James was about to wave a hand to cut him off when he stopped on his own. He forced a smile despite this somewhat heavy, if not awkward, topic. More than a topic. It was something that was going to hang between them now and color all their interaction going forward.

He stood up from his desk and, with only the slightest hesitance, laid a hand on Eli's shoulder. "You don't owe me or anyone else an explanation, son. You're juggling school, your academy, and a difficult job. Your grades aren't suffering here. I'm sure whatever measure they use at your dance school isn't slipping either. You're working hard."

Oh, but he had so many concerns. A strip club in a seedy part of town. Some of those workers didn't just stop their work on the stage. Eli has such a bright future, he'd hate to see that in jeopardy.

"Tell me you'll be careful and you can get on with your afternoon."