by Daria White
“Great job,” Will complimented.
Leah cocked her head toward the horse. “I think…” She faced Will. “I think I want to ride her. We don’t have to go far, right?”
“No, I can teach you how to circle around.” Will brought over the mounting block to Molly, who stood already saddled.
Leah sighed as she waited for his instructions. At Will’s bidding, she walked up the mounting block while he kept Molly steady. Following his directions, Leah held onto the reins gently pressuring the bit in Molly’s mouth. She then put her left foot in the stirrup, pulled her body onto the horse, and sunk onto the saddle.
Will smiled. “Nice job, Leah. Now remember to keep your shoulders stacked over your hips.”
Leah straightened and held the reins with three fingers with both hands, as Will had mentioned before.
“Feel okay?” he asked.
She rocked in place. “If I’m relaxed, she’s relaxed?”
He gave her the okay sign. “You got it.”
Will guided Leah during her ride with Molly and taught her how to use her hips to steer. Leah learned how to stay strong and stable through her back. She kept her kept her chin up and gazed in the direction she wanted to steer the horse.
“You’re a natural at this, Leah,” he said.
A smile danced on Leah’s lips. A sense of calm spread through her. She felt free as the wind. Will continued to talk her through using her hips to lead Molly into the turns. By the time Leah dismounted the horse, joy bubbled up in her despite the twitching muscles in her quads.
She pressed her hand into her lower back and stretched. She gave the horse one final pat, gave Will a high-five, and planned to return for another lesson. As Leah sauntered back to her car, excitement raced through her. She could conquer the world if she wanted.
Why hadn’t she rode a horse before? What had held her back? Leah gripped the steering wheel as she coasted down the road. Was it fear alone? Did she lack courage? Whatever the reason, she conquered it. She rolled her shoulders back. When was the last time she felt that free? Connecting with Molly the horse had warmed her heart. Leah drew her bottom lip between her teeth, but her grin surfaced anyway.
Is this what her mother meant about taking time? Without the focus of a relationship, Leah’s attention centered on herself. It felt liberating. She wanted to explore and push her limits, eager with the same headlong zest of a hunter for his game.
What else could she try she never dared before? No one was there to talk her out of it. She could decide without the opinion of a boyfriend. Was there more she could add to her list? The adrenaline rush had her wanting to bulldoze through traffic. She bounced in her seat after coming to a stop at a red light.
On the way home, she stopped by the grocery store, retrieving her list from her purse. Leah walked up and down the aisles of cream-painted metal shelving and filled her cart. Passing the towering end displays of popular products, she listened to the easy music in the background playing from the speakers. The squeaky wheels of her cart also filled her ears while she inhaled the yeasty scent of warm bread from the bakery. She picked up a pound of salmon from the seafood counter and then journeyed to the dairy aisle for milk.
The curves of her mouth turned up. Joy danced through her heart. She was taking risks and having her own adventures. While it may not have been extravagant, it was out of the box for her. She did something on her own. She was working toward discovering herself.
Cole’s kind words to her played through her mind. Know who you are. It warmed her heart. She had so much fun with him during their shoot. Despite the heat that curled through her spine when they had danced, or the sensation in her fingers when he held her hand. He had caught her off guard when he held at her waist, and his eyes blazed with deep intensity when he stared at her. Did he notice her breathlessness or the sweat on her palms?
It repeated in her mind a hundred times since that day, but was it true? Her brain scrambled to find a logical reason. She hired him to do a job. How did the photos turn out? She licked her lips as she compared the prices of lactose-free milk.
“No almond milk?” a baritone voice asked.
Leah pivoted to find Seth Parsons smiling at her. She returned the gesture, taking in the sight of his deep brown skin, clean-shaven face, and his coffee brown eyes. They were the same eyes she had ogled along with the other girls at Piedmont High.
“No, no almond milk,” she replied.
“How are you?” he asked.
Leah tapped her fingers on the handle of her grocery cart. She purposely avoided Seth around town. Whenever they saw each other, they kept to the basic pleasantries of hello, great to see you, and goodbye. While she had been over him for years, him being in front of her brought back bittersweet memories.
“What do you mean you’re leaving?” she had asked, while standing on her parents’ front porch.
Seth had stuffed his hands in his pockets. “They have recruited me to play football at the University of Georgia. If I play my cards right, babe, maybe I can go to the NFL.”
At a loss for words, her expression went blank. “What about us?”
He stepped forward and cradled her face. “Leah, if I didn’t have to go—”
“Then don’t.” She had jerked away from his embrace.
“I can’t pass this up, Leah. I love you, but I can’t. This is my dream.”
She had released a shaky breath. “So… I’m not a part of it.”
“We’re too young to think like that. Can you honestly say you want to be together forever? You don’t graduate until next year.”
Leah’s pulse sped. She heard enough. “Go, Seth. You’re already gone.”
That night would be forever etched in her mind. Even thinking about it now still stung. Yet, the corners of Leah’s mouth turned up at her former high school sweetheart. “I’m okay. How are you?”
“I’m doing great.”
She eyed him. “Are you going to lead Piedmont High to a fourth championship this coming school year?”
Seth cocked his head. “Fourth?”
Leah pushed her cart farther down the aisle. “Besides the three you got during our high school days.”
Seth kept up with her stride. “I would hate not to keep up with my reputation, even if I’m not playing.”
She joked, “Such an overachiever.”
He stopped in his tracks and stared at her. “I thought something was different.”
Leah raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
He pointed to her hair.
She brushed her side bang away from her face. “Yes, this is new.”
“I like it. What made you change it though?”
Leah gave a half shrug. “I wanted something different. No harm in trying new things.”
“I agree. It’s just different coming from you. The girl I knew back in high school didn’t try new things. I believe you would say, ‘I stick with what works for me.’”
“Keyword in that statement is ‘girl.’ As you can see, I’m not a little girl anymore.”
He gave her a once over. “And bold too. Look at you speaking your mind.”
Her lips curved into a grin. “I do when I feel like it.”
“I like this new you. How’s the store?”
“The store is doing well. Building my online business so that’s taking up most of my time.”
She led them to the checkout area, where a line already formed. Seth stood behind her and she sensed his gaze on her back. She cleared her throat. Usually she would pass by Seth on the sidewalk or give a simple wave in church, but this was the first real conversation since his return home. She didn’t want the past to replay through her mind but it did. Seth had walked away, leaving her heartbroken. Like Brian.
“A little awkward, huh?” Seth pointed out.
Leah tapped her foot. “A little. I don’t mean for it to be. It’s…”
Seth maneuvered to stand at her side. He kneaded his shoulder with one hand,
while his other clutched the handle of his smaller basket. “I understand. Maybe we need to hang out. You know, break the ice a little.”
She cocked her head toward him. Was it even normal to hang out with an ex? Could she do it without rehearsing the pitfalls of their relationship? “Does this include lemon pepper wings?”
Seth waggled his eyebrows. “I’ll even throw in some buffalo wings to seal the deal.”
Leah folded her arms. “So, you still think you can bribe me with the best wings in Piedmont Valley.”
“It worked when I asked you out in high school.”
Her eyes narrowed at him. “How do you figure that?”
“I remember some things.”
She wagged a finger. “I doubt that. I bet you don’t even remember how we met.”
He drew closer. “You bumped into me on your way to biology class. I helped you pick up your books.” His expression softened. “I couldn’t take my eyes off you. You were the prettiest girl I had ever seen. You were smart, funny, and so sweet. I touched your hand when we picked up your books at the same time. You looked a little dazed, much like right… now.”
Leah blinked to come back to her senses. For a moment, she recalled her once strong feelings for Seth. He had been her world. “You got it right. I’m surprised.”
“I haven’t lost my touch.”
“Two right answers, but it’s nothing to throw a parade over.”
He grinned. “Does that mean you’ll meet me at PV’s Bar and Grill later?”
She crossed her arms. “On one condition.”
“Anything.”
She pointed her at him. “I call dibs on the buffalo wings.”
Seth winked at her. “I wouldn’t dream of touching them.”
Chapter 11
Leah wiped her manicured fingers clean of buffalo sauce, glancing at Seth across the table from her. She rested her hands on the table, still in disbelief. Sitting across from her was Seth, as he had in high school. Was she crazy? While grateful that he wanted to remain friends, the way his eyes gazed at her made her stomach quiver. She took a sip from her water glass, shifting in her chair. So far, they were having a pleasant conversation. They even reminisced on their teen years at Piedmont High.
“Leah? You okay?” Seth cocked his head toward her.
She tilted her head as she met his gaze. “It's weird being here… together.”
His expression softened. “We’re hanging out, Leah. Don’t overthink it. You did that a lot back in high school. Relax.”
She rubbed her forearms. “I’m trying to. Being here brings back many memories. Painful memories.”
He sighed. “I didn’t give you a good reason why I left did I?”
“You wanted to play football. You said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “That was part of it, Leah. Let’s face it. We were kids. I didn’t understand what love was, much less how to recognize it for myself.”
She raised an eyebrow. “So, you really thought leaving was best?”
“At the time I did.”
She set her palms flat on the table. “You know what? The past is the past. We’re both doing well and we’re still friends. Right? How many exes can still say that?”
“Few, so we’re the exception.”
They high-fived each other.
Leah leaned back in her chair. “I’m glad I came.”
“Me too. We should do this again sometime. As friends?”
Leah snuck a lemon-pepper wing from his plate. “Only if you promise to share your food.”
“I could have ordered you some, but you insist on stealing.”
“I would never do that to you.”
“Yeah right.” His eyes gleamed.
For the rest of their time together, Leah enjoyed herself without thinking too much on their past together. A much-matured man sat across from her compared to the jock she’d dated in high school. Leah laughed harder than she had in a long time.
Cole had been on her mind since their photo shoot. The way he held her when they danced was enchanting. Leah took another sip of water, feeling warmth spread through her. Never in a million years did she think she would like Cole more than a friend would, and now she was here with Seth. He was another story.
“You ready to go?” Seth asked.
Leah noticed he was standing and extending his hand out to her. She had zoned out, and they were finished and ready to leave. She gave half a smile, clasped his hand, and stood to her feet. His thumb grazed over her knuckles.
For a moment, Leah took in the sight of Seth. She raised her chin to meet his stare. His smile used to make her heart flutter. She slipped her hand out of his and adjusted her purse on her shoulder, while Seth opened the door for her. Leah twirled around to face him as they stood on the sidewalk.
“Heading home?” he asked.
“Not yet, I need to stop by my store.” She smiled. “I had fun, Seth.”
“I did too.”
Leah took a step back but stopped when he touched her shoulder.
He held out his arms. “Can I get a hug?”
Leah tilted her head to the side. She drew closer. “Even though you accused me of stealing?”
She embraced him. His height towered over her, but his strong arms held her close. Leah’s breath hitched as more memories dashed through her mind. Seth had always hugged her before kissing her goodbye. Leah broke their embrace and stepped back.
“I’ll see you around.” She waved goodbye.
“See you, Leah.” Seth waved back and pivoted toward his truck.
Leah marched to her car and slid inside the driver’s seat. She gripped the steering wheel. First Cole, then Seth, and not to mention Tyler Gage asked her out. I’m supposed to be taking a break.
****
Cole loaded the images onto his computer and named the film “Leah’s photos.” He gazed at her face as it flashed on the screen. She was a natural in front of the camera. Her confidence radiated from the photos. His favorite was the picture of her on the park bench in her sundress.
With her hands on either side of her, she shined in front of him. Then the wind picked up, rustling through the trees. Leah’s loose curls floated in the breeze and her smooth skin glowed in the natural light. Her expression softened and her poise stunned him.
The corners of Cole’s mouth lifted. He rolled his shoulders back and refocused. He picked the best shots he believed showed Leah’s unique style and saved them to another folder. He then checked his watch, noting the late hour. After locking up his studio, Cole sauntered to his truck.
On the way home, he stopped by the sunflower field. He didn’t count on it becoming one of his favorite spots, but it was the right place to unwind after a long day. Cole put his hands behind his head as he stared out the windshield. The dark sky, lit up by a zillion, sparkled… like Leah’s eyes.
Cole let out a deep breath. He pulled his cell from his pocket. Was it too late to call her? He could send her an update on her photos. It would be an excuse to hear her sweet voice. His forehead furrowed. With her sharing with him about her dating hiatus, Leah wasn’t available. Still, his thumb itched above the call button. She answered on the third ring.
“Hello?” She sounded breathless.
“Are you okay? Need CPR?” Cole joked.
She laughed. “No, I’m moving some things around.”
“Such as?”
“Downsizing. I’m giving more stuff away.”
Cole raised an eyebrow. “More stuff?”
“I had to get rid of some things that reminded me of my ex. Too many memories.” She sighed. “Sorry. I really don’t know why I’m telling you all this.”
“You can tell me anything. Remember that.”
“Good to know.”
“Have a good day today?”
“That may be another reason I’m organizing. I’m trying to get my mind off the photos.”
Cole chuckled. “They’re co
ming along, Leah. You looked great. When I’m finished, you can pick out the ones you like and send those to your web designer.”
“Okay. I trust you. Ugh! I need a moving crew.”
He laughed. “Don’t hurt yourself. Do I need to stop by?”
“No, I got it, but thank you.”
“Have you ridden a horse yet?”
She giggled. “I did, but I’m glad Will was there. Molly was sweet.”
“The horse?”
“Yeah, and she’s so cute.”
“Sounds like you made a new friend. What’s next on your list?”
“You’re not making fun of me, are you?”
“Never.” He smiled to himself.
“Well, I think Pilates is up next. I have a class tomorrow before I head to the boutique.”
“Don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”
“Mmm-hmm. I guess you wouldn’t want to come with me?”
“What?” He heard her laughing. “I’ll stick to jogging. Maybe you could meet me one morning.”
“I’ll think about it, Mr. Parsons. Although, I don’t think I’m ready for that.”
Her sweet voice made his hopes kindle. “Seriously, Leah, if you ever want to hang out, I’m here.”
“I’m game. As long as it involves a chocolate muffin.”
“I’ll bring you one. Though, we’ll have to work it off later.”
Leah laughed.
****
The burning sensation in Leah’s abs made her want to plop back on her floral-patterned yoga mat. Holding a plank compared to sharp claws tearing into her skin. Despite her body twitching, she held herself up. This is insane. Her core shook as the instructor did the final countdown and sweat slid down her face. At the instructor’s bidding, Leah rested feeling the sore aftereffects in her abs.
“Wow,” she gasped.
“I know. That was intense,” the girl next to her responded.
Leah gave a faint smile to Kimberly, who was face down on her emerald green yoga mat. When she’d first come to the class, Kimberly shared that she had wanted to lose her baby weight. Leah watched as the new mother raised herself up on shaky arms.
