*Justin's name has been changed to Savion Pryce. (Thanks to @readbydesiree and @GGCerise for the suggestions and everyone else who gave me helpful choices)

Some of the New Yorkers Amila encountered would look at her oddly when she told them her favorite sushi place was in Houston, some would even laugh in her face but she didn't care; she shrugged it off and went back to honing the craft that sent her to the Empire State. She didn't waste time telling that about how immensely diverse her hometown was, that it was a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and dialects. It wasn't just spurs, longhorns, and big buckles; one of which she'd never actually seen in person. One could be immersed in a culture thousands of miles away from distant lands; lands she'd read about in books and planned to visit once she joined a company.

As she sat at the thick bamboo table with study chairs to match she was reminded of one of the countries on that list. Japan. It was one of the few countries she attached to her list from word of mouth and not by diving deep into a book. Mrs. Takagi would always tell her eloquent stories about her youth in the island country and growing up as the daughter of a fisherman who went off to Tokyo for school and fell in love with a young chef.

That young chef was no longer as sprightly as he was when he first brought his new wife to Texas but he was still in his favorite place doing one of the things he loved more than his wife and three children. Amila didn't fight the curve of her lips as she glanced over at the man who felt almost like family from all the time she spent at the restaurant that also carried his family name. The Takagi's felt like family, his wife and her mom also set up a ploy to match her up with their eldest son. It didn't go far but it did get her a prom date so she didn't frown at it; proms were always better when you went with friends anyway.

They were also at the funeral. Her eyes were blurry with tears and she was still a bit drowsy from the cocktail her doctor injected her with after suffering from a heartbeat too rapid and hyperventilation but she remembered them being there. She remembered the comforting hugs they bestowed her with and the gestures of kindness they treated her with. Even now, Mrs. Takagi cared for her like she was one of her daughters, insisting that she eat her fill and her money wasn't needed.

The table was covered with Amila's favorites; sushi, donburi, onigiri, and gyoza with the promise of kasutera for dessert. A promise that Amila's lunch compadre will probably not take part in. She was sure of it as she took a sip of gyokuro tea from the blue ceramic yunomi. He was still feasting on edamame drizzled with sesame sauce. There was no way he was going to eat a spongy cake rich with sugar, flour, and syrup. But she was, she was even going to get some mochi to go.

"I love them, Mila." Savion beamed at the box that could fit in the palm of his hand but he used both of his hands; holding the gift as if it was something to behold and not just silver ballet slipper cufflinks. "I'll wear them of course." He delicately closed the box and set it back in the gift bag. "I understand that you can't make it to the opening."

Amila set the cup down on the only free spot on the table with a slight tinge in her chest. The opening of a dance studio was a big deal and it was an even bigger deal if you had a friend that was a protege by every meaning of the word. Savion Pryce just wasn't a ballerino. He didn't need to go to Julliard like her, he already had a spot with Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and did a stint with Paris Opera Ballet until a severe sprain sidelined him.

"I would love to be there." She started, sitting properly at the end of the seat with her back erect and shoulders back. There was something about being in the company of another ballet dancer that caused her mind and body to go back to the homeostasis it remembered so fondly. "To see your dream become reality but it's just not...I'm not ready."

She wasn't ready to see the laminate floors, the wall of mirrors, and the barre. She didn't know what would happen. Would she weep like a newborn entering into the world or would she be reignited with a passion she walked away from? Either way, she wasn't ready to find out. Her mind wasn't ready nor was her heart.

"Like I said...I understand." He gave her a sincere smile and reached over for her hand which she gave willingly. "I'll always understand."

She nodded knowing that was absolutely the truth. Savion wasn't just anyone. He wasn't just Akeela's boyfriend. He was her friend before he decided her twin was the girl for him. He was the only person who practiced pointe more than her. They grew up together and being a boy in ballet made him stand out and since she was the best, they stood out together. As teens they spent hours together, she was his ride to the studio and he always helped her keep her form tight. She wouldn't be surprised if Deja's notion that she should cut him out of her life was a ploy to remove him from the slot of best friend.

"But..." She started, giving her hand a small squeeze before letting go. "My entire dream is for you to join me at the studio."

"No." She shook her head, her ponytail swaying from the motion. "I'm no teacher. I'm not even a student. I dropped out, remember."

He waved off her words. "You didn't need to be there anyway. You should've been on the stage. Any company would have you, if you actually stopped being so modest, give into your talent and audition."

"Don't over-exaggerate my skill, Sav." She looked down thankful for her dark brown complexion because she'd be blushing by now. She plucked her chopsticks from the table; the shrimp tempura roll was calling her name asking to be devoured. "My turnout still needed work."

"You always executed every move when the music came on." He insisted. "Without music, you get in your head...over-analyze but once the piano starts churning and the violins sing—you're pure perfection."

She slowly chewed, letting all the notes of the dish greet her tongue remembering the time music had the same effect on her. Maybe he was right, music was her talisman to ward off anxiety, worry, and doubt. Maybe that was what she needed to ease her mind for the intimate dance she was going to perform with Dominic. Music.

"I was good, not perfect." She corrected him once she swallowed. "Now, stop talking and eat something. This is a celebratory lunch so let's celebrate and forget the past."

He smiled with a nod. "That I can do." He reclaimed the chopsticks in his hand and asked. "What's next."

"I—" She shrugged, her chopsticks halting over the sushi roll. She hadn't planned anything after lunch but since she was no longer working at the coffee shop and Dominic wasn't back her schedule was completely open. "I'm pretty sure we'll be too full to do anything if you actually eat."

"I'll eat...everything but the cake if..." He smirked. "You go for a run with me."

A workout after eating. She sighed to herself but her thighs were getting slightly thicker than she was used to and it wasn't just from muscle. "Fine. A run but be gentle with me I have done six miles in a long time."

"Then we'll do three." He declared.

She nodded with a smile. "Three it is. Now, try this."

She extended the platter of deep-fried gyoza towards him. "Try these. They're shrimp and cabbage."

She watched his face light up and knew they'd be ordering another helping. 

Do you think Amila should take up Savion's offer to be a teacher at his studio? 

What do you think they're going to do for the rest of the day? 

Do you think she'll tell Dominic about her lunch date with Savion? How do you think he'll react if she does?

Do you think music is what she needs to have sex without thinking too much?