AHHHH so I'm back again with another upload...I'm hoping that this chapter is longer, it might not be but, I tired to make it long than normal...Okay so you all know that the competition is coming up and the video to your right, over there >>>> is the second dance that Cece and Jay do...I already posted the first dance a couple chapters back....& in the external link is the third dance....IDK how many chapters of the competition I'm writing up so yeah lol go check em out!

Sorry for any mistakes most of my chapters have yet to be edited yet =)

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The drive to Phoenix seemed to take a lot longer than Celeste thought it would. She sat in the passenger seat of Nate’s truck just staring out the window lost in her thoughts. When had her life become so cliche? The things that had happened were something that happened in real life those were all meant for the movies and books. Leaning her head against to window Celeste sighed. It was all so different now or would be different. 

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Nate asked as he reached over and grabbed Celeste’s hand. 

“Nothing, I’m just thinking.” Celeste said without looking over at him. 

“About what?” he asked 

“Your best friend likes your sister and my brother is seeing my best friend. This kind of stuff doesn’t happen in real life, it’s seriously something out of a lame chick flick or romance novel.” Celeste replied “It’s completely unrealistic - to me - anyway.”

“I know what you mean but, there really isn’t anything we can do about it.” Nate sighed.

He knew what she meant. Nate didn’t think that those kinds of things happened in real life. But, obviously they did and he would just have to live with that. 

“It’s all just too weird for me.” Celeste sighed “In less then a month my whole life as I knew it has been turned up-side-down.”

“You’re telling me,” Nate chuckled “I am right there with you on that one.”

“You know what? Let’s just not talk about how cliche life has gotten. I can’t afford to have my mind focused on anything other than the competition.” Celeste said trying to clear her mind. 

“You’re right,” Nate nodded “You just sit back, clear you mind and try to relax. We’ll be there soon and we’ll get you a massage to help you relax even more.”

“That sounds like a good idea to me.” Celeste nodded 

The rest of the drive was spent in silence. At first Celeste was surprised that Brooklyn was being so quiet, usually she was a little chatter box. When Celeste had turned to check on her and see what the little cutie was doing she found Brook passed out in her seat. Celeste thought it was the cutest thing ever and had to take a picture of it with her phone. Turning back in her seat Celeste stared down at her phone with a smile on her face. She was definitely going to print the picture out the first chance she got. 

“What are you smiling at?” Nate asked taking her hand again and placing a kiss on Celeste’s fingers. 

“This,” Celeste said holding her phone out so Nate could get a quick look at the picture she had taken. “She’s just so adorable I couldn’t resist.”

“Don’t you have enough pictures of her already?” Nate asked with a grin.

He wasn’t even sure just how many pictures Celeste had of Brooklyn. Nate had stopped counting after a while since it was no use to try and keep track. Anytime they were together and had Brooklyn with them Celeste was always taking pictures. She probably had more pictures of Brooklyn than he did. That was kind of bad on Nate’s part if you really thought about it. 

“I’ll never have enough pictures of that little cutie back there,” Celeste said while she shook her head. 

“I think you take more pictures of her then you do of me,” Nate pouted playfully

“Aw, did I hurts the daddy’s feelings?” Celeste cooed 

“Yes, yes you did.” Nate nodded “Now get over here.” he said lifting the center consol.

Celeste unbuckled her seat belt and scooted over to Nate. He wrapped his free arm around her and kissed her temple. Nate loved when Celeste in his arms, he always wanted her to be where she was right now. It felt right, natural.

“How much long till we get there?” Celeste asked leaning her head on his shoulder.

“We just reached the city limits, we’ll be at the hotel soon.” Nate replied 

“Why didn’t Jess come along?” Celeste asked 

She hadn’t thought much about Jess not being with them until now. Celeste had too many things on her mind at the time. 

“She staying with a friend for the weekend, something about a project.” Nate answered as they pulled up to the hotel where they were staying and the competition was being held at. 

“I wish she could’ve been here too.” Celeste sighed 

She and Jess had gotten really close over the last few weeks and Celeste would have loved for her to be there for the competition. Even though Jess was younger then Celeste, it didn’t matter to her. Jess was a great girl and Celeste felt lucky to have her as a friend and student. She was one of Celeste’s best dance students and knew that one day Jess would be great. 

“She wishes you luck this weekend. She wanted to come along as well but, she has too much to do for her project.” Nate said getting out of the truck and helping Celeste out after him. 

“What’s the project for?” Celeste asked as she opened the back door to get Brook out. 

It amazed Celeste that the child was still sleeping. Brooklyn had slept for most of the drive. Celeste cradled her in her arms as Nate took their bags out of the truck bed and handed them over to the bellmen. 

“Another art project, I swear the girl lives for that class. Well it comes in a close second to dancing, I don’t think she could live without that.” Nate said 

“She’s one of my best students.” Celeste admitted “I know she’ll be amazing.”

“Jess wants to be as good as you.” Nate said 

“I’m not that great,” Celeste mumbled following Nate into the hotel lobby. “You think everyone else is here yet?” 

“They should be getting here soon, we did leave before them.” Nate shrugged “You never know though, they could’ve passed us at some point.”

“Did you rent a room?” Celeste asked walking up to the front desk. 

“I was thinking of just doing that when I got here since it was last minute.” Nate answered 

“You and Brook could stay in the suite that Jay and I have.” Celeste offered

“If that’s what you want,” Nate said 

He would love to stay in the same suite as Celeste but, he also didn’t want to impose. He knew nothing would happen between the two of them if they stayed in the same room. Celeste just wasn’t one of those kinds of girls and the was no way that Nate would ever treat her like one. 

“It is, so come on.” Celeste said 

She checked in and got one key card, leaving the other for Jay when he finally got here. The bellmen followed them up to the room and set their bags inside. After giving the bellmen a tip Celeste led Nate to one of the rooms in the suite. Celeste placed Brooklyn on the king sized bed and wandered back out of the room with Nate following closely behind her. 

“This is a nice ass room,” Nate commented as he looked around. 

The bedroom that Celeste had placed his daughter was in was to the left, the empty room was to the right. Nate was standing in the middle of the living/dinning room, the kitchen off to the left of the front door; just before the bedroom. There were dark brown, plush leather couches and matching love seat, two side chairs with a coffee table in the middle. A rather large flat screen was mounted to the wall. Nate whistled lowly at the grandeur of the room. 

“Yeah, it is.” Celeste agreed walking over to him. “I’ll never understand why Billie always rents out rooms like these when we have competitions. I would be find in just a regular hotel room.”

“How about we go rest with Brooklyn for a little while, it was a long drive and you could use some rest before the first dance later this evening.” Nate said wrapping his arm around Celeste’s shoulders. 

“I also need to rest up for whatever the girls have planned before the competition starts.” Celeste sighed and let Nate lead her into the room.

Since Brooklyn was curled up in the middle of the bed Celeste slid behind her. Nate situated him self in the front of Brooklyn and took Celeste’s hand in his. Celeste smiled at Nate and closed her eyes letting sleep take her. 

Nate laid there lightly rubbing his thumb over Celeste’s hand as she slept. He had never before seen such a beautiful sight. Celeste laying there with her hair flowing out on to the pillows. Her face calm with her lips parted with the hint of a smile playing on them. What he would give to wake up to a sight such as this every morning. To open his eyes and see his two favorite girls curled up together in his bed. 

There was a slight commotion coming from the living room and Nate knew that it must be Jay. Releasing Celeste’s hand from his hold Nate crept quietly from the bed and out of the room. Shutting the door softly behind him he looked around for Jay and found him sprawled out on the couch. 

“You do know that there’s a room right behind you, right?” Nate asked with a smirk.

“It’s too far right now.” Jay grumbled “I barely made it to the room. I couldn’t sleep at all during the drive here with Hunter and Maddie bickering the whole way. I swear they act like a old married couple sometimes, it’s a wonder they never actually tried out the whole dating thing.”

“If they were to ever do that neither one of them would make it out of that relationship alive.” Nate chuckled 

“They barely make it out alive now and they’re just friends. So, yeah, I guess you’re right. Where’s Cece and that little darling you call a daughter?” Jay asked not bothering to open his eyes. 

“In the room sleeping. I hope you don’t mind but, Celeste offered for Brooklyn and I to stay and share your room.” Nate said

He hadn’t even thought of what Jay would think about he and Brooklyn staying with them.

“Eh, I don’t give a crap. As long as the two of you don’t keep me up all night doing the nasty I’m good.” Jay said seriously

“Celeste and I haven’t done anything like that.” Nate said with furrowed brows. 

“Seriously?!” Jay whisper yelled 

He had jerked him self up so fast that he nearly face planted on the coffee table in front of him. Jay knew that Celeste had been a virgin but, with a boyfriend like Nate Anderson he was sure that Celeste would’ve lost it by now. No, he didn’t think that she would be an easy lay for Nate, not at all. Jay knew Celeste better then that. But, come on! If Jay was in her shoes he would’ve had his wicked way with Nate a long time ago! Who cares if they had only made it official last Tuesday! There was chemistry between both of them and they were both hot as hell, what the heck were they waiting for?

“She’s not just an easy lay for me Jay,” Nate sighed 

“I know that but, I just thought that it would’ve happened by now.” Jay mumbled 

“It hasn’t and it is going to stay that way. I wont force her into something she is most definitely not ready for.” Nate said 

Nate may have had his fair share of girls but, never once did he ever force himself on one no matter how horny he was. He may not have always been the perfect gentleman but, his mom had raised him better then that. 

“Hm, I like you a lot more now.” Jay said “But, I still think that it should’ve happened already.” 

“Are you that eager to get your friend laid?” Nate questioned with a lopsided grin.

“Maybe I am,” Jay said 

“Celeste truly has a weird set of friends.” Nate chuckled 

Not even Maddie and Nina had hinted at the fact that they though Celeste should be getting laid. Nate knew that Hunter would never even entertain the thought of pushing Celeste to have sex. Jay was just on his own level and Nate found it rather amusing. 

“We’re your friends now too, so get used to it.” Jay shrugged “I’m gonna put my things in my room and you might want to go and wake Celeste up the girls will be here soon.”

“Hopefully they don’t tire her out too much before the competition.” Nate said heading back to the room.

“Nah, just some relaxation before we have to head down.” Jay said

“With Nina and Maddie you never know what kinds of things they had planned for ‘relaxation’.” Nate pointed out

“You’re learning quickly young grasshopper.” Jay smirked 

Jay leaned against the door frame of his room and watched Nate close the door behind him. In his opinion Nate was good for Celeste, he had brought her out of the box that she had put herself in when her parents passed. In a way Jay even felt that Celeste was good for Nate as well. Sure Nate had changed over the last two years, though Jay had only found out the reason behind that not too long ago - Brooklyn. Shaking his head trying to clear his mind, Jay walked into his room and closed the door. 

Nate walked in the room and saw Brooklyn sitting there staring down at Celeste. She was playing with strand of Celeste’s hair as she slept away. Smiling at the site Nate walked over to the bed and lifted Brooklyn into his arms.

“Time to wake up, Cece.” he whispered 

Brooklyn grinned and nodded.

“Time to wake up,” Nate whispered shaking Celeste lightly.

“Uh-uh, leave me alone.” Celeste grumbled sleepily swatting Nate’s hand away.

“Would you rather the terror twins come and wake you up when they get here?” Nate questioned.

“Lock the door and they’ll go away.” Celeste mumbled 

“No can do babe, you three have plans before competition start, remember?” he asked 

“Fine,” Celeste groaned “I’m up!”

Nate chuckled as Celeste stumbled out of bed still half sleeping. He still thought she looked beautiful even with bed head and a grouchy attitude. Nate never thought he would ever think that about a girl. Then again he never stayed with them long enough to spent the night. He said it before and he’d say it again: Celeste was not that kind of girl. 

Celeste stepped out of the en suite after washing her face and fixing her hair. Nate was sitting on the edge of the bed with Brooklyn sitting on his lap. Pulling her phone out of her back pocket - where she had left it before taking her nap - Celeste snapped a picture of the father-daughter-duo.

“Daddy,” Brooklyn said tugging on the sleeve of Nate’s shirt.

“What’s up, angel?” Nate asked tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. 

“Hungy, daddy, I wan eat.” Brooklyn answered

“Okay, as soon as Cece is finished we can go get some food.” Nate said 

“Okay, daddy.” Brooklyn grinned 

“Already finished,” Celeste said stepping more into the room. “Let’s get some food before I go with the girls.”

“Mommy Cece,” Brooklyn squealed wiggling out of Nate’s arms and running over to Celeste’s.

Celeste didn’t think she would ever get used to Brooklyn calling her that. In a way it made her a bit uncomfortable because she wasn’t Brooklyn’s real mother. She knew that Sam wasn’t really even mother material but, Celeste understood why Sam had gotten mad when Brooklyn had called her mommy instead of Sam. Though it was weird to have brook call her mommy, Celeste didn’t fault her for it. Brooklyn was just a child who didn’t know any better especially since her mother hadn’t been around at all. 

“Let’s go munchkin,” Celeste said picking Brooklyn and opening the room door. “Is daddy coming or is he going to sit there?”

“He’s coming,” Nate nodded with a grin.

“That’s what she said!” Hunter shouted from the living room.

“Hush it Hunt,” Celeste chuckled “There are children present.”

“That doesn’t mean she knows what I’m talking about.” Hunter grinned 

“So not the point Hunter,” Celeste sighed 

“Where are you going anyway? I thought you and the girls had plans.” Hunter asked 

“The three of us are going to get something for little Brook to eat before I go with the girls.” Celeste answered as she walked to the front door. “We’ll be back in a little bit or just have the girls meet me in the lobby in a hour.”

Nate placed a hand on the small of Celeste’s back and led his two girls to the elevator. They found a little store once the reached the lobby and went in to get a sandwich and some chips for Brooklyn along with a bottle of apple juice. Celeste wasn’t all that hungry since her nerves had set in. The trio wandered around the hotel grounds and found a bench nestled under the shade of a tree. Celeste set Brooklyn in between she and Nate before opening the sandwich and handing half of it to Brooklyn. 

“Are you excited about dancing tonight?” Nate asked reaching over to play with a strand of Celeste’s hair. 

“I’m more nervous then anything,” Celeste replied 

“Why? You and Jay will do great!” Nate stated 

“Yeah, but what if the judges don’t think so?” Celeste questioned looking into his eyes “Some of them can be really harsh and if Jay and I go up against Brianne and Josh again it’s almost a guarantee that they’ll win. They’re a favorite among the judges.”

“Do you dance to win?” Nate asked though he already knew the answer. Celeste shook her head. “Then why do you dance?”

“Because it’s what I love to do.” Celeste replied 

“Then it doesn’t matter if you win or lose this weekend. Dance because you love it, not for some winners title.” Nate said 

“I know but, it would be nice to win against them for once.” Celeste admitted with a sigh. “They win every single competition they’ve competed in.”

“Well you never know maybe this will be you time - you and Jay.” he said 

“I hope so,” Celeste said 

For the rest of the hour they sat in silence as Brooklyn finished her food. After discarding the trash they headed back into the lobby where Celeste spotted Maddie and Nina waiting for her. 

“Ready?” Maddie asked as the trio came up to her and her twin.

“Yup, so what’s on the agenda?” Celeste asked 

“Mani/pedi’s, maybe a hit the salon and a massage.” Maddie replied 

“Ooh, a massage sounds good even though I know I am going to need one once this competition is over.” Celeste grinned 

“Is this little one coming along?” Maddie asked reaching over to tickle Brooklyn’s stomach causing her to squeal with laughter. 

“If it’s okay with her daddy,” Celeste smiled looking up at Nate.

“That’s all up to you,” Nate shrugged 

“Well it is a girl thing and this little princess happens to be a girl.” Celeste said 

“Then she is all yours, call me if anything and I’ll come and take her off your hands.” Nate said kissing Brooks cheek before pressing a kiss to Celeste’s lips. 

“We’re going to have so much fun my little Brookie Cookie.” Celeste cooed 

“You think you got enough pet names for her yet?” Maddie joked 

“Never,” Celeste smiled shaking her head. 

Nate walked off with a smile, heading back to the room where he was sure to find the guys. No doubt they’d all be lounging in Jay and Cece’s room watching something on TV. 

“Our little Princess Brookie Cookie,” Nina said testing out the new nickname “It’s got a nice ring to it.”

“Yeah, it does,” Maddie agreed “Do you like you new name?”

“Yeah,” Brook grinned 

“I like it too,” Celeste smiled 

The four girl headed for the day spa thing that the hotel offered and started their early afternoon with Mani/pedis. Celeste smiled as she watched Brook get the same treatment that she and her friends were getting. Brooklyn sat there in awe as the girl worked on her little toes before starting on her little fingers. Celeste couldn’t help but think about all the times she had done this with her mother. She wished her parents could have met Brook and Nate. Celeste knew for a fact that they would’ve of loved them. Who know’s maybe Brook could’ve joined Celeste and her mom on one of their spa trips. 

“Are you having fun Princess Brookie Cookie?” Celeste asked

Brook nodded her head vigorously and gave Celeste a quick yes. When Celeste and the twins were finished with their mani/pedis they headed for the salon. Brooklyn’s nails were painted a princess pink, Nina had gone for blood red (not surprising), Maddie had done opal and Celeste settled for just a clear coat. She didn’t want the colors of her outfits for the competition to clash with her nails. 

“What will be doing for this little lady today?” the hair dresser asked looking at Brooklyn.

“Just a wash and style, don’t want her daddy freaking out if I bring her back with shorter or colored hair.” Celeste laughed 

She was sure that Nate would have fit if she ever did something like that with Brook. Not like she ever would that it. Nina and Maddie had already been settled into chairs having their hair washed. 

“What about you?” the hairdresser asked addressing Celeste. 

“I’m just getting a wash, cut and style.” Celeste replied 

“Okay, why don’t you ladies follow me.” she said leading Celeste and Brook toward the sinks to get a wash. 

With their hair washed Celeste and Brook were seat in the two empty seat next to Nina. Another hair dresser went to work on Brooklyn’s hair, adding some big curls to it. 

“Okay so how much are you wanting to cut?” the hair dresser asked Celeste “You’ve got very long hair.”

“About four inches should be good. My hair is down to my waist so yeah four inches is good.” Celeste decided “And maybe some layers.”

“Coming right up.” she said and got to work.

An hour later Celeste was walking out of the salon with a new hair cut. Nina and Maddie had gotten highlight and Brooklyn looked beyond adorable with her big curls. 

“I can’t believe you cut your hair.” Nina said 

“Neither can I,” Maddie nodded “I loved your hair.”

“I know but, I wanted something different. I’ve actually been thinking about cutting my hair for a while now.” Celeste shrugged 

“It does look really cute though,” Nina commented 

“It looks so cute that I’m thinking about taking my ass back in there and layering my hair as well.” Maddie giggled 

“What do you think Brook? Do you like my new hair cut?” Celeste asked 

“Yes,” Brooklyn whispered as she ran her fingers through Celeste’s hair. 

“So do I.” Celeste smiled 

Checking the time they all realized that they didn’t have enough time for the massages that they had wanted to get. There was only a little over an hour before Celeste and Jay had to be at the ball room to get ready for the competition. The girls rushed up to Celeste and Jay’s room to get ready. Celeste knew that Maddie and Nina would take up most of the time they had left but, all she needed to do is get a quick shower. 

The girls burst into the room scaring the crap out of the guys. Hunter had fallen of the stool that was situated at the kitchen bar knocking into Aaron on the way, sending them both to the floor. Nate had been lying on the couch and flipped right off hitting the coffee table on the way down. Celeste and the twin bust out laughing as the guys tried to right themselves. 

“Dude...you should’ve...seen your...faces!” Maddie gasped out between laughs. 

“Freaking...priceless.” Nina laughed 

“What happened?” Jay asked as he ran out of his room clutching a towel around his hips. 

“The girl burst into the room like the fu–damn hounds of hell were after them. Scared the sh–crap out of us.” Hunter grumbled helping Aaron off the ground. 

“So you mean to tell me that because they came in like the hounds of hell were chasing them it caused you all to end up on the floor?” Jay asked eyeing the guys up and down. “You’re all pussy’s.” he grumbled and walked back into his room.

“Okay then,” Celeste said setting Brooklyn on her feet. “I’m gonna jump in the shower real quick.”

With the Celeste walked to her room and gathered some comfortable clothing before getting in the shower. She still couldn’t believe that they really freaked out the guy as much as they had. Celeste definitely didn’t think that they would all end up on the floor! The scene that she had just witnessed was the thing she needed to really let go of all the nervousness that she had building up within her. Now she was more then ready to blow the judges away.