Gasping with surprise, Tracy did.
"We have determined that… the whole thing was a misunderstanding. We wanted to notify you that you are now free to go. Ah, 'off the hook,' as the young people say."
Tracy sighed, relieved.
"By the way, great dancing today."
Tracy nodded, still a little shaky, and made her way through the remainder of the crowd. She pushed through the studio's glass double doors and gulped a breath of fresh air, holding the door to steady herself.
A crowd of reporters stood in a circle on the other side of the street, and as two familiar blonde heads bobbed up and down, Tracy could guess who they were talking to.
Tired of the drama they caused and eager to get home, Tracy kept walking.
Closer to her house, she heard footsteps behind her.
Hands caught her by the elbows, and Link enveloped her in a hug. "You were amazing today, Trace," he crooned, smiling at her from over her shoulder, hugging her as they walked.
"So, what's happening with all of those record people?" Tracy asked.
Link straightened, grinning.
"Well, yours truly just got a record deal with the hottest new company in Baltimore… for both of us."
"What?" Tracy shrieked. "How did you know I could sing?"
"I didn't," Link smiled sheepishly. "But Corny did. Him being my boss 'n' all, I had to get his permission for the deal. Everything worked out great. But, uh, there is a sort of catch."
Tracy raised her eyebrows.
"The record company already thinks we'll be a success, and wants us to go on tour with the entire Corny Collins council this summer! It'll be a cross-country road trip! So, whaddya think?"
He looked so much like an excited little boy that Tracy had to laugh.
"What?" he asked, suddenly nervous.
"You're really happy about this, aren't you?" she inquired.
"Well, yeah," he replied, flustered.
"You're so cute," she giggled.
He snorted.
"So, are you coming to the party at my house tonight?"
"Of course," he smiled, the record deal briefly forgotten.
"It wouldn't be a party without you," Tracy told him, boosting his ego to smooth over the record situation. She nuzzled into his chest and sighed as she took in his scent. "That said, I could use the help of a hip young man such as yourself to decorate…"
Link smiled down at her, kissed the top of her head, and agreed.
"How can I say no to that face?"