Chapter Text
Chapter 8: Dancing on My Own
"You really found a space?" Marian asked, her eyes wide. "That's a big deal, Robin."
"I know," he said, pleased though still nervous. "It's a bit pricey but still within the budget we put together so I think we'll be fine. I also have heard from a prospective funder too."
Her mouth dropped open. "You have? Who?"
Robin grinned. "You know Marco Gepetto?"
"The well-known funder of the arts?" Marian asked, looking stunned. She nodded. "Yes, I know him. He's interested in the school?"
"He is," Robin said. "He thinks it will be a great way to cultivate and support the next generation of artists."
Marian nodded. "It will be. Especially with you at the helm."
He smiled, pleased by her compliment. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," she said. "So when are you meeting with Marco again?"
"Well, Regina is going to look over my business proposal but Marco has bought tickets for our Christmas pageant," he replied. "He wants to see our students."
She took a deep breath. "No pressure then."
He nodded, knowing it was another reason he was nervous today. "I know. But we're ready. They're ready. We'll impress him. I just know it," he said.
"You're right," she said. "Do you think Regina will come through with your business proposal?"
"Of course," he replied, not liking how she worded her question. "She takes her job seriously."
Marian sighed. "You've gotten really close to her really quickly."
Robin pressed his lips together, wondering if they were getting to the real problem. "Yes, she and I have become good friends," he said. "But it's happened before."
"I know," she replied. "This feels different, though. This feels showmancy."
"That's a bit much," he told her, annoyed that she was evoking that word.
She raised an eyebrow. "Is it?"
He nodded. "Yes, it is. We're just friends."
"Yet she's already been to your parents' Christmas party and you took her to see the buildings," she pointed out.
"She offered to come since it was going to affect her lesson anyway," he replied. "And it worked in my favor since she used her lawyer voice and got the realtor to show me a building that worked better."
Marian hummed. "I suppose so."
He sighed, deciding he was done with this game. "What is it really, Marian?"
"What do you mean?" she asked. "I'm concerned about your relationship with Regina and how fast it's moving."
"Would you be this concerned if Regina was a guy?" he asked, not willing to back down this time.
She paused for a moment before saying softly: "That's not relevant."
He raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it?"
"Just spit it out, Robin," she said, clearly annoyed now. "I don't have time for these riddles."
"Fine," he said. "I think you're thrown off by the fact that I'm connecting with another woman."
Fire burned in her eyes. "Are you saying I'm jealous?"
He shook his head. "Not at all. I wasn't jealous when you started dating but I won't lie and say it didn't hurt."
"It did?" she asked, surprised.
"Yes," he said. "We had been together since we were kids, Marian, and then we weren't. And while it was the right decision, it still doesn't mean that it wasn't weird and a little painful to see you with someone else that first time."
He paused for a moment. "It made everything feel final, you know? It's gotten better now but that initial shock…Anyway, I think you might be experiencing it now yourself. I decided not to date right away and I get how my relationship with Regina could look like it's more than friendship. Which makes you really realize I could be moving on."
She was quiet after his comment before sighing. "Maybe."
"I think this is a good thing," he said, softening his tone as he covered her hand with his. "Since Regina and I are just friends, there's no real stakes. But now that you've experienced this, when I do start dating again, you'll be fine."
"How do you always manage to find the silver lining in every cloud?" she asked him, grinning now.
He shrugged. "It's a gift, I guess."
She chuckled before turning thoughtful. "I noticed you said when you start dating again, not if. You ready for that?"
"I think I'm getting there," he said, realizing it was the truth. Spending time with Regina reminded him how much he enjoyed having a companion in his life. Maybe once his school was up and running, he'd start looking for love again in earnest.
"Good for you," she said. "You deserve to be happy."
He nodded, touched by her words. "Thank you."
She smiled. "You're welcome. And I hope Regina comes through on that business plan so your dreams can come true," she said.
"I know she will," he replied. "And it's our dream."
"We both know that's not true," she told him, smiling softly. "This is your dream and I'm supporting it wholeheartedly. I'm happy with this studio and helping at the school."
Deep down, he knew that. He always knew that Marian would continue to run this studio while he handled the school - but with both helping at both locations. It made the most sense and so he nodded. "You're right," he said.
She chuckled. "You still sound so surprised even after all these years," she said teasingly.
"Very funny," he replied, rolling his eyes.
"Sorry," she said, shrugging. "I couldn't resist."
He sighed. "That's okay."
She then checked her watch and sighed. "Sorry to cut this short but I have a lesson in about five minutes."
"No need to apologize," he assured her. He motioned to the lobby with his thumb. "I'll go wait for them and then I'll be in my office doing some administrative work. You know, the boring part of running a business."
"Better you than me," she replied, grinning. "Good luck!"
He shook his head but smiled. "Thanks."
Robin left the rehearsal room and walked toward the reception area as the door opened, bringing a gust of cold air with it. He looked up, expecting Marian's students and so was surprised when he saw who it really was.
"Hello," Regina said, approaching him with a white box and tied with a red ribbon. "Surprised to see me?"
"Yes," he replied, leaning against the counter with a smile. "But it's a very good surprise."
She grinned, placing the box on the counter. "Good. I was at a nearby bakery confirming an order for my office and I thought I would bring you a little treat."
Warmth spread through him. "You didn't have to do that."
"I know," she replied. "I wanted to. To thank you for all the help you've given me."
"You've probably helped me more than I've helped you," he said, surprised by her words. "You're reviewing my business proposal and came to find my new school with me. Oh, and you took care of me when I had a concussion."
Laying it all out, he hoped she realized that he owed her so much and that she didn't need to thank him.
But she shook her head instead.
"You know what I was supposed to be doing today?" she asked. "I was supposed to pick up my wedding dress today as well as my veil and take it to my matron of honor's house for safekeeping."
"Oh," he said, realizing that he had forgotten that she had just cancelled her wedding only a few weeks earlier. It felt like he had known her for years now.
She nodded. "Yeah. I'm not going to lie. While I don't regret cancelling my wedding, it's still painful as I recall all the plans I had for these days. But when I'm with you, I don't think about that at all. So, yes, you're really helped me."
His heart skipped a beat at her words and he rested his hand over hers. "I'm not usually one to believe in fate," he said. "But maybe we met each other at the right time, yeah?"
"Yeah," she agreed, smiling softly. It then widened as she said: "And I don't believe that you don't believe in fate. That seems like something that would be right up your alley."
"You think so?" he asked.
She nodded. "You just strike me as a romantic and a dreamer. And I mean those positively."
He chuckled. "I know."
"Good," she replied. "So, why don't you believe in fate?"
"Because in ballroom, you learn that luck has nothing to do with your success," he said. "It's all about your talent and how hard you work."
She tilted her head. "Oh."
He nodded. "Indeed."
"I guess I learned something new about you," she replied. She then laughed. "What were we talking about again?"
"Honestly? I forgot," he admitted, laughing as well.
She pushed the box toward him. "Well, here. This is a thank you for all your help and I hope you enjoy it."
Robin sighed, knowing she would not take no for an answer. "Thank you," he said.
"You're welcome," she replied as the bell over the door rang. She glanced over her shoulder before stepping back. "I'll let you get back to work. See you later."
"See you then," he replied, grinning. "I think you'll like tonight's lesson."
She smiled. "Then I can't wait."
With one last wave, Regina opened the door as Marian's clients arrived. They nodded at each other and she stepped out, letting the other couple enter the studio. Robin sighed, unable to follow her down the block. Instead, he smiled and greeted the older couple, offering to take their coats. They shed them happily and he went to hang them up in their closet.
As he closed the door, he heard the bell chime again. He turned to face whoever just entered, finding a man about his age standing there in a gray coat over what appeared to be a black suit. The man also wore a gray fedora on his head and watched Robin with a piercing look that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
Robin stepped closer to him. "Can I help you?"
"Yes, I believe you can," the man said, taking a step closer as well. "I'm Sidney Glass, Regina's fiancé."
"Don't you mean former fiancé?" Robin asked, deciding he didn't like this man at all. Regina certainly deserved better.
Sidney waved his hand dismissively. "That was just a misunderstanding."
Robin raised his eyebrow. "I highly doubt that."
"Well, good thing your opinion doesn't count," Sidney said, making Robin's blood pressure rise.
"You're right," he said, somehow keeping his tone neutral. "Only Regina's opinion counts."
Sidney nodded. "She and I have been together for five years, engaged for two. It's going to take more than a little…misunderstanding…to come between us."
Robin crossed his arms. "Okay, so why are you telling this to me?"
"To prevent you from getting your heart broken," Sidney replied. "Regina and I will make up, she will move to Boston with me and we'll be married. You have no chance with her."
"I'm not interested in Regina romantically," Robin said, believing that Sidney was delusional. None of that was going to happen. "We're just friends."
Sidney scoffed but Robin ignored that, stepping closer to him. "Besides, you may have been with Regina for five years but you still don't understand her if you think she will uproot her life here in New York to follow you to Boston. That is never going to happen," he said.
A dark look filled Sidney's eyes and his face twisted into a snarl. "You think you know her but you don't," he said. "Leave her alone."
"Regina is the only one who can tell me to leave her alone," Robin replied, standing ground. "Not her former fiancé."
"I am still her fiancé," Sidney insisted. "Our engagement was just paused, not broken."
Robin scoffed. "That's not what Regina said."
Fire burned in Sidney's eyes. "Liar."
"Am I?" Robin asked, remaining cool. "Regina and I have been spending a lot of time together. We've talked. So I think I might have a better understanding of what she's thinking than you right now."
"I see," Sidney said, smiling now. It sent a shiver down Robin's spine. "You love her."
"No," Robin insisted. "I told you. We're just friends."
Sidney chuckled. "But you want to be more than that. I can see it in your eyes. You're not as good at hiding it as you think you are."
Robin crossed his arms. "You can believe whatever you want. It's clear you're not going to listen to reason."
"Well, I guess we'll see who is right tonight," Sidney said. "I'm going to invite Regina out to dinner so we can reconcile. We'll see if she comes to your lesson or comes to dinner with me."
"I guess we'll see," Robin replied, certain Regina wouldn't want to go anywhere near this man.
Sidney smirked, placing his hat back on. "Have a good day, Mr. Locksley. I have a feeling tomorrow won't be so great."
Robin didn't bother to respond. He stood there, watching as Sidney left the store and walked past the window. Once he disappeared, Robin dropped his arms and felt his body sag.
"Fuck," he said softly, rubbing the back of his neck. That man was insufferable - what did Regina ever see in him?
The bell over the door rang again and he opened his eyes, hoping Sidney hadn't come back to smarm around some more. Relief filled him when it was a delivery person instead, dropping off a box. Once Robin signed for it, he hurried into his office as he tried not to think about Regina and Sidney. They still crept into his mind and he shuddered at the thought of them reuniting, meaning Regina would leave for Boston. Losing his new friend just when he found her would break his heart.
Especially knowing she would be leaving her home for someone who clearly didn't deserve her.
"Budget," he said to himself, knowing he needed a good distraction. "That will work."
He set the package down by his desk, ready to lose himself in the budget for his school and working on his proposal. That would certainly help him forget about Sidney and not worry about Regina skipping their lesson that night.
Because she was not choosing Sidney.
Robin was certain of that.
"Good morning, Tink," Regina said, entering the office. She placed a little box down on her assistant's desk. "Your favorites."
"You're the best," Tink replied, taking the box with a big grin. "Thank you!"
Regina chuckled. "You're welcome. You've been a big help, especially with the Belfrey account. Have we gotten those documents I requested?"
Tink frowned, turning to her screen. "Not sure. Let me check and I'll let you know."
"Thanks," Regina said. "And the other documents, for my special project?"
"They arrived," Tink replied. "I put them on your desk for you."
Pleased, Regina nodded. "Then you definitely deserve those treats. You're the best!"
Tink laughed as she nodded. "I know."
"Good," Regina said, heading to her office. "And let me know when you track down the other documents."
"Of course," Tink replied. "Whoever is delaying them isn't going to know what hit them."
Regina chuckled, walking into her office. Tink was small but she was mighty. Whoever was inconveniencing them would regret it.
She took off her coat and hung it up along with her scarf. Walking over to her desk, she was pleased to see the information about starting businesses and schools there for her to review. Once the Belfrey case was finished, she would be able to work on the contract for Robin's new school. It would be his Christmas gift.
After setting that information aside to take home with her, she opened the Belfrey contract and continued to write it as best she could without the needed information. If Tink couldn't track it down, Regina would have to go to Gold by the end of the day. Hopefully he would be able to put the fear of God into whoever was holding it up.
Hopefully they would never do that again.
It was an hour later when Tink came in, her cheeks red. "I found out what happened to those requested documents," she said. "And you're not going to like it."
"Why?" Regina asked, concerned now.
"Apparently, our request was overridden and sent to Keith Nott," Tink said. "And the override came from Gold himself."
It took a few moments for her words to sink before Regina felt her anger boil up. She stood, her body shaking. "What?"
Tink held out a piece of paper. "It's all there in the email I just received."
"Thank you," Regina said, taking it and reading it over. Just as Tink said, the person who sent the email confirmed that Gold had overridden her request and asked that the documents be sent to Keith Nott instead.
Gold was sabotaging her.
But why?
"What are you going to do?" Tink asked her, looking nervous. "Are you going to talk with Keith?"
"No, there's no point," Regina replied, knowing that her colleague would just be smugly vague about the situation. "I'm going straight to the source."
Tink's eyes widened. "Gold?"
Regina nodded. "Exactly."
"Do you want me to set up an appointment with his assistant?" Tink asked, looking nervous.
"No," Regina replied. "I'm just going to go up there."
Tink stepped in front of her, holding up her hands. "Wait, at least let me check with his assistant to see if he's in. You don't want to storm up there only to have to come back down a few moments later."
Regina paused, knowing she had a point. Sighing, she nodded. "Fine."
"Thank you," Tink said, looking relieved. "Just wait here."
"Okay," Regina replied, leaning against her desk as Tink left the office to make a call to Gold's assistance. As she waited, she tried to formulate what she was going to say to Gold when she saw him.
All she could come up with was a string of curse words.
She certainly couldn't say that to him, no matter how much she wanted. Which meant she needed to calm down so she could find more professional words for her conversation with Gold.
"Bad news," Tink said, coming into Regina's office. Her face was pale. "Gold is out at a meeting and isn't expected back until tomorrow."
"Of course," Regina replied, groaning. "And tomorrow is the holiday party."
Tink sighed. "And so you'll be busy setting it up and he'll be trying to avoid it."
Regina nodded, feeling her heart sink. "The project is then due the day after tomorrow and Keith will get all the credit."
"You need to find a way to talk with Gold tomorrow," Tink said. "But how?"
"I don't know," Regina replied, sighing. "But I'll figure it out. For now, let's see if we can continue working on the Belfrey project without those documents and go from there. We might be able to pull this off after all."
Tink grinned. "If anyone can do it, it's you. Let me go get my laptop and I'll come help you."
Relief filled Regina. "You're the best."
"I know," Tink replied before leaving the room. Regina started to move toward her chair when Tink returned, the color drained from her face. "We have a situation."
"What kind of situation?" Regina asked, her heart jumping into her throat as her finger inched closer to the panic button under her dress. They didn't have that many disgruntled clients but one never knew in this day and age.
Tink glanced at the desk before frowning. "Not that kind."
Regina raised her hand before asking: "What kind then?"
"Hello, Regina," Sidney said, appearing in her doorway with a bouquet of flowers. "Can we talk?"
"Do you want me to call security?" Tink asked, looking annoyed.
Regina took a deep breath before shaking her head. "No, because Sidney is going to leave. Now."
He frowned. "So that's it? We can't talk?"
"Talk about what?" she asked, annoyed. "You made your decision and I made mine. There's nothing to talk about."
"Please, Regina," he pleaded. "Just five minutes."
Sidney had never used such a tone with her nor had he ever looked at her with pleading eyes like he was now. It made something inside her shift and she sighed. "Fine, but not here," she said. "After work."
He nodded, his eyes lighting up. "I'll make reservations for our favorite place and send them to you."
"Okay," she said, eager to get him out of her office. "Now, please, go."
"I will," he replied, smiling. "See you tonight, Regina."
He walked back down the hallway as Regina and Tink watched, both wanting to make sure he got on the elevator. Once he did and it started its descent, Regina relaxed and rubbed the back of her neck. "I don't need this," she muttered.
Tink sighed. "You don't have to go meet with him. You can just ghost him. It's what he deserves."
"Maybe," Regina said. "But I want to meet with him and to just finally close out the relationship. Have the conversation we really couldn't have last time because he went to Boston."
"What if he's trying to win you back?" Tink asked, looking concerned.
Regina sighed. "He probably is and I'm going to make it very clear to him that that is never going to happen. Then hopefully we can just part ways and go on with our separate lives."
Tink nodded. "I hope so."
"Well, I'm going to get back to work," Regina said, motioning to her office. "Talk to you later."
"Talk to you then," Tink replied. "I think I'm going to enjoy that cake now."
She walked back to her desk as Regina returned to her office. As she sat down, she rubbed the back of her neck. Between Gold apparently trying to undermine her in favor of Keith Nott and Sidney showing back up, she felt more stressed than she had even while planning her wedding. Maybe she should've taken the time off after all and taken a vacation to relax and recharge.
Maybe she still could.
"No," she told herself, opening her eyes again. "You can power through this. You'll be fine."
This wasn't the first obstacle in her life she had to overcome and likely wouldn't be the last.
She glanced down at the work on her desk and spotted the contract she was reviewing for Robin. Remembering she was supposed to have a lesson that night, she picked up her phone to let him know she wouldn't be able to make it that night.
After dialing the studio, it rang a few times before a smooth female voice picked up. Regina smiled, pleased that Robin finally got a virtual assistant. It allowed her to leave a message for him while he was busy.
"Hi, Robin," she said after the beep. "It's Regina. Unfortunately something has come up so I'll have to cancel our lesson tonight. I'll call to reschedule. Talk to you soon."
She ended the call and placed the phone down. While she would rather be dancing with Robin that night, she knew she needed to talk with Sidney. And she trusted that Robin would understand once she explained it to him. She would probably end up venting to him about it anyway and he would say something witty that would make her laugh, instantly changing her mood.
It felt like magic whenever he did that.
His magic worked on her now even though he wasn't there with her. She smiled as she turned back to her work, ready to get through the rest of the day.
Robin got back to his office after having lunch and sat down at his computer. His screen popped back to life, revealing his inbox. A few voicemails waited for him now that he had implemented the virtual assistant for the studio.
It reminded him that he needed to tell Regina that her suggestion worked and thank her for it.
He listened to the first couple voicemails, jotting down the information he needed to call the potential students back. One was looking for private lessons for an adult and the other wanted to enroll their child in his classes after the New Year. Both seemed very promising.
Then he clicked on the last voicemail, surprised when he heard Regina's voice. He smiled but it faded as her message played, revealing that she would need to cancel their lesson that night. Though she promised to reschedule, his heart stopped for a moment as he recalled the conversation he had with her former fiancé that morning.
She was going to dinner with him.
Which meant he was right. They were going to reconcile.
And he was also right about Robin feeling hurt about it.
He groaned as he placed his elbows on his desk, burying his face in his hands. Perhaps he had been in denial about his growing feelings for Regina. Maybe he thought of her as more than a friend.
Maybe he was a little infatuated with her.
Of course he would catch feelings for someone who was unavailable. Fate was mocking him now, he was certain of it.
"Of course," he told himself, slowly lowering his hands from his face. "You have to fall for a woman who is spoken for."
Fortune certainly didn't favor him.
He sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Way to go, Locksley. Maybe you're right and you're meant to be alone. Just you and Roland forever."
That was more depressing than usual.
"Robin, I'm going to pick up Roland from school," Marian said, leaning into his office. She frowned. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," he lied, not wanting to concern her. "Just the usual."
She nodded. "Okay. Try not to work too hard. You deserve a break now and then."
He did his best to smile. "I'll keep that in mind."
"Good," she replied. "Anyway, be back with Roland soon. Maybe you should go take a moment to dance for yourself while the studio is empty."
"I'll think about it," he said. "See you soon."
Marian walked away and he waited, hearing the front door open and close again. Robin took a deep breath and let it out, looking over his schedule. Part of him wanted to find an opening for Regina and the other part hoped he wouldn't find anything so he didn't have to face her just yet.
So he didn't have to face his feelings for her just yet.
Because now that he was about to lose her for good, he realized how important she had become to him and how well she fit into his life.
Just his luck.
"Damn it," he said, whispering even though he was alone. "Damn."
He cared about Regina.
More than he thought.
Robin stood, pacing his office as he raked his fingers through his hair. He replayed their relationship, trying to figure out when and how she had wormed her way deeper into his heart than any other student he had ever taught. But he realized it had been slow, even given how short their relationship had been. Moment after moment allowed her to get deeper and deeper without him realizing.
He had been so careful about protecting his heart yet something about her had caused him to let his guard down. Now he was paying the price again. She was going to reunite with Sidney and their friendship would be over just as it started.
Maybe it would be for the best. Relationships with students didn't end well and he would rather keep his happy memories with Regina before everything turned sour.
Closing his eyes, he realized what he had to do. It would hurt for now but he knew it was best in the long run.
For both of them.