Arkady has dedicated his life to the world of ballet. He is known as the bad boy of the dance world, and is an ever rising star. Then he gets injured in what is at first thought to be a tragic accident but turns out to be so much worse. He's lost ballet, and his life feels unbalanced. A friendship with his no-nonsense physical therapist starts him on a new path. He has her friendship, a more honest relationship with his parents, his beloved dog Lou and, for the first time, maybe love in the form of an artist with a disability of his own. But the past isn't done with him yet.

Rise Again

“I don’t see why not. You like kids, you love dance: why not teach kids to dance?” Cade smiles.


“I’m going to be doing a lot of googling when I get back to my parents’ place. You’re a genius.” Arkady leans across the table and gives Cade a quick perk of a kiss on his lips.


“You’d have thought of it eventually,” Cade says, blushing.


“Maybe, maybe not. I’m glad you had the idea.” Arkady smiles, and they go back to eating and chatting. They finish their food and order another coffee, Arkady not ready to leave Cade’s company.


“I was wondering. I have a small show at my gallery next week. Would you like to come, as my date?” Cade asks.


“I’d love that. I’d love to see some of your art, and I want to see your gallery. It sounds amazing. And I wouldn’t say no to another date,” Arkady replies.


“One small catch.” Cade doesn’t look too grim, so Arkady isn’t too worried about the catch.


Chapter 31