Wild Keepers

by Dee Bridgnorth

  Without thinking, she turned and ran out the doors of the theatre, sprinting down the street. Tears blurred her vision, but she didn’t stop. Not for a second.

  Suddenly, she was spun around. It was him. The force of it made her stumble against him, crashing into his chest. He was breathing heavily.

  “What the hell is the matter?” he gasped, trying to catch his breath. “What have I done, to make you just run off on me like that?”

  Her eyes glittered with tears. “I just don’t want to be made a fool of,” she said. “I saw you, with Leonie. At the café.”

  He slowly released her, his arms hanging by his side. “It’s not what you think, Maya. She asked me to meet her there. I am not making a play for Leonie.”

  She stilled, staring up at him. “She took your hand, and you didn’t take it away. Not for a while.”

  Evan sighed. “I didn’t ask her to do that, and I wasn’t sure how to react.” He stared at her, hard. “It’s not me you should be doubting, Maya. Your supposed friend is the one who reached out to me.” He paused, hesitating. “You shouldn’t trust her.”

  Maya swallowed, painfully. “I don’t know who to trust anymore.”

  His face softened. He glanced around the street. “Look, why don’t we talk about this somewhere else? This street is so crowded.” He paused. “I’m going to a basketball game tonight, but we could have dinner somewhere before. I really think we should talk about this and clear the air. We have to spend so much time together, after all, and we can’t be ignoring each other.”

  Maya gazed at him. “I…don’t know. I’m not sure if that is a good idea.”

  He smiled gently. “Just a meal. No pressure. I know a place near the stadium that serves good food and has a great atmosphere.” He stared at her. “You can leave anytime you want.”

  She hesitated then nodded her head. “I suppose you’re right. It can’t hurt, and you are my bodyguard, after all.” She smiled slowly. “We can’t be at each other’s throats like this.”

  He looked so pleased, she could barely restrain her own face from responding in kind. He turned, gesturing for her to follow him.

  Maya watched him walking in front of her. She still didn’t have a clue whether he was telling her the truth or not. Had it been Leonie’s doing? Was she the instigator? And more importantly, should she have said yes to going to dinner with him?

  She sighed. It was only dinner, like he said. No pressure.

  ***

  Maya stared at the food truck, parked on the kerb. She could see a few picnic tables and a crowd of people milling around.

  “This is it?” she said, turning to him. “This is where you are taking me to dinner?”

  Evan grinned. “The best chilli dogs in town,” he said. “This food truck has a great reputation. Haven’t you ever been here?”

  Maya shook her head slowly. She never frequented food trucks. Her father had always told her that the food they served was garbage, and he would never waste his money on them. Didn’t they serve cheap carnival-style food where there was a risk of contracting salmonella?

  “Come on,” said Evan. “I’ll buy you a dog and a soda. You will love it, believe me.”

  They stood in line, waiting their turn. Maya studied the blackboard menu at the front. They only served hot dogs, but in variations she had never encountered before.

  She had always thought that hot dogs were low quality sausages on cheap white buns with a dollop of ketchup. But not at this food truck, apparently. She could choose from any number of gourmet-style frankfurts, with a blinding array of toppings and sauces. She really had no idea what to pick.

  Evan smiled as he stared down at her gaping at the board. “What do you think you’d like?”

  Maya shrugged. “Maybe the one with caramelised onions and sweet chilli sauce?”

  “Done.” Evan ordered for them both, slapping a twenty dollar note on the counter. The next thing she knew, they were sitting down at a long picnic table next to others, all intent on their food.

  Maya peeled back the wrapper, staring at it doubtfully.

  “Dig in,” said Evan, attacking his own hot dog with gusto.

  She bit into it, trying hard not to let the whole thing crumble in her hands. Her eyes widened in surprise. It was good. Actually, it was better than good. It was fantastic.

  She rolled her eyes, trying to swallow the huge mouthful. She could feel Evan’s eyes on her the whole time.

  “Well?” he said, taking a long sip of his soda. “Do you like it?”

  Maya nodded. “It’s delicious,” she said. “I had no idea food like this was possible.”

  “Do you mean outside a restaurant?” He stared at her, smiling. “There’s a lot of this style of food around now. Food trucks have become incredibly popular, and they’re competitive. This one is known for the best gourmet hot dogs in the city.”

  Maya wiped her mouth. “I can see why. I’ve only had hot dogs a few times in my life, but they were nothing like this.” She smiled slowly. “I think I’ve missed out on a lot.”

  Evan gazed at her, swallowing another mouthful. “That’s sad, Maya,” he said. “You know, even though this truck sells gourmet versions, I still like the old-fashioned frank in a bun. It reminds me of when I was young.” He paused. “One of my uncles used to take me to basketball games and would always buy me one. I didn’t see him very often, so it was special.”

  Maya took a sip of her soda. “What about your dad? Didn’t he take you to games?”

  Evan smiled sadly. “No. He died when I was only three years old.”

  Maya gasped. “Oh, Evan. I’m so sorry.”

  Evan shrugged. “It’s okay. I don’t remember him much, so it’s not as if I miss the man himself.” He hesitated, staring down at the table. “I just regret that I never had a chance to know him. What was he like? Would we have liked each other? That sort of thing.”

  Maya nodded. “I could imagine,” she replied. “What about your mom?”

  Evan smiled. “She’s great,” he said. “She had to be both mother and father to me growing up, and it wasn’t easy for her. But she did it. I know that she has never gotten over my father, though.” He sighed. “She never went out with anyone after he died and still says that he was the love of her life.”

  Maya felt tears pricking behind her eyes. “That’s beautiful.”

  Evan stared at her, sipping his drink. “What about you? Do you have a good relationship with your folks?”

  Maya smiled, a little sourly. “I have never wanted for anything,” she said quickly. “I had everything money could buy.”

  Evan stilled. “Well, that’s great. It’s not good to be struggling. Believe me, I’ve been there. There was a time when my mom could barely pay the rent. She had to work two jobs.”

  Maya nodded. “Yes, I am grateful to them. They only ever wanted the best for me.” She hesitated, looking around. “But it’s all about status and wealth for them, Evan. They pushed me into ballet from when I was young and have never let up on me. It was like I was their performing seal.”

  Evan stared at her. “That couldn’t have been easy. I never had any pressure like that. My mother let me decide my own course.” Was that true? In one sense. She had never pushed him into anything. But his own course through life had been decided long before he was born.

  If only he could tell Maya that. But he couldn’t, of course. Were they any different? They both had to play roles that others had pre-determined for them. Just because hers was forced on her by her parents, whereas his was a case of birthright, didn’t matter.

  He understood. She had said it was like she was a performing seal. Well, he was a performing wolf, in one sense. He had little control over it and it didn’t matter what he wanted. He had to play it out, come what may.

  In life, and in death.

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  “For what?” He stared intently at her face. He was suddenly conscious of her lips; how full and lovely th
ey were. The taste of them when he had held her in his arms.

  He stirred uncomfortably. He could feel the air thickening between them, once again.

  “For this.” She gestured around her. “I would probably have never come here, but for you. And I would have missed out on something special.”

  He nodded but couldn’t take his eyes from her lips. “You’re welcome. I’ve enjoyed it too.” He took a deep breath. “Maya, I am not interested in Leonie, whatever you may think. I kissed you the other day because I wanted to. Only you.”

  She looked down at the table. “So, you’re not interested in her?”

  He shook his head. “Not in the slightest. She’s a strange woman, and I meant it when I said that you probably shouldn’t trust her.”

  Maya frowned. “She’s been so supportive of me, though. Offering me a place to live. Encouraging me to become friends with all the girls who live there.”

  “Do you know much about her?” Evan tried to keep his voice casual.

  Maya shook her head. “Not much,” she replied. “She’s been dancing with the CBC a few years, I think.” She frowned. “She never speaks about herself, come to think of it. I don’t even know if she’s from Covenester or moved here from somewhere else.”

  Evan nodded. “Have you ever told her about what you saw, that night when you found David?”

  Maya paled slightly. “No,” she whispered. “You are the only person that I’ve talked about that with. And the other…vision, or whatever it was, in the shopping mall.”

  Evan picked up his soda, draining it. He turned to her, considering his words. “Maya, have you ever seen anything like that before the night of the murder? In your home, for instance, or anywhere else?”

  Maya slowly shook her head. “Never,” she whispered. “I would remember, believe me. It’s not something you would forget in a hurry.”

  Evan nodded. His phone suddenly beeped, and he picked it up, reading a message.

  “That was my friend,” he said. “He can’t make the game after all. I guess I’m going by myself.” He turned to her. “Unless you want to come, of course.”

  “Me?” Maya stared at him. “A basketball game? I wouldn’t have a clue about it.”

  Evan shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I can fill you in, and it would be a bit of fun.” He stared at her, waiting for her reply.

  Maya hesitated. She knew next to nothing about basketball, and had little desire to. But she was enjoying herself with Evan, and again, what harm could it do? If it was tediously boring, she could just excuse herself and leave.

  “Okay,” she said, smiling. “Lead the way.”

  He smiled broadly. “That’s my girl! You never know, you might want to switch careers and put all that dancing experience to use as a cheerleader.”

  Maya laughed. “Maybe! I’m sure my parents would just love that!”

  The air was still balmy as they walked off towards the stadium, placing their trash in a bin on the way. Maya glanced up at Evan. She could sense his excitement at going to this game. He kept looking at her sideways, giving her small smiles of encouragement.

  And then, he reached over and took her hand.

  Maya’s heart jolted. It felt so natural to be holding hands with him. She tried to ignore the tiny jolts of electricity that kept coursing up her arm from where his skin touched hers.

  She had never felt such chemistry with a man in her life.

  She had never been in love. She had acted the part of the lover on stage many times with male partners. But she had never been able to fully feel the roles. What did she know of love and how to express it on stage? She knew now why all her choreographers and directors had told her that she had to go deeper. That it wasn’t just about technical skills. She had to learn to dance from her heart.

  A heart that was just beginning to open. Maya caught a glimmer of it and shivered. She imagined what it would be like dancing as lovers with Evan, if he were a performer. How she would move with him. How he would gaze into her eyes…

  She gasped. Was she starting to fall in love with him?

  She felt panic slide through her. No. She couldn’t be starting to fall in love with him. She was just having a good time with him, that was all.

  That was all it could ever be between them. They were like chalk and cheese. There was no way he could ever be serious about her, either.

  Her heart started to thud, violently. Had it been a good idea to come out with him tonight?

  ***

  The crowd was laughing and chatting as they took their seats in the stadium, waiting for the game to start.

  Maya stared around. There was a similar atmosphere in here as there was on ballet performance nights. Everyone was excited for what was to come. The energy in the air was palpable.

  “Okay,” she said, turning to Evan. “Give me the three-minute roundup about this game.”

  Evan smiled. “It’s simple,” he said. “As long as you know that the teams want to get as many balls into the ring as possible, you understand the purpose of it. Anything else I can explain as it goes.”

  Suddenly, the crowd started cheering. The teams were running out onto the court, taking their positions. The referee walked into the centre, carrying the basketball. He sounded his whistle then tossed it into the air. Two players jumped high, trying to slam it in the direction of their play.

  The game had begun.

  Maya was surprised by how fast it was. She could barely keep her eyes on the ball. As soon as one team had the ball, dribbling along the court then throwing it at speed to each other, the other team would intercept it, sending it back down to the other end of the court. She felt like her eyes were ping ponging across the length of it.

  “Who are we going for, by the way?” she asked, turning to Evan. “Green or Red?”

  He stared at her, shaking his head mockingly. “Red, of course! The Covenester Reds. The best team in the league!”

  She laughed, putting her hands up in a gesture of surrender. “Okay! Sorry! The Reds it is, then.”

  He turned to her, taking her hand again. He picked it up and kissed it absently, before dropping it as one of the Red players drew a foul. He was on his feet with a lot of the crowd, voicing his displeasure.

  Maya smiled broadly. He was so passionate about it. She couldn’t believe the wild energy of the place; people were calling out and standing up. Cheering and clapping loudly when their team got a point. It was as far removed from a sedate ballet performance, where the crowd watched intently and clapped politely at the right moments, as the sun was from the moon.

  It was exciting. She could feel her blood stirring along with the crowd. And amazingly enough, she was interested. She understood the play, although the technical aspects were a mystery.

  She could barely believe it, but she was having a good time.

  Why had her family never come to sporting events? She felt like there was a whole world that had never been revealed to her. A whole world that had been there all along without her knowledge. An exciting world, every bit as relevant and necessary as the world of ballet and the arts.

  A world that Evan loved. She could learn to love it, too. She was already enjoying it.

  She studied his face, covertly. He was so focused on the game now she was sure he had forgotten her entirely. But she wouldn’t forget how he had picked up her hand and kissed it, in a gesture of companionship. Because he was excited and wanted to share that with her.

  The Reds scored a point. He was on his feet, and suddenly, he reached down and pulled her up so that she was standing beside him. She cheered, too.

  The siren sounded for intermission. The crowd resumed their seats, and they sat down, too.

  “So, what do you think?” He gazed at her, his eyes gleaming. “Are you enjoying your first game?”

  She smiled. “Much more than I thought I would! There is a great energy in here, and the game is so fast paced.”

  “I’m glad,” he said, still gazing at her. Their eye
s caught and held.

  The electricity crackled between them so intensely she was surprised the lights in the stadium didn’t go out entirely. Her heart started thudding painfully in her chest.

  Suddenly, there as a cheer, and they both looked up. The people around them were staring at them both, expectantly.

  Maya looked around, confused. “What’s going on? Why is everyone staring at us?”

  Evan reddened, looking at her sheepishly. “The kiss cam is on us,” he said slowly.

  “The kiss cam?” she repeated, her eyes darting around.

  He pointed to a screen, high above them. They were both on it, and the crowd were cheering them to kiss.

  “What should we do?” she whispered, desperately.

  He gazed down at her. “I think we should kiss,” he whispered, leaning over, and placing his lips on her own.

  Maya could hear cheering and whistling around her, but she took no notice. As soon as Evan’s lips met her own, she was gone. Once again. Drowning in the feel of him. She opened her eyes, dreamily, and found him staring at her. He looked as transported in the moment as she was.

  He broke the kiss, suddenly. She took a deep breath, trying to still her heart. The camera moved on to other people, and they were staring at each other, lost for words.

  His breath was heavy against her face. “Maya. I think we should leave this game.”

  “Leave?” she whispered, staring at him. “Where do you want to go?”

  His blue eyes were cloudy with desire. “I want to take you back to your home and spend more time with you.” His words were heavy with meaning.

  Maya took a deep breath. She knew what he was asking. And she wanted to, as well. So much that it almost physically hurt her. She bit her lip, trying to think clearly. That cloud of desire was affecting her as strongly as it was affecting him. But was it a good idea?

  She still didn’t know if she could trust him. He had told her that he had no interest in Leonie, but was he telling her the truth? She had avoided asking Leonie about it entirely. She didn’t have her side of the story. Would she be telling Maya something different again? Would Leonie claim that it was Evan who had requested the meeting, and that he was interested in her?