by Kimi Flores
“Why was it last minute?” And why is she worried about it?
“One of the classes at the studio was cancelled because the instructor couldn’t make it this week, and I get the space whenever that happens.”
“Don’t you have any set classes?”
“Nope. Sometimes we get several spots in a row, but most of the time, I just take what I can get.” She shrugged, as if she’d given up her fight a long time ago.
“What about another studio?” Leaning my elbow on the window frame, I put my head in the palm of my hand and took a quick look at her.
“Are you kidding? This is the only one that’ll even let us put our feet in the door.” She looked hopeful still, but there was some underlying defeat as well.
“Why don’t you just rent a space somewhere?” I suggested.
With a smartass expression, she pointed out, “We’re not all made of money, Stefen. I do okay financially, but there’s no way I could pay for my own space. I don’t charge the kids. Their families deal with enough.”
“That’s very admirable.” Damn, this woman is amazing.
“We all need to do what we can to give back, and this is what I have to offer. Plus, seeing them smile is an awesome reward.” Her gigantic smile was priceless.
And I was starting to realize she had a heart to match.
⁂
Leah
I was still nervous about how Stefen would react once the kids ran in and started hugging him. It was my favorite part of the class, but it could be overwhelming for anyone not used to being around kids that faced intellectual and physical disabilities.
Will he judge them?
Running a little behind schedule, I walked through the front door with Madison and Stefen in tow, carrying all of my extra equipment. Stefen’s arms were full.
“Which one are we in tonight?” I asked the receptionist, then looked at Stefen as his eyes took in the older brick building.
“Last door on the left.” Ugh. I hated that space.
It was one of the original rooms in the studio and had a strange, musty odor. Stefen held the door for me again, and I tried to hide my grimace as we all walked down the long hallway, past a few other classrooms. All eyes naturally turned in our direction as he past.
Oddly enough, Stefen didn’t even pay attention.
His eyes were glued on me. What is he trying to prove?
As soon as we entered the room, two of my students came barreling into me. “Ms. Leah!” they screamed in unison.
Getting the wind knocked out of me, I laughed as soon as I caught my breath. “Hey guys, are you excited to get started tonight?”
Simon spoke first, pointing at Stefen. “Yeah, but who’s the dude you brought?”
Snickering, I understood. My young student had Down syndrome and was partial to being overprotective. Not to mention the fact that he had a crush on me and made it known to any male who stepped into the studio that I was off limits.
“Do you remember Madison’s daddy, Caleb?” I asked him gently.
“Yeah.” Simon appeared to be skeptical. Crossing his arms over his chest, he peered at Stefen through his thick bifocals.
“Well, this is his cousin.” I motioned my hand toward Stefen.
“And my uncle,” Madison chimed in as she trotted away with Amber, another student.
Extending his hand, Stefen greeted Simon with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you.”
Narrowing one eye, Simon looked at Stefen’s outstretched hand, then at his face like he was trying to see if he was for real. After a brief stare down, Simon accepted his handshake. “Ms. Leah is my girlfriend, and when I’m all grown up, she will be my wife.”
“Good for you, man. She’s a real beauty.” Stefen glanced up at me, causing my breath to catch. He’s only saying it because of Simon, but man I love hearing Stefen call me beautiful.
“Yeah, she is,” Simon agreed. “And she likes when I dance for her.” Simon began to strut his stuff in front of Stefen, shaking his hips and busting into his best running man.
Stefen looked at him sincerely. “Dude, you have some serious moves. You’re gonna have to show me how to do those so I can find a girlfriend, too.”
“Maybe later. I have class now.”
A few other students had arrived, and after checking the time, I was disappointed that only five were able to come.
Gathering the kids, I announced, “Okay guys, let’s begin.” With Madison directly behind me, everyone took their place, including Stefen.
Facing the mirror, I couldn’t believe he was going to participate in the class and not just sit on the sidelines like the parents and caretakers. If that didn’t make me want to burst into tears, then scanning down to his now bare feet and pink toes surely would. There was a side to him that he kept hidden from the world and it was such a shame. I liked that he was opening himself up to me, though.
The class did warm-up exercises with some of the equipment we’d brought, then performed the moves the kids had learned in the last session. The best part was watching the kids try to teach Stefen the moves. Gone was the stoic business man. He was different with these kids, acting silly and genuinely enjoying himself.
Toward the end, Simon came up to me and tugged on my sleeve. “Ms. Leah.”
“Yes, honey?” I toweled off the sweat from my neck.
“I think Stefen is cool. You can hang out with him. I’m okay with it. And can he come next time, too?” He nodded to himself like he’d been thinking really hard about it.
There was the reality. Stefen wouldn’t be coming to anymore classes. He was leaving.
With a heavy heart, I gulped hard and looked at Stefen across the room, talking to a couple of my giggling female students. I bent down until I was at eye level with Simon. “No, hon, I’m sorry. He lives far away. He’s just visiting.”
“Oh.” His shoulders slouched.
I hated disappointing my kids.
Then he burst out, “Maybe he’ll visit us again.” A bright smile broke on Simon’s face.
I loved how quickly kids could bounce back. If only it was that easy for me.
⁂
Stefen
Madison knocked out the second we were in the car. I was still on a high from the dance class and wondered if I should share the reason I’d enjoyed myself so much.
“You know,” I started, “there was a boy in my high school that had Down syndrome. His name was Toby.” My chest constricted a little just mentioning my old friend. “We were kids, and none of us really paid much attention to him. But one day during senior year, my swim team and I found him doing laps in the pool before practice and, you know what?” I paused a moment to look at her.
Wide eyes stared back, waiting for me to continue.
“He was fast. Not quite as quick as the rest of us, but faster than the average person. Toby’s passion for swimming was contagious and we loved being around him.”
I swallowed down the lump of emotion and pushed past my discomfort to tell her, “After talking to our coach, we decided to make him an honorary member of the team. Wherever we went, they knew that Toby would be opening the meet. He swam a handful of laps before any of us got in the water and would joke around, saying that he would pee so it was nice and warm for us.” This made me smile. It wasn’t a memory I shared with just anyone, but it felt really good to show Leah a deeper side of me.
“Stefen, that’s so inspiring.” Her eyes began to gloss over. “What happened to him?”
Who knew we had something like this in common?
A wave of grief passed over me, and I rubbed at my eyes. “He got really sick before one of our biggest meets and ended up in the hospital.” Breathing deep, I swallowed hard. “We were all pulling for him and visited him whenever we could. We even had a parade in his honor. His mom set him up in a chair by the window, so he could see us march by with signs.”
This part was even more difficult to share. Taking a big breath, I let it out slowly in an attempt
to keep it together. I spoke softly as my voice tapered off. “He died shortly after.”
I looked out the driver’s side window, blinking hard. I felt too vulnerable. “There were so many people at his funeral. A handful of members from every team we’d ever competed against were there, on top of our whole school, team, and everyone in our community that he had some kind of effect on. The speeches went on for hours. He touched so many lives in the short amount of time he was here.” My voice went soft as I really thought about it. “I can’t imagine I’ll have anywhere near half as many people at my funeral.”
Taking a chance, I glanced over to Leah.
Her lips quivered as she stared back at me, sniffling. “I’m so sorry.” She placed a tender hand on my forearm. “I understand. I’ve already lost one of my kids. There isn’t a more genuine or beautiful love than the one these kids bring into the world.”
Trying not to let her reaction get to me, I continued, “Toby taught me a lot about life. Honestly, being around him was uncomfortable at first, but not because of his special needs. Seeing him give his heart away without reservation, and others doing the same in return, was just mind-boggling. My parents are not really the nurturing type, so selfless love wasn’t something I’d ever seen or experienced before.”
Shit. Why did I just share that? It’s too personal.
Pausing again, I wondered if I should share the rest. Finally, I added, “I was so intrigued by him, and I know I was blessed to have him in my life before he died. When I graduated from college, I got involved in the Special Olympics, in Toby’s honor. He was supposed to compete the summer after he passed. I don’t have a whole lot of time on my hands, but I’ve enjoyed helping out as a swim coach a couple of years. Working with the kids is so rewarding. Having to deal with the rest of society is the difficult part.” Gulping, I stared intensely out the windshield.
Pulling into a parking spot behind her flower shop, I finally took another glance at Leah. That look in her eyes held so much. Admiration, surprise, and many other emotions I didn’t want to acknowledge.
Shit, now I’ve done it. I let her in. I never let people in.
What the hell am I going to do now?
Chapter Five
California Wine Tasting
Leah
I was at a loss. I’d spent last Wednesday with “Uncle Stefen”, and now my emotions were going haywire. He bombarded my thoughts and fantasies nonstop.
I felt something so strong from him, and I wanted more. But why him?
Filled with regret that I’d let my guard down, I had to face the facts—Stefen was leaving next week. And it was totally going to destroy my heart.
My phone rang as I was pouring my first cup of coffee. Checking the caller ID, my double-crossing heart started to dance in my chest.
“Hello?”
“Hey, beautiful. How’d you sleep?” Stefen’s rough voice sent my pulse racing.
I can only imagine what he looks like right now, curled up in bed, wearing god only knows what. I’d like to wake up to that every morning.
Brushing away that thought, I decided to taunt him. “I'm sorry, who is this?”
“Hmm? It's Stefen. Don't you still have my number programmed into your phone?” He stopped for a moment before adding, “Were you expecting someone else?” I could practically hear his teeth gritting through the line.
He had no claim on me. Though, I didn't exactly hate hearing his jealous tone. As painful as it was, I reminded myself that I also had no claim on him.
Now I was bugged. “No, no one else. I was just joking,” I grumbled while playing with a loose string on my tank top.
Sighing, Stefen said, “I was just wondering what time I should pick you up.” He sounded as though he was stretching out, and my mind wandered to visions of him in bed once more. Distracted in that thought a little too long, Stefen asked, “Leah? You still there?”
Slapping my forehead to clear the images, I attempted to remember what he’d asked. “Why don’t I pick you up this time?” Who cares if he hates my minivan? It’s just a stupid car.
Without hesitating, he blurted out, “No, that’s okay. I can come get you. Bri and your sister are going to meet us around three. It makes more sense if I have a car there.”
Good save. I already knew our sisters were coming home from The San Francisco Bay area today, but I didn’t know what time since Dani hadn’t called.
“I have to run some errands beforehand, so how about we just meet at the tour company’s office. Nine-thirty? I’ll text the address.” I could play this game. If that’s what he was doing.
“Fine. I’ll see you at nine-thirty.” He huffed, obviously irritated that he wasn’t getting his way.
I was noticing Stefen could go from zero to asshole in a very short amount of time. He could have such a shitty attitude. Why am I so attracted to him again? Visions of him in those board shorts filled my mind.
Oh, yeah. That’s why.
⁂
I pulled into the parking lot and found Stefen leaning against his cousin's Range Rover. Still in the car, I allowed my eyes to linger over his low dark jeans, red t-shirt, and black combat boots. I’d never been so drawn to a guy before. Sure I had a high school crush that I occasionally wondered about, and the guy in college that broke my heart, but this was different.
If our circumstances were different, I could see myself spending whatever time was needed to actually find out what Stefen hid under that mask.
I needed to be mindful, though. Remind myself every second what kind of guy he was, or I’d do something stupid. There was no way I could trust him with my heart.
Stefen opened the door as I was reaching for the handle.
How did he get over here so fast?
Grinning, I fluttered my eyelashes and thanked him. “What a gentleman,” I flirted, swinging my sock covered feet out the driver’s side door. Before getting out, I leaned back and stretched behind the passenger seat.
“Where are your shoes?” Stefen scoffed at my fuzzy comfy socks.
Shrugging, I wiggled my toes and wrinkled my nose. “I don't like to drive with them, especially heels or boots. I feel like I have more control of the car this way.”
What smartass comment is he going to say about that?
He only grinned warmly. “Bri does that, too. I've never understood it, but now I can tell her she isn't the only one.” He squatted down and held onto my feet.
Taken aback, I jumped before picking up my brown riding boots from the backseat floor. I pulled one of my feet away as Stefen picked up one of the boots.
“Let me help you.” There was that sexy smirk again.
He placed my foot on his thigh to momentarily grip the boot with both hands. Holding onto my calf, he slowly led my foot inside of the boot, not breaking eye contact.
I felt my chest rise up and down erratically, mortified that he’d noticed. If I had any doubts, they disappeared when he laughed quietly and led my other foot into the second boot.
Lifting my hand, he pulled me out of the car into an embrace. Now he could feel my crazy heartbeat.
Ugh!
Just as he had done a few nights before, Stefen kissed my forehead. His lips were so soft. Too soft. No man’s lips were this soft. I had already fantasized countless times what it would be like to kiss them.
“So?” Stefen gave me an inquiring look.
“Huh? So what?” Did he ask me something?
I’d been so busy dreaming about his lips that I missed his question.
He snickered with a wicked look in his eyes, rubbing his palms together. “I asked if you’re ready to do this.”
“Oh.” Letting out a nervous laugh, I gathered myself and answered, “Yeah, let me just put my things in the back.”
Leaning in for my purse, I felt the heat of his gaze right on my behind. I snapped my head over my shoulder, self-conscious. Sure enough, Stefen's eyes were planted right on my ass.
“Seriously, Stefen?” I glared,
secretly loving his attention. It made me feel desirable, but I wasn’t about to let him know that. The last thing I wanted to do was to encourage his behavior. There was no way I could fight it if he came on even stronger.
He shrugged unapologetically. “Sorry, I'm a guy. It's an automatic response when a stunning girl bends over in front of me.”
He has no shame.
Shaking my head, I strolled to the back of my van, popping open the hatch with the remote control. He caught on and helped me open a compartment to put my purse in. Fishing through the bag, I pulled out a small wallet and cell phone, tucking them into my too tight front jean pocket.
What was I thinking squeezing into these? I looked down apprehensively. Hopefully my muffin top isn’t showing.
Stefen nodded toward my pocket. “Today is my treat. You don't need your wallet.” He puffed his chest subconsciously.
Narrowing my eyes at him, I told him like it was. “Actually, no it's not. I already paid for it, and I need my ID, so I'll be bringing my wallet.” Sassing him back felt fantastic as I swiveled around him and closed the hatchback.
“Leah, I already told you that I don't let women pay,” he practically growled.
Neanderthal man is back.
I rolled my eyes, ignoring him. “Well, get over it. It’s already done.” Unable to help myself, I stuck my tongue out at him.
He remained beside me with his jaw tight. He was mad, but I didn't care.
“Come on.” I waved him over. “Let's take that sour attitude of yours and see if we can change it with a little wine.” I sashayed away, figuring he’d catch up once he got over himself.
Yeah, like that will ever happen.
⁂
Stefen
I twisted my back to crack it, then moved my head side to side. My neck snapped in all the right places, releasing some of the pressure I was carrying in my shoulders. Entering the small reception area, I had an idea. It went against my character to ever allow a woman to pay. Especially one with such a feisty attitude.