, speaking of the death of one love and the possibility of another.

It spoke to him.

She was so beautiful; there was no fragility about her. She was sure about her movements but possessed such grace, such force...it just blew him away. He wasn't big on dancing, but he realized it wasn't about dancing per se, just her.

She moved him.

The piece ended as Arden perfectly executed a series of pirouettes and leaps, her hands falling gracefully. The audience went wild. She smiled serenely before bowing slightly and prancing offstage. There were a few more numbers after that; Arden had a duet with a male pupil and it was a high energy number full of flounce and fun.

She was utterly adorable, but Grady still couldn't get the first piece out of his head.

When the curtain finally fell and the lights came up in the theater, the audience eagerly showed their praise. Grady stood, clapping loudly along with Tony, Benny, and the rest of his friends.

The various dancers emerged onstage amid raucous applause. When Arden stepped out, the din was deafening. One of her pupils handed her a bouquet of roses and she smiled widely before taking a bow.

The dancers rushed backstage as the applause died down. Grady led the way up the aisle and out of the auditorium. They stood in the lobby, chatting aimlessly as they waited for Arden to appear.

Grady noticed Benny looking out for Gia; he didn't want to tell his best friend that he saw the clingy red-head leave with her family. He figured Benny could sweat it out, constantly looking over his shoulder.

"There she is, our little star!" Gemma called out happily. She snatched up an embarrassed Arden, gripping her in a vice-like hug.

"Congratulations, sweetheart! You were wonderful!"

"Thanks," Arden managed to gasp out. "Gem...I can't breathe."

"Sorry!" Gemma squeaked. "I just get so excited. You were really something else."

"Yeah," Tony agreed. "I was really impressed with the whole thing. Great job."

A slight flush to her skin was the only sign she was uncomfortable with all the praise. Grady had never seen her so humble before. She was so damn adorable in her little post-dance outfit.

Her dark hair was pulled back in a sloppy bun, the stage makeup scrubbed from her face. She was glowing, a hint of sunshine underneath her mahogany skin.

"I really do appreciate you guys coming. It really makes me smile."

Stevie shot her a rare grin. "I had a great time, but I have to go. We're doing some studio time tonight. Our schedule is extra tight and we have to lay down these last three tracks if the EP is going to be ready for an early summer release. I hate to dip out on you like that."

"No, no. I totally understand."

"I have to get home too," Gemma said. "Milo's dad is dropping him back, and you know how he is. Plus Tony's got some work to do."

"Sorry Arden." Tony shot her an earnest smile.

"We hate to leave you alone on your big night. But I'm sure Grady would be happy to hang out with you. You don't mind, do you, big guy?"

Everyone turned to stare at Grady, who'd been unusually quiet throughout the conversation. Did he mind? Well there was that early morning staff meeting at EDGE. He had to discuss his column and its direction in front of everyone. But presentation be damned. He was used to running on three hours of sleep.

He ignored Tony's overdramatic, overly suggestive eyebrow raising and instead focused on Arden.

"Sure," he said with a shy smile. "I'm sure we can chill for a bit."

"Excellent!" Gemma said. She gave Arden another hug. "Are you sure you're cool with this?"

"I'm fine," Arden replied. "Give Milo a kiss for me. We'll hang out another time. No biggie."

The group exchanged hugs once more before parting ways. Benny remained, staring after Stevie wistfully. Grady rolled his eyes. "Dude, just fucking go after her" he huffed. "We all know already."

nerd4music
nerd4music
1,622 Followers