than one doctor tell you this injury is career-ending. There’s a reason they’ve said that. As difficult as this is to say, I’m going to encourage you to consider alternatives to a career as a professional dancer. If you don’t, there’s a very high likelihood you’ll risk permanently injuring yourself.”
Jasmine’s lungs suddenly felt like they’d forgotten how to function. While this wasn’t the first time she had heard that prognosis, it was the first time she’d heard it from Everly.
Which made it even more devastating.
Jasmine had spent weeks researching physical therapists before her second surgery. Everly was among the most brilliant in her field. It was why Jasmine had insisted to her father that Everly had to be her physical therapist even though her fee was higher than that of many others.
And it was why Jasmine now started to believe she’d never achieve her dreams.
“I’m sorry,” Everly said. “I don’t want to end things on a negative note. We’ll keep working on it. I just want you to be prepared in case things don’t go the way you hope.”
“Thanks, Everly. I appreciate that.”
The words were hollow. Jasmine wanted to rail at Everly and demand to know why life was so unfair. How could it be that despite the surgeries and all of her hard work, she still might never dance professionally again?
Why did it feel as though the only person who intended to support her in pursuit of that goal was herself?
She considered that as she climbed into her car after the appointment concluded. So what if no one else supported her? Was that really any different from how things had been since her mother died?
Okay, maybe that was unfair, she allowed as she pulled out of the driveway. Her father might be withdrawing his financial support, but he hadn’t told her not to continue trying to pursue her dreams on her own. It wasn’t like he had said she wouldn’t be able to do it.
No, only her physical therapist had said that.
Feeling thoroughly sorry for herself, she decided against going to her apartment where she’d have to tell her roommate she was moving out. Instead, she turned her car in the direction of Steamy Beans, the coffee and wine bar that May managed. She wagered even if her sister didn’t happen to be working, she could at least wheedle a glass of wine out of May’s co-manager and roommate, Tobias. One of them was almost always on shift.
Steamy Beans was located off the beaten path in a more residential section of Virginia-Highland. Despite not being along the main streets of the area, it was by far one of the most popular places for the locals to hang out. Jasmine had trouble finding a parking spot when she arrived. Fortunately her sister lived across the street from the bar and had reserved parking. Jasmine had no qualms about pulling into the single open space in front of May’s duplex and staking it as her own.
She walked across the street in the fading afternoon sunlight, wishing she’d thought to bring a spare pair of shoes since she felt every pebble through her thin flats. The sound of live music beckoned her closer, rising in volume and then receding each time the bar’s doors opened. It told her that Steamy Beans’ generous happy hour had officially begun.
Thank God.
The outside tables were already filled with patrons despite the day’s brisk temperature. Portable heaters set up around the patio ensured they stayed comfortable. The hum of their chattering voices rose and fell right along with the music. Spotting a few regulars she’d met on previous visits, Jasmine smiled and waved on her way inside, not feeling up to more socializing than that.
When she opened the door, her senses were pleasantly assaulted by the lively music played by the solo singer-guitarist in the corner and the mingling scents of roasted coffee beans and wine. She still wasn’t sure how the aromas blended so well, but she’d always found them appealing. They drew her closer to the bustling bar, as did the appetizing array of pastries behind the glass case. Her sister helped bake them fresh every morning using many of the recipes passed down by their German mother. If the long line and filled tables were any indication, Jasmine was going to have to take her order to go and catch up with her sister another time.
“Jazzy!”
She glanced to her right and spotted Danny, Tobias’ boyfriend and May’s second roommate, waving at her. Danny and