Amy's POV:
"Amy are you ok?!" I could hear Edna as she leaned over me.
"I will be." I say between gasps as I hold my aching ribs.
"And you! What's the big idea? Do you think you're funny?!" Edna scolds.
"Yeah dude what was the whole point in scaring my new publisher."John says as he crosses his arms.
"I can assure you Amy my intention was not to hurt you." Brad says as he crouches down in front of me.
"I'll be fine Brad, just get away from me." I say through gritted teeth as Jason walks up.
"But don't you have dance practice for that upcoming competition?" Jason asks and I shoot him a look that says to shut up.
"Wait, are you talking about the Dance competition?" John cuts in.
" I'm currently writing an article on it and I plan on writing one after the competition. I used to dance when I was younger and still do when I have free time. I've always been interested in things like that. Are you going to be competing in the competition Amy?" John asks as I manage to stand from my chair.
"Well, well you are a woman of many talents aren't you?" Brad says smugly.
"Wait a minute, do you two know each other?" John asks.
"We've met." I reply as my breathing returns to normal.
"I'd say we've more than met my dear." Brad replies as he crosses his arms and a devilish smile spreads across his lips.
I'm now glaring at Brad as I go on to answer John's other questions.
"I will be competing in the competition with two other dancers. I don't usually dance to compete, it's more about staying fit for me but my trainer insisted I compete this year." I reply as I look away from Brad.
"I would love to come and watch you dance. Would you mind if I took a few pictures for the article as well?" John asks me as excitement shines in his eyes.
"I'm sure Amy is far too busy to deal with…" Brad begins to say before I cut him off.
"I'd love for you to." I say as I cross my arms and smirk at Brad.
"I look forward to working with you and watching you dance Amy. Who knows, maybe I will start dancing again too!" John says with a smile as he reaches for my hand.
I reach out to take his hand but before I can shake it he brings my hand to his lips and places a gentle kiss on the back of it.
"Well I'm glad you've chosen L&L to help you achieve your writing dreams and I can't wait to see the articles you write." I reply as John releases my hand.
"I'm going to the car." Brad says as he pushes past us.
"Well he's my ride so I better go." John says as he gives me one last smile.
We quickly exchange business cards then John heads for the door. I watch him leave as he strolls casually out the door with one hand in his pocket. I find the way he walks as he is leaving sexy and I can't help but stare. Once he leaves the office Edna and Jason continue to fret over me.
"You should really go get that looked at, you hit your desk really hard."Edna says.
"I'm fine guys. It's just gonna be tender and bruised for a few days." I say as I try to laugh off the throbbing pain from my side.
"But what about your practices? Won't it be hard to dance with your ribs bothering you?" Jason asks.
"No pain no gain. That's what the coaches always say." I reply.
Jason rolls his eyes at me and Edna sighs loudly.
"You push yourself too hard." Edna says as she stands and starts to walk away.
"If I don't push myself who will?" I say with a forced smile.
"And besides did you see who just walked in our door and signed a contract with us?!" I ask.
"Yeah that is crazy." Jason says from his desk.
"And who would have thought he would be that handsome too?! Isn't he like the son of a politician or something?" Edna continues.
"Really? I didn't know that." I reply as I look curiously at the door John just walked out of.
"Oh does somebody have a little crush?" Jason taunts.
"In your dreams." I reply as I roll my eyes.
Edna shakes her head at us and returns to her desk. I quickly finish my work up and head back home. I eye the bruise that has now formed on my ribs and sigh. I grab my gym bag and head to the dance studio downtown and I practice as usual taking care not to hit my ribs. My partners are also careful not to touch that side as much. After practice I begin to head home stopping by the grocery store on the way to grab a salad and fruit tray for dinner.
Once at home I prepare my food and head towards the patio to enjoy the cool night air as I eat. Morgana is perched on the balcony tilting her head this way and that. I pick out a small piece of fruit and hold it out to her. She hops over and plucks the piece from my hand and gobbles it down. Once I am done eating and Morgana has had her fill of fruit I walk back inside. Morgana hops along behind me but stops just in front of the door.
"If you want to come in tonight come on." I say softly as I hold the door open.
Morgana tilts her head once more before hoping happily through the door. In the spring and fall I leave my patio door open and she comes and goes as she pleases. Summer she prefers the outdoors and her large birdbath and outdoor aviary in the corner of the yard. The winters are harsh and she is usually inside most of the winter.
Morgana flies up to her perch in the living room and before I head off to bed I place a small bowl of fruit on the table next to her perch and I make sure her water container is full before heading to my room to make my bed. Once my bed is made I crawl under the crisp clean covers and drift off to sleep.