Authors Note: Hey guys! I know I should have no excuses for updating so late but I got caught up with having no school…ha. I hope everyone's had an awesome spring break and I'm so sad its over…anyways I have been working on my absolute favorite chapter for this story…and that will be the one right after this. I'm trying to speed things up now so bear with me when you notice how fast I will be having the months move by within this chapter. Anyways I can't wait to post the chapter after this one.

Thanks for your reviews they are helpful, encouraging and most of all loved and keep me going! Thanks for being my inspiration guys : ) enjoy the chapter!

Oh and thank you Laura for correcting my chapter 7 paragraph 11 error…you are right it was meant to say Nikki…thanks for catching that!

Chapter 9: Things Do Change

Tiffany's Point of View:

I entered the vast entrance to the beautiful aged building that said in bold and big engraved letters Hanlow Dance Academy. I heard the heavy glass doors slam behind me. The air smelled like freshly polished floors and as I looked down I could almost make out my reflection on the marble floors. My shoes echoed as I walked down towards the front desk.

"Good morning, welcome to Hanlow Dance Academy, can I help you?" said a woman behind the counter. The only thing I noticed about this woman as she spoke was the fuchsia pink lipstick she was wearing. Ugh. I thought in distaste. "Good morning, I'm Tiffany Maxwell, I'm here to see Lois Vanski." I said as I peered down the hall watching a young girl in a leotard come out of one of the large doors, classical music following her as the door took it's time closing behind her exit. She looked at me curiously before bending over to drink from a nearby water fountain.

"Oh yes Ms. Maxwell, of course. Ms. Vanski is in that room with the open door right down the hall." She said in an orderly manner. I gave her a nod before heading towards the door the little girl had just closed behind her. I opened the door a moment later with a little nervousness fluttering in my stomach.

The room was very large, which was deceiving from the outside hall. There were mirrors going from the left walls all the way to the right side of the room and modern lights shone down like spotlights on the twelve dancers spinning in front of me. The music stopped when the woman saw me come in.

The girls froze and watched me close the door behind me and I could see their little eyes watching my every move. "Hey! You must be Tiffany, so glad you are here, I'm Lois and please don't call me Ms. Vanski. You and I are practically the same age and are going to be working together so no formality between us please!" She said warmly shaking my hand. "Nice to finally meet you Lois." I said as she led me over to the girls.

"Alright now it will take time to learn all these girls names but shouldn't be to difficult. Okay girls this is Ms. Maxwell you will be polite and treat her just as you would me. Make her feel right at home, she is going to be one of your instructors this term and will be helping me." Some of the girls smiled and some kept their solemn uncertain faces. I smiled at them. They all looked to be from ages 8 to 10.

"Hi, you guys can just call me Tiffany. If Lois doesn't mind I can't stand formality at all unless it's a must." I looked at Lois and she nodded giving the Fine by me shrug. "Hi Tiffany." I turned to see a little blonde ballerina smile at me. She was the one that had exited to get water. Excitement was clearly pasted on her face. "Are you going to teach us just like Ms. Vanski does?" she asked eagerly. "I hope too soon." I said noticing Lois was smiling.

"I'm Anna by the way." The little blonde girl said. "Nice to meet you Anna." I said reaching my hand out to shake hands with her, she was caught off guard and then began to giggle as I took a bow while shaking her hand and said "How do you do Ms. Anna?" in my best manliest voice.

Within seconds the other girls were giggling and wanted me to do the same with them so I went down the row and was introduced to all of them. I knew I had won them over and was thankful it hadn't taken long. The little Anna stuck out to me the rest of the day for some reason I watched her movements, she was an incredible ballerina for her age, she moved gracefully and held her toes on the tip the longest from the rest of the girls. When the class was over that afternoon I was able to relax with Lois and speak with her. "God you have no idea how glad you are here to help me Tiffany, I wasn't ready for another heavy term without another instructor by my side in this room." Lois said handing me a cup of coffee. We easily entered conversation and got to know a little about each other's pasts and why we were here. I found myself even more relieved that Lois was so easygoing and light. We were becoming friends effortlessly.

"Hey tomorrow I'd love to show you some of my routines, and I'd like to see yours." I said as I picked up my jacket. "Yeah sure thing let's do that, I'm sure our styles our very different so we can pick up on moves from each other." I nodded and we walked out. I almost ran smack into a man that was just about to come in from the other side. "Oh sorry!" He said as Lois and I stood back. "Oh Mr. Williams! What perfect timing, your daughter was the first to introduce herself to our new instructor today." Lois beamed and then looked at me. I stared back at the dark haired man wearing a business suit, I was surprised at first that he was Anna's dad and then found myself thinking he was pretty damn good looking.

I felt a tinge of color rising in my cheeks, he was giving me a confused look when I hadn't said anything. "Hi Mr. Williams, I'm Tiffany Maxwell." I said. He waited for me to put my hand out but I didn't respond so he smiled instead. "Ah you're the woman my Anna was talking about all the way home. I actually had to come back to drop off the check for this month's lessons but I'm glad I got the opportunity to meet you now. I'm also pleased you have someone to help you Ms. Vanski and it's a pleasure to meet you Tiffany." He said giving another smile. I saw his eyes move rapidly up and down the length of my body before he turned to walk down the hall.

"Whoa…I do believe Mr. Andy Williams just checked you out." Lois said smirking as we walked out of the building. I didn't say anything but instead asked more about the girls I would be helping instruct. I wasn't really paying attention though, I thought how fucking weird it felt to be looked at like that and so directly, it had been some time. The way his eyes moved up and down me…it felt a little vulgar and rude yet I liked it. I swallowed at my thought process…maybe there would be a lot more in store this term at Hanlow Dance Academy, than I thought.

Pat's Point of View:

I traced my finger along the brim of the glass erasing the water droplets that had formed along its edge. I heard a car honk and looked up to see cars moving by slowly. A car at the end of the street hadn't responded in a timely manner when the light turned green so the douche behind him was going to let him know. I shook my head; I understand his impatience the heat wasn't helping people's humor. The sun shone down brightly making everything glow. I was glad it was august just because it was that much closer to autumn.

"Sir, would you like a refill?" I turned to see the waiter standing beside my table; a polite smile formed on his lips below his thick mustache. Beads of sweat were visible on his brow while the sun blazed above his balding head. "You should put some sunscreen on that" I said pointing to his scalp, "You'll be screaming murder when it hits 3'oclock." I said bluntly. He nodded caught off guard, "Thanks for the tip sir." He said a little embarrassed as he filled my water glass before disappearing inside the restaurant. I looked at my watch, 1:15. She still wasn't here. 15 minutes late, I was beginning to feel impatient.

I looked up to see a woman coming down the street heading in the direction of where I sat. She was hazy from the heat rising off the pavement but I felt my stomach clench, her long dark hair flowing over a dark blue dress, her figure was sleek and sexy as she walked easily in what must've been 6-inch heels, her eyes were covered by dark sunglasses. I watched mesmerized, she was coming closer and I didn't even blink. The next moment someone was sitting down in front of my vision and my eyes became unfocused. "Hey Pat, sorry I'm late." I blinked. Nikki sat smiling in front of me with her glossy strawberry blonde hair and red lipstick.

I just sat there blankly staring at her and when I turned my head to the left of Nikki's head I saw that Tiffany had vanished. I knew it was Tiffany; there was only one woman that grasped my attention that way and held my bodies reaction so vividly. "Pat? Are you okay?" Nikki asked worriedly. I turned to look at her. "Sorry, yeah I'm here." I said rubbing my eyes, maybe I had imagined seeing Tiffany. She was absurd, gorgeous and treacherous and absolute perfection all in one. Jesus every time I saw her, in my dreams, across the street, in my imagination, she did something to me that I couldn't shake off.

"This is a nice place I love that you can sit outside." Tiffany said looking at the menu. I nodded, "it's hot." I said wiping the sweat off my forehead. She looked at me and I bit my lip back trying to read her thoughts. I hadn't read anyone emotions since Tiffany and I didn't care too, but in this case it was just going back. I used to read Nikki a long time ago when we were married, I had to try to figure out what was bothering her or what was on her mind because that's what you had to do in a marriage, make it work…try to solve the problems and communicate. I sat there staring at Nikki's solemn face thinking this is crazy.

Tiffany's Point of View:

I was so glad to reach the café at the end of the block I went inside without reluctance. I felt immediately better by the air-conditioned space. I peered anxiously around the cafe; don't lose your cool I chided myself. I saw him at last sitting at the corner booth. He looked up and seeing me began to raise his hand to wave me over. I nodded and pointed to the bathroom to let him know I would be joining in a minute. I went into the ladies room and saw a dark haired woman staring back in the bathrooms mirror she held an uncertain look in her eyes. I like him, that's why I'm doing this I reminded myself. I washed my hands and straightened the wrinkles in my dark blue dress. I put my sunglasses in my purse and headed out of the bathroom.

"Hey Andy" I said sitting down. "You look amazing. That color does something with your eyes." Andy said smiling at me while handing me the menu. "Thanks, it was a debate to wear a dress or shorts in this steamy weather." I said taking a sip of cold water the waitress had just set down in front of me. "Well just think fall is around the corner and before you know it, snow will be coming down." He said. "Time does fly… I love October it's my favorite time of year. You know your daughter is already ready for our Christmas event and its 3 and a half months away?!" I said a grin appearing on my face. Anna was precious, I had to admit she was definitely my favorite of all the girls Lois and I taught, it had been a solid month since I'd started, and I loved Anna's spunk and passion for dance, she reminded me of me in those aspects.

"She is always telling me something about dance or what she's doing in practices and I do hear your name mentioned more often than not." Andy said smirking, "She's quite taken with you, and I really am not surprised." Andy said as he caught my eyes. "Oh yeah?" I asked as a little flush appeared in my cheeks, I felt weirdly embarrassed by him telling me this. "You're beautiful, smart, funny, and talented and I have to admit…I'm quite taken with you too."

I walked home that afternoon with mixed emotions, but feeling very happy for the first time in a long time. I liked Andy a lot even though he was the type I never would have imagined myself being attracted too, his tacky lines and quirky sense of humor, and not to mention his business like demeanor and style, I never saw him without a tie or wearing a suit and vest. Not that that was a big issue. He was the owner of a brokerage company after all and was usually traveling on business, so his attire probably became a daily requirement.

I knew Anna loved her dad enormously but I'm sure there was a void in their relationship because of his constant travels. I wasn't ready to become attached to anyone yet but there was plenty of time so I was ready to take things bit by bit. Yet the first thing to pop in my head when I got home and opened my door was Pat.

Pat's Point of View:

It had been a month and a half since that hot hazy august day where I'd been delusional about seeing Tiffany. Nikki and I had been seeing each other regularly. I was becoming oddly comfortable in her company and we would take long walks together in the evenings, it was now almost October and the leaves were transitioning from summer green to the gold's and reds of autumn. Time was moving rapidly.

It was just a regular Wednesday morning when I decided to grab a hot coffee before heading to work. As I stood in the long line of coffee alcoholics waiting to place my order, I thought of the verdict I would be giving my boss on whether I'd take the position of traveling to Delaware for an important 3 month study that would be held there. The positions were open for selected school teaches from around several selected states that held high standard and rankings. The selected professors would be meeting to learn as well as teach from a different perspective and technique. Upper Darby, PA had been one of the selected states and the high school I taught at had been the highest ranking for the district. I had originally said no, there was no way in hell I was leaving my current position and students. Yet lately I've had an itch, a desire for change. I need a break, to get out of Darby for some time, and it would be a good thing.

"Pat?" said a voice that made my whole body react. I turned to see Tiffany standing to my left staring directly at me. She held a coffee in her hand, "Tiffany, hi!" I said in my cheerful isn't it just fucking great to see you tone. I felt a little shocked, it had been so long since I'd seen her. "Wha— "What—…" we both spoke at the same time. Tiffany nervously laughed and then gave me a small smile. I smiled back, but genuinely this time unlike my false "hi" I'd just given her.

"Long time…" I said as I moved forward in line. "Yeah, yeah it has been you're right. How've you been?" she asked following me to the front counter. "What would you like sir?" said a young girl behind the counter. "Tall Expresso, thanks." I said putting down a $10 and not even looking at the girl.

Tiffany's Point of View:

I couldn't believe I was standing next to Pat Solitano. I hadn't seen him in what felt like ages yet here he was. I was trying to suppress a smile while Pat put down the $10 for the coffee the girl was blushing furiously staring straight at him. I turned to look at him myself, he was wearing a black long collared shirt the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and the top buttons undone to show his tan chest, he was wearing beige dress pants and a leather belt. He looked fucking hot and there was no denying it. I understood why this girl found him so infatuating.

I hadn't noticed that Pat was looking at me now while I was still busy staring off into space. "Tiffany?" he asked his eyebrow raised. I turned. "Ye—yeah…Hey you look good, you going to the Oscars tonight?" I said teasingly while narrowing my eyes and reaching over to playfully punch his arm. I tried not to notice but an unbelievable sexy half smile appeared on his face. "TALL EXPRESSO FOR PAT!" the flirtatious air that had built between us within seconds, strong and heavy was just as rapidly relinquished when a loud woman in the back announced Pat's drink was up.

He walked over picking it up and I followed. "Walk out with me." He said coolly. I said nothing but walked in front of him to head out the door, I glanced back only to see the young girl behind the counter jealously watching Pat follow me out.

I knew it was wrong since he wasn't mine, but I felt damn good walking out knowing half the women in that coffee joint were envious of this tall sexy man they presumed to be my boyfriend.

We stood there on the street and Pat took a sip of his coffee "Oww! Jesus Christ that's fucking hot! What the hell were they thinking?! Let's boil his nuts off?!" Pat said his face skewed into an expression of pain. I couldn't suppress the giggle in my throat that erupted as laughter. I just stared at him my eyes watering as I continued to laugh at what he'd just said and how he'd said it with his eyes all squinty and face wrinkled like a prune. He couldn't help but began to join in my laughter. I finally stopped and I hadn't realized I'd rested my hand on his arm to anchor myself from my momentary stomachache.

He just stared at me a smile on his face and I chuckled as I said, "That was priceless…" he frowned. "Yeah, well so is my tongue." Pat said looking into the coffee shop window with a look of irritation. "Oh stop, you're being a big baby it's just a little burn." I said slapping him on the back and casually walking away. He turned and followed. "Yes Tiffany I'm the big baby when you're the one that got…" he stopped suddenly and continued walking. "Got what?" I said curiously.

"Nothing, it's from the past." Pat's mood had suddenly changed, a defensive cold air like he'd just put up a wall against me. "So? Go ahead and fill me in…what was I a big crybaby about? It was probably a hell of a lot worse than a coffee burn." I said rolling my eyes…the memory of his face came back to me and I started smiling again. He stopped and turned to look at me. I felt his eyes discerning my emotions. He then walked up to me and I felt my foot lose balance when I tried to step back from his fast advance. He caught me with his arm and I didn't resist his hold. "Yeah…I believe it was a dead mouse by your toilet, I woke up to you screaming bloody murder and you had turned to run towards me when you twisted your ankle. And yes Tiffany Maxwell…you cried." An wicked smirk materialized on his lips and his eyebrow rose as if to say Ha.

I was taken aback at this and shuddered thinking of a dead mouse in my bathroom. I hated mice especially one near me, dead or not. I had to defend my dignity somewhat … "Well Pat Solitano…I probably fucking cried because I sprained my ankle." Pat began to laugh and I felt my temper rising. "What's so funny about that?" I asked crossing my arms after pulling away from him. "No nothing at all except when I took you to the E.R. the doctor said it was just a minor sprain." He said and turned to walk ahead. I caught up after feeling immediate defeat, there was no way around that. I was surprised I'd given in so easily and especially in front of a guy…then I remembered this Pat wasn't just any guy especially at that time in my life…he was the guy I trusted my life with. A horrifying feeling overcame me as I ran to catch up to him, he must know every single thing about me, I could already sense he knew the real me, the one buried beneath all the outside layers I exposed, but he knew the deep ones, the ones I never showed anyone, let alone anyone understanding them.

I felt queasy all of the sudden and stopped. Pat turned and seeing my face immediately walked over to me a worried expression evident on his face. "You alright?" He rested his hand on my shoulder concerned. "You look like you're about to pass out whitey," he said setting down his coffee on a nearby bench. He led me to it and we sat down. I leaned back and closed my eyes. "Thanks." I muttered still feeling the wave of nausea.

"If it helps, there were only a few tears." He said in a sincere tone. I opened my eyes and turned to look at him. He put his hand out gently wiping a stray strand of hair from my eyes. His warm touch sent chills up and down my spine as his fingertips grazed the tender spot behind my ear, tucking the hair safely in place. My eyes locked with his. "I wiped the rest away." He said and then gave a slight smile. I had no words in response; I was electrified by his sudden touch and what words he'd just spoken. It wasn't a cheesy one liner coming from Pat because I knew what he'd told me was uttered in truth, he knew me. And I didn't know him. The protectiveness I could sense in his tone was real, as was this odd feeling I had with him so near me.

I still hadn't said anything. Pat glanced at his watch. "Shit, I got to run my class starts in 10 minutes I'll see you Tiffany." He said and before I could respond he'd grabbed his coffee picked up his briefcase that I hadn't even noticed he'd been carrying, and was off down the street. Gone. I didn't even get to tell him that I'd had a faint remembrance of him carrying me but I never understood why or where. Now I remember clearer than ever of him carrying me in his arms as he walked into the E.R. Pat…I do remember that. I whispered.

END NOTES: Welllll I hope you liked this chapter! I know a lot was going on and surprisingly I didn't really leave it on a cliffhanger as I usually do….( SAD DAY) but I thought I'd give you guys a break from that! The next chapter is my favorite and I'm still polishing and adding to it …so be prepared! PLEASE REVIEW and give me your thoughts, feelings , feedback about the chapter— Thanks guys!