The summer weather that geared up so perfectly has gone into overdrive. The heat is intense. The air-con at the Academy can’t fight it and throws in the towel. Classes are almost unbearable: sweat pours off us, clothes are soaking, even the floor gets too slippery to dance on. Patrick resorts to taking dance classes in the pool. He thinks the water will help with our placement. We don’t care, we’re just grateful. It’s cool, wet and a lot more fun. In between classes, every spare moment we get we spend at the pool. Kat’s floating on a lilo. She’s wearing a big floppy hat and massive sunnies that make her look like a movie star. ‘Christian’s getting us some drinks,’ I say. ‘Two of you are very chummy these days. Do I have cause for jealousy?’ ‘Possibly. We made a pact of brotherhood.’ It’s true. We’ve sworn off girls. No more break-ups. No more jumping when one of them snaps their fingers. ‘From now on we’re an island of man.’ Kat puts her hand to her heart.
