Chapter 217


    "Ms. Hansen," Sherilyn shot up from her seat, her voice tinged with urgency, "that''s not what I


    meant..."


    "Cut the chatter." Daphne raised her hand. "I get what you''re trying to say. But a dancer proves


    herself on the stage! Do you think waiting to get along with everyone before stepping up makes


    sense? Mr. Johnson went through all that trouble to bring you here to me for what?"


    She fixed Sherilyn with a look that spoke volumes. "You do as told, slimming down an inch off your


    waist when asked."


    Who was Daphne? She could gauge any girl''s weight and measurements in the troupe with just one


    nce.


    Daphne turned to Sherilyn, "You''ve got the grit. Why not show it on the stage? Tell me, do you want


    to dance or not?"


    Being trusted felt like a blessing.


    Sherilyn nodded earnestly. "Yes, I do!"


    "Then dance!" Daphne dered, "Make a name for yourself!"


    "Yes, Ms. Hansen." Sherilyn''s heart swelled, nodding vigorously.


    "You see," The atmosphere softened as Daphne pointed at Sherilyn. "Life is all about navigating


    rtionships. Do you think everyone''s going to like you? Focusing on your dance is what''s real.


    Stop worrying about the what-ifs."


    Sherilyn listened carefully. "I''ll remember that, Ms. Hansen."


    "Good." Pleased, Daphne joked, "Dance well. The Lightning Dance Troupe''s reputation is ster,


    and tickets sell out fast. If you don''t make a name for yourself, that''s one thing, but don''t you dare


    tarnish our reputation!"


    "Ms. Hansen." Sherilyn was serious, nodding solemnly, "Don''t worry. I''ll practice hard!"


    ...


    Later that evening, Edgar came to pick her up. They had been seeing each other frequently these


    days for a simple reason. Edgar thought they needed to keep their act going a little longer. Who


    knew if Gilbert might suddenly take an interest in her again?


    Edgar didn''t pressure Sherilyn about it. He usually just dropped her off at Serenity Street,


    asionally grabbing a meal together in some budget-friendly diner, splitting the bill.


    Tonight, Edgar only took her to the beginning of Twilight Trail.


    Edgar began, "I''ve got to head to the airport soon."


    Sherilyn asked out of curiosity, "Is it for work?"


    "Yeah," Edgar nodded. "Need to make a trip to Rainshore City. I won''t be back for about a week."


    "Oh," Sherilyn quickly said, "Safe travels then. And with the time difference, make sure to get some


    rest."


    She grabbed her backpack and got out of the car. "I''ll head off. I don''t want to keep you."


    "Sherilyn!" Edgar called out to her.


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    By the look on his face, he had something to say, making Sherilyn chuckle, "What is it? Just say it."


    He had be a good friend to her by then.


    "Well, it''s like this." Edgar scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "When I get back, it''ll


    almost be my birthday. I was thinking of inviting you to my birthday party."


    His birthday party?


    Sherilyn''s mind drifted back to the extravagant event hosted by the Johnson family, that grand


    gesture from Sylvia. All of Edgar’s family and such would be at this birthday party, wouldn''t they?


    That wouldn''t be something she should be going to.


    "Not like that." Edgar chuckled, shaking his head. "It won''t be anything extravagant. Sylvia probably


    had her reasons for making it a big deal, inviting all those people. My birthday party will be a


    gathering with some close friends."


    Oh, in that case, that sounded fine. Sherilyn breathed a sigh of relief, considering herself one of his


    friends.


    "Sherilyn?" Edgar pressed, "Can you make it?"


    "Of course." Sherilyn smiled, nodding, "But you''d better give me the details so I can make the time."