- 7 minutes ago
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00:00My longtime crush, Grant Holloway, told me to flirt with his biggest rival.
00:04I grabbed a sports drink and walked straight toward Ryder Knox.
00:08Grant thought it was funny until Ryder crushed his team.
00:25Earlier that night, Sienna stood in our dorm, wearing the Spirit Team uniform I used to wear.
00:31She'd sent me backstage for being plus size.
00:35Tessa, aren't you getting ready? Grant didn't tell you. The Falcons have a charity scrimmage tonight.
00:39Everyone looked at me. Grant was Briarwood's star quarterback, my childhood best friend, and the guy everyone knew I loved.
00:47Why would he tell me? Aren't you too close? I thought he'd invite you.
00:51We grew up next door to each other.
00:53When I confessed in high school, Grant gave me just enough hope to keep waiting.
00:57I don't date in high school, Tess. Wait until college.
01:01So I waited, but getting into Briarwood together changed nothing.
01:05He was still surrounded by beautiful girls, and I was still just his chubby friend.
01:10Sienna raised the sideline pass Grant had given out.
01:13Come with me. I don't want to watch alone.
01:16I should have said no, but I still wanted to go, even if I could only watch from the sidelines.
01:22At Creston Stadium, one of his teammates noticed me first.
01:25Holloway, your biggest fan is here again.
01:27Grant frowned when he saw me.
01:29Why are you here?
01:30Before I could answer, Sienna moved closer to him.
01:33I brought her. You only invited me, and I didn't want to sit alone.
01:36Grant had invited her. She only brought me as backup, and I still came running.
01:42As soon as the game kicked off, Sienna started screaming Grant's name beside me.
01:47Go, Grant!
01:49See? He keeps looking over here. I hope I'm not distracting him.
01:53I almost laughed. Grant had a much bigger problem.
01:56Redmond's offense was faster, and Ryder's passes kept tearing through my defense.
02:03By halftime, the Falcons were losing badly.
02:09Sienna stood front and center as the crowd cheered for my halftime routine.
02:21Then brought Grant a sports drink. He glanced at me before accepting it.
02:26Number seven is killing us. That's Ryder Knox, right?
02:28He's single.
02:29We should send one of our hot girls over.
02:30Why waste a hot girl?
02:32Send Tessa.
02:33Maybe Ryder's into big girls?
02:35Another player laughed and shoved him.
02:37Doesn't she want Grant?
02:38Even better.
02:39She can hook up with Ryder and think about Grant.
02:41Maybe he'll be too tired to play.
02:42They laughed and looked me up and down.
02:45Grant knew my size had already cost me my place on the Spirit team, but he still said nothing.
02:50What do you think, Grant? Should Tessa go for it?
02:52Grant barely looked at me.
02:54Sure. Sounds good.
02:56His answer killed every excuse I'd ever made for him.
02:59Fine. I'll try. Ryder's the hottest player out there anyway.
03:03Grant's expression tightened.
03:04Before I could change my mind, I grabbed a sports drink and crossed the field.
03:09Ryder was sitting on the bench, laughing with his teammates.
03:12I tapped his shoulder with the bottle.
03:15Hey.
03:16Want a drink?
03:17Ryder turned, and every player beside him stared at me.
03:22With every Redmont player staring at me, my face burned.
03:26Up close, Ryder was even hotter.
03:28Here we go.
03:29Another rejection.
03:31After the jokes about my body, I expected Ryder to hesitate.
03:34However, he smiled and took the bottle.
03:36Our fingers brushed, and I pulled away.
03:39Thanks, Tessa.
03:41You're welcome.
03:42I hadn't told him my name.
03:43I turned to leave, but Ryder called after me.
03:46You brought me a drink, and now you're going back to cheer for Holloway?
03:49Before I could answer, the whistle ended halftime, and he ran onto the field.
03:54Devin waved me toward an open spot on the bench.
03:56Sit down. I'm Devin.
03:58You're the first girl who ever brought Ryder a drink?
04:00And got him to take it.
04:01At least Grant hadn't gotten to watch Ryder reject me, too.
04:04Does Ryder ever get tired?
04:06He had taken every offensive snap.
04:08Ryder?
04:09He could play all four quarters, and still run stadium steps afterwards.
04:13I laughed, finally starting to relax.
04:15When Redmont's offense came off the field, Ryder headed straight toward us.
04:19Devin, you're in on the next series.
04:21Oh, come on. I'm tired.
04:23You had enough energy to talk nonstop.
04:25Go warm up.
04:25Devin groaned and left.
04:27Ryder sat beside me.
04:28What were you two laughing about?
04:29I hadn't realized he'd noticed us from the field.
04:32You have great eyesight.
04:34Of course.
04:35How else would I throw so accurately?
04:36The game ended exactly as expected.
04:39Ryder led Redmont to an easy win, and Grant looked ready to explode during the handshake.
04:49Coming back?
04:50We're staying on Redmont's bench all night.
04:52He acted like the loss was my fault.
04:54My friends are over there.
04:55I should go.
04:56As soon as I returned, Sienna rushed over.
04:58Did you already know Ryder?
04:59We just met.
05:00She made sure the Falcons heard her next comment.
05:02Tessa always gets so much attention from guys.
05:04I could never compete.
05:06The Falcons laughed at the idea of Ryder wanting me.
05:09Grant ignored them and suggested getting food.
05:11We're going to Juniper House.
05:13You can walk back alone, right?
05:14Sure.
05:16You're coming too.
05:17Sienna's smile disappeared.
05:19A week ago, his order would've thrilled me.
05:21Now I couldn't watch him flirt with her all night.
05:24No.
05:25I'm tired.
05:26Haven't you wanted to try Juniper House forever?
05:27I'd sent him the restaurant months ago, but he was always too busy for me.
05:32That was months ago.
05:33I don't care anymore.
05:35Back in my dorm, I showered and opened social media.
05:38Grant had posted a video five minutes earlier with his arm around Sienna.
05:42Still ended the night with the right girl.
05:44Seeing Grant with other girls had hurt for years.
05:47This time, I felt relieved.
05:49He had finally stopped keeping me waiting.
05:51Then Sienna returned with two bags from Juniper House.
05:54Girls, come eat.
05:56Grant paid for everything.
05:57My roommates rushed over.
05:59Grant really treats you differently.
06:00I saw his post.
06:01Are you too official now?
06:04Sienna grinned at the question.
06:06So I guess we're official.
06:09She came to my bed with a takeout box.
06:11Want some?
06:13No thanks.
06:14I'm not hungry.
06:15Too bad.
06:16Grant ordered it for you.
06:18My phone buzzed with his text.
06:20I had Sienna bring you food.
06:21Did you eat?
06:22Grant always hurt me, then did just enough to keep me close.
06:25After rejecting me in high school, he brought my favorite breakfast the next morning.
06:29He gave another girl flowers at a dance showcase, then drove me home.
06:33He ditched our graduation road trip to go to Miami with a girl I hated most.
06:38Before move-in day, he loaded my boxes and promised my parents he'd look out for me at Briarwood.
06:42I used to think it meant I mattered.
06:45Now I knew he just liked knowing I'd always be there.
06:48I wasn't letting him pull me back in again.
06:50The next afternoon, I got to the Linden Arts Center for Bright Steps cheer rehearsal.
06:55The text appeared.
06:56Grant and I are on a date.
06:58Sign me in too, and send the blocking notes.
07:00Out of habit, I answered before I could think.
07:03Fine.
07:04I regretted it the second I hit send.
07:06A male voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
07:08Hey Tessa.
07:09I looked up.
07:10Ryder was standing beside me.
07:12Didn't expect to see you here.
07:13Mind if I sit?
07:14I nodded, and he took the empty seat.
07:16Thanks again for the drink.
07:18My heart jumped, Ryder.
07:20Can I get your number?
07:21Before I could answer, Grant and Sienna appeared in the doorway staring at us in shock.
07:28Grant and Sienna were looking through the glass door.
07:31A moment later, they kept walking.
07:33I relaxed and turned back to Ryder's phone.
07:35Why do you need my number?
07:36Ryder pointed to the pairing sheet on the wall.
07:39Because we're partners for Bright Steps.
07:41Everyone else had chosen a slim dancer from the performance line.
07:44Ryder had chosen the choreographer Sienna, kept hidden backstage.
07:48You chose me?
07:49You created that halftime routine.
07:51I want to work with the person who actually wrote it.
07:53Before I could ask how he knew, the director called me up to demonstrate.
07:57Every head turned.
07:58After Sienna cut me from the spirit team for being too big, I couldn't face another comparison.
08:04I'll go with her.
08:04He stepped up beside me.
08:06After rehearsal, I slipped outside and broke down.
08:09Ryder followed with a packet of tissues.
08:11You were great up there.
08:12After rehearsal, I washed my face.
08:15Ryder waited outside.
08:17Why are you still here?
08:18I was waiting for you.
08:19He offered to walk me back to Hawthorne Hall.
08:21As we passed the loading ramp, a stagehand lost control of an equipment cart.
08:26Ryder pulled me against him.
08:28The cart missed me, but clipped his forearm.
08:30Are you okay?
08:31Should we call the athletic trainer?
08:32It's a scrape, Tess.
08:34The trainers would laugh me out of the building.
08:35The campus market was still open.
08:37Sit here.
08:37I'll be right back.
08:38Ryder was exactly where I'd left him.
08:41I thought you ditched me.
08:42You're still joking?
08:44I handed him the ice pack.
08:45Put this on before your arm swells.
08:47You have another game soon.
08:48You're more worried about my arm than I am.
08:50The Ravens need their quarterback.
08:52I grabbed you a hot chocolate, too.
08:53I wasn't sure what you liked, so I got us the same thing.
08:56I sat beside him and took a sip.
08:58When I glanced over, he was watching me.
09:00Has anyone ever told you you're cute?
09:02Heat rushed to my face, and I quickly looked down at my cup.
09:06Bringing me that drink yesterday made my night.
09:09Come cheer for me at the rivalry game.
09:11Against Briarwood?
09:11Saturday.
09:12I'll send you the schedule.
09:13After we finished our drinks, Ryder walked me back to Hawthorne Hall.
09:17Once I got upstairs, I blocked Grant.
09:19A few minutes later, Ryder texted me the schedule for Saturday's game.
09:23Was he flirting with me?
09:24We'd only known each other for a few days.
09:26Maybe he was just nice.
09:28The next night, another message appeared.
09:30Game?
09:31Shouldn't you be practicing?
09:32Rest night.
09:33Besides, Briarwood isn't hard to beat.
09:35You're so full of yourself.
09:36Are you joining or not?
09:37Cess the invite.
09:39He carried me through two matches.
09:41As the second ended, Sienna entered and pulled off my headset.
09:45Did you block Grant just because he chose me?
09:47I know you've loved him forever, but you don't have to be so dramatic.
09:50I glanced at the time.
09:52You're back early.
09:53Did Grant have another date after yours?
09:55Before Sienna could answer, Ryder's voice came through my laptop.
09:59Tess, is everything okay?
10:00Her eyes narrowed.
10:01Now I get it.
10:02You dropped Grant because you found someone else.
10:04Does Ryder know the Falcons sent you over as a joke?
10:07Because they thought watching a plus-size girl get rejected would be funny?
10:10Or that you agreed to distract him?
10:12Shut up, Sienna.
10:14Sienna folded her arms.
10:15Am I wrong?
10:16I opened a social app video a Briarwood girl had posted.
10:20Grant was singing with her, his arm around her waist.
10:22Maybe worry about yourself.
10:24It looks like he's already auditioning your replacement.
10:26She stormed onto the balcony and called Grant.
10:29Once the door slammed shut, I opened my messages.
10:32Ryder hadn't sent anything.
10:33He'd heard everything.
10:34I kept rewriting my explanation until his message appeared.
10:38You writing a novel over there?
10:40His teasing calmed me enough to hit send.
10:43I'm sorry.
10:43The Falcons dared me to bring you that drink because they wanted you distracted.
10:47I went because they were humiliating me.
10:49I never wanted you to go easy on them.
10:51I wanted you to crush them.
10:52Then I owe them a thank you.
10:53They gave me a chance to meet you.
10:55I stared at his answer for a full minute.
10:57I typed the question I had been afraid to ask.
10:59Ryder, do you actually like me?
11:01My thumb hovered over the button before I finally hit send.
11:04I regretted it immediately.
11:05What if I had mistaken kindness for interest?
11:08What if that one question ruined everything?
11:10My phone vibrated.
11:11It's Ryder.
11:12Hello?
11:13I wanted you to hear my answer.
11:14I gripped the phone.
11:15Yes, Tessa.
11:16I like you.
11:17By Saturday, Ryder's confession still had my heart racing.
11:21I carried a bag of sports drinks past the Falcons and Spirit team toward the Ravens tunnel.
11:27Look who's carrying drinks again.
11:28I guess that's one way to get near the field when you're not on the performance line.
11:31As if Grant would notice her anyway.
11:33Grant barely glanced at the bag in my hand.
11:35You didn't have to do all that.
11:37Sienna laughed as two players came toward me.
11:39If Grant doesn't want them, we'll take them.
11:41Don't let all that effort go to waste.
11:42I tightened my grip.
11:44I had never said the drinks were for them.
11:47Tessa.
11:47He came out of the Redmont tunnel, took the bag from me, and lightly caught my wrist.
11:52Then he looked straight at Grant.
11:54She's with me.
11:54I'll take her from here.
11:56Whispers followed us to the Ravens bench, where his teammates grinned.
12:00I figured you already had water, so I brought sports drinks for everyone else's.
12:03You carried all this here?
12:04I only asked you to cheer for me.
12:06I pulled out the largest bottle.
12:07Yours is special.
12:08It's bigger than everyone else's.
12:09Devin spit out his drink.
12:11The entire bench started laughing as Ryder's face turned red.
12:14I was talking about the bottle.
12:17Devin was still laughing when the announcer called the captains to midfield.
12:21Ryder grabbed his helmet and started toward the coin toss.
12:24Halfway there, he turned toward me.
12:26Watch closely, Tess.
12:28I'm about to destroy them.
12:29The Redmont section erupted.
12:31My heart jumped as Ryder grinned and ran onto the field.
12:34Ryder beat the blitz and found Devin for the opening touchdown.
12:37Grant tried to answer with a deep pass.
12:39Redmont intercepted it.
12:41The Falcons kept pressuring Ryder, but he never panicked.
12:44If the pocket collapsed, he found a short pass.
12:48If everyone was covered, he ran.
12:50By halftime, Ryder had thrown three touchdowns, and Redmont led by 17.
12:54Grant got more desperate after the break.
12:56Every time Ryder scored, Grant tried to force a bigger play.
13:00He held the ball too long, took two sacks, and threw another interception.
13:04Late in the fourth quarter, Grant ignored an open receiver and launched the ball into double coverage.
13:10A Redmont defender picked it off.
13:12The Briarwood coach ripped off his headset and pointed Grant toward the bench.
13:17Grant slammed down his helmet as Ryder led the Ravens back onto the field.
13:22Grant stayed on the bench while Ryder controlled the final minutes.
13:25Redmont ran down the clock, and Ryder took a knee on the last snap.
13:30The whistle blew.
13:31The Ravens had beaten Briarwood again.
13:33Redmont's side of the stadium exploded with cheers.
13:36Ryder found me beside the bench, before his teammates surrounded him.
13:40During the post-game handshake, he leaned close to Grant and said something I couldn't hear.
13:45Grant's face went red.
13:46He turned away and threw his water bottle against the bench.
13:50When Ryder came back to the sideline, I handed him the drink I had saved.
13:54What did you say to Grant?
13:56Ryder leaned closer, so only I could hear.
13:58I told him I listened to my girl and went easy on them.
14:01Otherwise, the score would have been a lot worse.
14:03I never told you to go easy.
14:04Then the other part caught up with me.
14:06Wait, I'm not your girlfriend.
14:08I know.
14:09Then why would you say that?
14:10Because they treated you like a joke.
14:12I wanted to piss them off.
14:13I tried not to smile.
14:14You're so immature.
14:16Maybe.
14:17But you still haven't told me how I played.
14:18You already know you were good.
14:19I want to hear you say it.
14:21Fine.
14:21You were incredible over his head.
14:23Ryder pulled the towel down and smiled at me.
14:25Devin noticed the towel over Ryder's head.
14:27Tessa, we're celebrating at Maple and Smoke.
14:29You're coming.
14:30Those drinks were clearly our secret weapon.
14:33Exactly.
14:33You're officially good luck.
14:35Come if you want.
14:35If you're tired, I'll walk you back instead.
14:37I'm starving.
14:38Let's go.
14:39And smoke was packed.
14:40So we took two tables on the patio.
14:42A group of falcons arrived while we were waiting for our food.
14:45Devin leaned back in his chair.
14:47Look who finally showed up.
14:48Our favorite losers.
14:49One of the falcons looked at me.
14:51Damn, Tessa.
14:52You moved fast.
14:53You already have nox wrapped around your finger?
14:54Ryder's smile disappeared.
14:56Watch your mouth.
14:57Or losing the game won't be the worst part of your night.
15:00The falcon looked away.
15:01Their group took the only open table beside ours.
15:04The owner arrived with a tray of brisket and a hot skillet of smoked mac and cheese.
15:09Sienna wrinkled her nose.
15:11Grant, I don't want this.
15:12It's greasy, cheap, and not worth the calories.
15:16The owner heard her, and his face fell.
15:18I used to stop eating when Sienna made comments like that.
15:21This time, I reached for the brisket.
15:23It smells amazing.
15:25Could we get another mac and cheese?
15:27Absolutely.
15:28Best one in Belhaven.
15:29Ryder smiled and refilled my lemonade.
15:31When I reached for the skillet, he quickly moved it away from my hand.
15:35Careful.
15:36It's hot.
15:36Across the patio, Grant was staring at us.
15:40Grant finally looked away when Sienna reached for his hand.
15:43He pulled free and waved the server over.
15:45We're eating here.
15:46I'm paying.
15:47Sienna scowled but stayed.
15:49As everyone started eating, Devin suddenly pointed at me.
15:53Wait.
15:53I knew you looked familiar.
15:55You're Ryder's Bright Steps partner.
15:58That's me.
15:59No wonder Ryder suddenly volunteered to-
16:01Ryder shoved a piece of cornbread into his mouth.
16:04Eat.
16:04Stop talking.
16:05He wiped his fingers, then slid a plate of peeled, grilled shrimp toward me.
16:09I stared at it.
16:10Relax.
16:11I wore gloves.
16:12Before I could answer, Grant walked over to our table.
16:15Tessa, I'm taking you back after dinner.
16:17What?
16:17I don't trust you alone with these guys.
16:19If your parents knew you were out this late with a bunch of guys, they'd be worried.
16:21Ryder slowly set down his drink.
16:24Grant's warning silenced both tables.
16:26Is he calling us creeps?
16:28Ryder looked toward Grant.
16:29What makes you think she wants a ride from you?
16:31I swallowed my food and stared at Grant.
16:34Are you serious?
16:35It's 8.30 and we're at a restaurant next to campus.
16:37What are my parents supposed to worry about?
16:39That eating barbecue after 8 will make me fat?
16:41Grant's face tightened, but he didn't answer.
16:44The Falcons rushed through their food and left.
16:46Sienna glared at me as she followed them out.
16:48When the Ravens finished eating, Devin suddenly checked his phone.
16:52I need shampoo.
16:53I'm going to the store across the street.
16:54I'm out of toothpaste and we need water.
16:56Their excuses were terrible, but they disappeared together anyway.
17:00That left Ryder and me walking back toward campus alone.
17:03I finally asked the question that had been bothering me.
17:06Ryder, why do you like me?
17:07Is it really because I brought you that drink?
17:10Ryder stopped walking.
17:11The first time I saw you was at a league promo rehearsal.
17:15Someone tried to push a plus-size freshman out of the formation and you called them out.
17:19When another dancer dropped out, you filled the open spot and nailed every move.
17:23Then I found out you had choreographed the whole thing.
17:25That was how he had known about my work before Bright Steps.
17:28After that, I started noticing you at Creston Stadium.
17:31Every time you showed up, I played harder.
17:32I was there to watch Grant.
17:34Yeah, I figured that out.
17:36Your taste was terrible.
17:37I laughed.
17:38Then you crossed the field by the turn red and gave me that drink.
17:40I knew I finally had a chance.
17:41His cheeks had turned red by the time he finished.
17:44Ryder, are you blushing?
17:45No, it's cold.
17:46Sure it is.
17:47He started walking again, but his ears only got redder.
17:51Ryder walked me to the entrance of Hawthorne Hall.
17:54I was still smiling when I reached my floor.
17:57Then my phone rang.
17:58Sienna's name was on the screen, but Grant spoke when I answered.
18:02Come downstairs.
18:04I'm busy.
18:05If you don't come down, I'll stand outside and yell your name until you do.
18:08I hung up, but I knew he would actually do it.
18:11When I stepped outside, Grant grabbed my wrist and pulled me away from the entrance.
18:16Let go of me.
18:17He kept walking until we reached the side of the building, then finally released me.
18:22Are you with Ryder now?
18:23That's none of your business.
18:24You blocked me, then started showing him off everywhere.
18:27You're doing this to make me jealous.
18:29I laughed in disbelief.
18:30Not everyone plays games the way you do.
18:33Grant's voice suddenly softened.
18:35Fine.
18:36You made your point.
18:37He stepped closer.
18:38Let's be together.
18:40What did you just say?
18:41I said we should be together.
18:42What about Sienna?
18:43His expression turned impatient.
18:45What about her?
18:46You called her the right girl in front of the entire campus.
18:49That video was from a stupid dare after the game.
18:51It didn't mean anything.
18:52He dismissed Sienna with one sentence, just as easily as he had spent years dismissing
18:57me.
18:57This is what you've wanted since high school.
18:59I'm finally giving it to you.
19:00He sounded like dating me was a favor.
19:02But I don't want it anymore.
19:04His confidence finally cracked.
19:06You don't mean that.
19:07I do.
19:07I don't like you anymore.
19:09Is this because of Ryder?
19:10You've known him for a few days.
19:11You don't even know what kind of guy he is.
19:13He waited for me to take it back.
19:15I didn't.
19:16Time isn't the problem.
19:17I've known you for years, and I only just saw you clearly.
19:20Grant went still.
19:21I liked you in high school because you stood up to guys who were humiliating a girl during
19:25gym.
19:25I thought that meant you respected women.
19:27I met his eyes.
19:28But when the Falcons made jokes about my body, you stayed silent.
19:31Even as my friend, you should have stopped them.
19:33A guy who lets his friends humiliate women isn't someone I can love.
19:36I left Grant beside the dorm.
19:38Before I went inside, I looked back.
19:40He was still standing where I had left him.
19:42For the first time, walking away from him felt easy.
19:45Ryder had sent three messages.
19:48Made it home.
19:48You okay?
19:49Did you disappear on the stairs?
19:51I smiled and opened a restaurant page I had saved.
19:54Ryder, this place looks amazing.
19:56I sent him the link.
19:57Then we're going Saturday.
19:59A second message appeared immediately.
20:01Just us.
20:02Deal.
20:03Saturday afternoon, Ryder was waiting outside Hawthorne Hall with a small bouquet of the
20:08flowers I had once mentioned liking.
20:10You remembered?
20:11I remember things about you.
20:13Before I could answer, Sienna walked out of the lobby.
20:16Enjoy it while it lasts.
20:17Guys like Ryder love something new.
20:19I took the flowers and walked past her with Ryder.
20:22Halfway through dinner, Grant and Sienna entered the restaurant.
20:25Grant spotted us and came straight to our table.
20:28So this is why you picked a public place?
20:30You wanted me to see this?
20:32I picked it because I wanted to eat here.
20:34Stop interrupting my date.
20:36Ryder didn't argue with him.
20:38He refilled my drink and opened the menu.
20:40Do you still want dessert?
20:41Grant pulled out the empty chair beside me.
20:44Sorry sir, this reservation is for two.
20:46Grant froze while Ryder calmly handed the chair back to the server.
20:50Before we left, Ryder opened the photo we'd taken with my flowers.
20:54Is it okay if I post this?
20:55Yeah, go ahead.
20:56A moment later, his post appeared.
20:58Across the restaurant, Grant looked down at his phone, then back at me.
21:02I was already walking out with Ryder.
21:05At the next Bright Steps rehearsal, Sienna and Grant missed the same transition three times.
21:10They had skipped too many rehearsals to follow the blocking, but Sienna pointed at my notes.
21:15These directions make no sense.
21:17If Tessa wrote them, she should show us.
21:19She wanted everyone watching while the plus-size girl she had pushed backstage tried to dance beside her.
21:24My stomach tightened, but I walked to center.
21:27Fine, start the music.
21:28Ryder stepped into position beside me.
21:30Ready when you are.
21:31One, two, three.
21:33We ran the entire partner section.
21:35I called the counts, Ryder followed my cues, and every formation landed where I had designed it.
21:41By the final beat, the room had gone quiet.
21:44That's the strongest pairing we've had.
21:45Tessa and Ryder will be featured partners.
21:47What?
21:48Tessa will also take the center section.
21:49That's my part!
21:50It belongs to the people who actually come to rehearsal.
21:53Sienna started explaining, but the director sent her and Grant to the back line the music began again.
21:58Grant stood behind us while Ryder held out his hand.
22:01This time, I took my place in the center without hesitating.
22:06Before the Bright Steps promo shoot, the director added a short lift to our partner section.
22:11Sienna looked at me, then at Ryder.
22:13Is that safe?
22:14Ryder could hurt his back.
22:15I can do it instead.
22:16Everyone knew what she meant.
22:18For one second, I wanted to cut the lift and end the conversation.
22:22Then I checked our starting marks.
22:23We're too far apart.
22:25Ryder, step in on five.
22:26I'll push off on six.
22:28Your count.
22:28We tried again.
22:29The first lift was brief but clean.
22:31I adjusted his hand position and shortened my approach.
22:34The next two were steadier.
22:36One more.
22:37Hold it at the top.
22:38We did, and the camera flashed.
22:40Sienna grabbed Grant's arm.
22:42We can do that too.
22:43They rushed the entrance without practicing the timing.
22:46Grant stepped late, and they stumbled before Sienna even left the floor.
22:50The director kept my version.
22:52After the shoot, the photographer turned the monitor toward us.
22:55The selected cover showed Ryder and me at the top of the lift, centered beneath the Bright
22:59Steps logo.
23:00In the full cast layout, Sienna stood near the edge.
23:04During the Bright Steps campus interview, the reporter asked who had created the performance.
23:09Sienna smiled at the camera.
23:11The Spirit team developed it together.
23:12Tessa mostly records the choreography backstage.
23:14For years, I would have let her say it.
23:17This time, I stepped closer to the microphone.
23:19No.
23:20I edited the music, designed the formations, and taught the full routine.
23:24That's not what happened.
23:25It is.
23:26Tessa teaches us every count at rehearsal.
23:29Then the plus-size freshman Sienna had tried to exclude spoke up.
23:32Tessa also changed the spacing so dancers with different body types could perform safely.
23:37I'm in the show because she made room for me.
23:39The camera was still recording.
23:41The director moved me into the center of the group.
23:43This is Tessa Monroe, Bright Steps student choreographer.
23:46The interview went online that afternoon.
23:48For the first time, posts about Briarwood's popular halftime routine included my name.
23:54By evening, people had started asking Sienna why the real choreographer had never been credited.
24:00She had introduced me as the girl who took notes backstage.
24:03Now everyone knew whose work she had been taking credit for.
24:08On the night of the Bright Steps show, Sienna watched me adjust my performance costume.
24:13The cameras catch every angle, just so you know.
24:15The fitted costume showed the body she had spent years telling me to hide.
24:19My hands shook, but I didn't reach for the loose black clothes hanging in my bag.
24:24When the music started, I led dancers of different sizes into the opening formation.
24:28Every count landed.
24:29Then Ryder joined me for the partner section.
24:31At the lift, I set my feet on the marks I had chosen.
24:34Five, six, seven, eight, four.
24:35Ryder followed my timing.
24:37And we rose into the position together.
24:39The applause hit before my feet touched the stage.
24:42On the final beat, Ryder released my hand and stepped aside.
24:46He left the center open for me.
24:48The screen behind us changed.
24:50Tessa Monroe Studert choreographeri bowed under my own name.
24:54While Sienna stood in the back line, near the aisle, Grant stared at the screen.
24:58He had known how many nights I spent creating these routines.
25:01But he had never once asked why someone else received the credit.
25:05I was still plus size.
25:06I had not changed my body to earn that stage.
25:09I had simply stopped letting them hide me.
25:12After the show, Ryder disappeared.
25:14He had been liking confession videos and asking what flowers I preferred.
25:18So I had a feeling he was planning something.
25:21Still, my heart raced when a stagehand led me back to the room where we had first rehearsed together.
25:26The lights came on.
25:27Ryder stood across the room holding flowers.
25:29Devin and the other ravens waited with the Bright Steps dancers and my roommates.
25:35Grant and Sienna stood at the edge of the group.
25:37Ryder walked toward me.
25:39The first time you crossed a field for me, everyone thought you were part of a joke.
25:42He stopped in front of me.
25:44But meeting you was the best thing that happened to me that night.
25:47You never needed to change.
25:48You just needed people who could see what was already there.
25:51He offered me the flowers.
25:52Tessa, will you be my girlfriend?
25:54Yes.
25:55The room erupted.
25:56Ryder smiled and pulled me close.
25:58Official picture!
25:58Grant and Sienna stayed near the edge.
26:01I stood beside Ryder in the center, surrounded by the dancers who knew my name and the people
26:06who had chosen to stay.
26:07This time, when the picture was taken, I didn't step out of the frame.