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

“Got anything stronger? I could use a drink,” Arkady admits. He doesn’t want to get drunk and miss out on being in his right mind around Cade, but he could use one stiff drink to steady his nerves. He’s willing to admit tonight has shaken him. Anything could have happened. He was alone with a man who wants him dead. If not for Prisha, he probably would be.


“ I have a bottle of whiskey. I’m no doctor, and it’s your choice, but are you sure you want to drink after hitting your head? “ Cade reaches out, brushing his fingers over the lump Arkady has from getting struck. His fingers have no trace of paint or charcoal on them for once. He must have cleaned them carefully for the show at the gallery.


“I don’t feel concussed, and I’ll only have one. I don’t plan on getting drunk tonight.”


Chapter 37