Chapter 10
Final week.
They don’t expect me to show up.
I do.
I’ve burned already.
The studio audience cheers anyway. Loud. Defiant.
Enrique takes my hand onstage. Public. Unafraid.
The final routine isn’t flashy.
It’s clean. Controlled. Honest.
No seduction.
No stumble.
Just dance.
The twist hits after.
Lena announces the winner.
It isn’t us.
And I’m ready for this to be over.
Like it never happened.
How do I wipe this from my memory.
Months later.
I’m back in my town.
Cooking for my phone again. Brownies. Muffins. A lasagna.
I’m back doing what I love.
No glitter. No stage.
Just me.
Views climb anyway.
Because this time—
I chose myself on camera.
And America finally saw it.
