Between Dances

Chapter Twelve: Fragile Beginnings

Monday brought with it the quiet lull that settled over The Velvet Flame on slower nights. The regulars trickled in, exchanging familiar banter with Quinn as she worked behind the bar. The club was dimly lit, the music softer, the energy subdued compared to the chaos of the weekend.

Quinn appreciated nights like this, where the rhythm of her work was almost meditative. But tonight, her mind was far from calm. The kiss Lucia had left on her cheek lingered like an unspoken promise, equal parts thrilling and terrifying.

Lucia hadn't come in yet, and Quinn couldn't help but wonder if she would. Their tentative steps toward something more felt fragile, as though a single misstep could shatter whatever it was they were building.

"Lost in thought, huh?" Ezra's voice jolted her from her reverie.

Quinn turned to see him leaning against the bar, his usual tray tucked under one arm. "What do you mean?"

"You've been polishing that same glass for five minutes," he said with a smirk.

Quinn glanced down, realizing he was right. She set the glass aside and gave him a look. "It's called being thorough."

"Sure it is," Ezra said, his tone teasing. He paused, his smirk softening into something more genuine. "How are things with Lucia?"

Quinn hesitated, unsure how much to share. "Complicated," she admitted. "But... good. I think."

Ezra nodded, his expression thoughtful. "She's got a lot on her plate. But if anyone can get through to her, it's you."

Quinn smiled faintly, his words a small reassurance. Before she could respond, the door to the club opened, and her heart skipped a beat.

Lucia walked in, her presence as magnetic as ever. She wasn't in her usual dancer's attire but wore a casual outfit—black jeans, a leather jacket, and a soft gray scarf wrapped around her neck. She scanned the room, her eyes landing on Quinn almost immediately.

"Looks like that's my cue," Ezra said with a grin, grabbing his tray and disappearing into the crowd.

Quinn wiped her hands on a towel, her pulse quickening as Lucia approached the bar.

"Hey," Lucia said, her voice warm but tentative.

"Hey," Quinn replied, her smile soft. "What brings you here on a Monday?"

Lucia slid onto a stool, resting her elbows on the counter. "I needed to get out of my head. Thought this might be a good place to do it."

Quinn nodded, reaching for a glass. "The usual?"

Lucia hesitated, then shook her head. "Actually, I think I'll stick with water tonight."

Quinn arched an eyebrow but didn't comment. She poured a glass of water, setting it in front of Lucia. "Here you go."

"Thanks," Lucia said, taking a sip.

For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the noise of the club a distant hum around them. But Quinn could feel the unspoken words hanging in the air between them, waiting to be acknowledged.

"How are you feeling?" Quinn asked gently, breaking the silence.

Lucia exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "Better. I've been trying to... process everything."

Quinn nodded, her gaze steady. "Take your time. No pressure."

Lucia's lips curved into a faint smile. "You're always so patient with me. I don't know how you do it."

"It's easy when it's someone who matters," Quinn said, the words slipping out before she could second-guess them.

Lucia looked at her, her eyes softening. "You matter to me too, Quinn. More than I think I've let myself admit."

Quinn's breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. She wanted to say something, to put words to the emotions swirling inside her, but before she could, Lucia reached across the bar, her fingers brushing against Quinn's.

"I'm scared," Lucia admitted, her voice barely audible. "But I want to try. With you."

Quinn's chest tightened, a mix of relief and hope flooding through her. "We'll figure it out," she said, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions. "One step at a time."

Lucia nodded, her smile growing. "One step at a time."

They stayed like that for a moment, their hands lightly touching, the weight of the world feeling just a little lighter. For the first time in a long while, Quinn felt like they were on the edge of something real—something worth fighting for.

And she was ready to take the next step, no matter how uncertain the path ahead might be.