by Daria White
“Are you okay, Kim?” Leah dabbed the sweat from her forehead.
Kim’s hand clutched her midsection. “That was insane.”
“I didn’t know Joanna’s class was this intense. This is for beginners,” Celeste said. She was Albert Tate’s niece, who owned the deli in town.
Leah took a gulp of water from her water bottle. “So, ladies… same time tomorrow?”
Kim nodded. “I’ll be here.”
Joanna clapped her hands as she addressed the class. “Great job, everyone. Remember, each time you work out, you’ll get better and stronger. I’m a firm believer it’s not about being a certain size, but being the best version of you. See you tomorrow.”
Leah and the rest of the ladies rolled up their yoga mats. On the way out, Leah met a few more classmates including Mikayla and Antonia. She waved goodbye to them all as she stepped outside the door. She lifted her chin to the cloud-filled sky, noting how dark it was outside. The town’s streets were wet, but since it was misting, she figured she could dash for her car. Then Leah stopped in her tracks. I forgot my umbrella.
She darted back inside the fitness studio but collided with Craig Parker, the owner of the building. She instinctively grabbed his strong forearms, as she aimed to stay on her feet and not tumble to the floor.
Craig’s storm blue eyes gazed into Leah’s. “Are you okay?”
She straightened up, adjusting the strapped yoga mat on her back. She cleared her throat. “I’m fine, Craig. Sorry I didn’t see you there. I left my—”
Craig held up a purple umbrella. “This it?”
Leah reached for it, her fingers brushing against Craig’s ivory skin. “Thank you.” She looked out the window once more. “I think I better go before I get caught in this rain.”
“Any chance you may be free tonight?”
Leah’s lips parted, utterly shocked. “Craig? Are you…?”
He folded his muscular arms across his chest. “Asking you out? Yes.”
She drew in her bottom lip between her teeth. “I don’t know what to say.” She didn’t. Never in a million years did she think Craig looked at her more than a friend. Leah wasn’t a regular at his gym, but they saw each other around town. Craig was handsome. She took in the sight of him, noting a few days' growth of beard on his face. He ran a hand over his buzzed cut inky black hair.
“Look, Craig, I’m just getting out of a relationship.”
“Brian?”
She wrapped her arms around herself. “Is there anyone in Piedmont Valley that doesn’t know?”
“I don’t think so.”
“One joy of living in a small town,” she joked. Yet, she saw the hopefulness in Craig’s face. “I have to be honest, Craig. I don’t think I’m ready for a date.”
He bobbed his head. “I understand, and for the record, I’m sorry about how things ended with you and Brian.”
She gazed at him with focus. “Thank you.”
He ran his hand down his neck. “Would you be comfortable if we met up sometime?”
Leah tilted her head to the side. “I’ll think about it. Will that work for now?”
He grinned. “I’ll take that. No pressure here. I couldn’t go another day saying nothing to you. I wanted to ask you out for a while.”
She swallowed. “I didn’t know.”
“Let’s say you’ve made an impression on me.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll be at Mack’s BBQ this Friday. It’s one of my places for my ‘cheat diet’ days. Meet me there if you’re available.” He pulled out his phone. “You won’t mind if I call you?”
Leah dictated her number to Craig. She didn’t mind getting to know him better. She could have guy friends without it turning into something more. She still couldn’t believe she’d hung out with Seth as if they were old friends. Her phone buzzed, and she saw Craig had texted her his contact info.
“I’ll see you then?” he asked, sounding optimistic.
“I’ll see you then.” She patted her midsection. “Hopefully, I won’t be too sore to eat. Joanna’s class is tough.”
“It’ll get easier. You’re here, so I know you’re strong.”
Leah clutched her umbrella and took a step backwards. “I’ll see you, Craig.”
“Bye, Leah,” he replied.
Seeing the steady rainfall, Leah raised her umbrella as she jogged to her car. Once inside, she rubbed her forehead. Craig asked her for a date. Tyler asked her out, and Seth asked to see her more often as friends. Cole… don’t get started on him.
Leah gripped her steering wheel. She pulled out of her parking spot and headed home. The windshield wipers moved robotically over the glass and when she pulled into her driveway, she darted for her front door. She hurried to shower and change.
As she styled her hair, her eyebrows squished together. It made little sense. Where was this attention coming from? Leah blew out her cheeks. Was it really a terrible thing? Nothing was wrong with the men in Piedmont Valley, and she found it flattering.
Yet, it confused her like credit card interest rates. Had something changed since Brian left? Her list had her taking risks. Leah never thought she could ride a horse, salsa dance, or even model for a photo shoot. It seemed daunting at first, but once she faced it, it was effortless.
Slipping her feet into her heels, Leah grabbed her umbrella, phone, and purse. She took her time as she marched to her car, being careful not to slip on the slick pavement. On her way to her boutique, Leah couldn’t keep her brainwaves from roaming.
Chapter 12
Grateful the rain stopped, Leah took a quick stroll downtown after closing her boutique for the evening. She walked on the wet sidewalks, the aroma of wet earth tickling her nose. When she came to her beloved fountain, Leah paused in front. Water gurgled like a river flowing and she again ran her fingers through its coolness. She hadn’t returned since she had made her wish.
Her mouth fell open as she gasped. Surely, nothing could come from a wish. She’d made it at the spur of the moment, so there was no way it would have come true. In her heartbroken state, she’d acted rashly. Leah tapped her foot on the pavement. She blew out her cheeks as she went back to her car. It was a silly wish; she chided herself as settled into the driver’s seat and started the engine.
After pulling into her driveway, she went inside as quickly as possible, kicking off her heels as soon as she was through the front door. Smooth hardwood floors met her bare feet, instantly draining the tension from her shoulders. Reveling in the feeling of being home, Leah then pulled out her phone and turned on her radio. Her hips swayed to jazz music as she undid her hair bun. She threaded her hand through her loose curls.
Humming aloud, she danced toward her refrigerator. She even threw in a few salsa steps along the way. She darted for her phone again and typed in Salsa radio. At the sound of congas, Leah waggled her hips as she sashayed back and forth. She repeated the basic steps she had learned and twirled around, imagining herself with her dance partner. Then Cole’s mink brown eyes came to mind.
Leah stopped mid-step almost losing her footing. She placed her leftover grilled salmon and sautéed vegetables in the microwave. She leaned against the counter as she waited for the timer to tick down. When her cell rang, interrupting the music, Leah walked over to answer. It was her mother.
“Hi, Mom.”
“How are you? I wanted to check on you. It’s raining hard over here.”
“I’m okay. It’s fine at my place. How about you all?”
“We’re fine. It’s this unpredictable Texas weather. Still, I wouldn’t live anywhere else.”
Leah giggled.
“You sound chipper.”
“I was heating dinner when you called.”
“Are you feeling better?” her mother asked.
“Taking one day at a time.”
“Where have you been though? I’m surprised you answered the phone. I’m usually leaving a message or seeing you on Sundays.”
&nbs
p; “I’m okay. I’ve been…”
“Been what? Are you seeing someone, Leah?”
Leah drew in her bottom lip between her teeth. “No, I’ve taken a break. Like you said, take some time for myself.”
“You must be busy.”
“I’ve been having some fun. I rode a horse.”
Her mother choked. “You did what?”
“I rode a horse. I’m taking salsa lessons.” Leah then rubbed her stomach and prayed she wasn’t sore the next day. I’m going to be sore. “I started a Pilates class and—”
“I’m still stuck on the horse, sweetheart. What brought this on?”
“Trying new things.”
“Well… I’m proud of you.”
Her microwave dinged. She doesn’t sound too convinced. “Why the hesitation, Mom?” She carried her plate to her dining table.
“I’m not saying another word.”
“So, you will keep me in suspense?”
“Exactly.”
Leah sighed. “Okay, Mom.”
“I almost forgot why I called you. Did you see Seth this week?”
She pressed her free hand to her chest. “What?”
“I ran into his mother at the grocery store. She said someone spotted you two at PV’s Bar & Grill.”
Leah swallowed. “We hung out this week.”
“Are you okay with that?”
“We had fun.” Leah shrugged her shoulders. “Seth’s matured from when we were in high school.”
“Be careful, Leah. I don’t want you to get your hopes up.”
“It’s not like that,” she assured her mother.
“Okay, I wanted to check.”
Leah cut into her salmon. “I’m having dinner, Mom, so can I call you back?”
“That’s okay; I’ll talk to you later. Your father’s watching The Magnificent Seven. There’s no way I’m missing it.”
“Tell Dad I said hi. I’ll see you both Sunday.”
“Don’t forget to make the garlic mashed potatoes. Your dad’s been requesting them, and he’ll only eat your recipe.”
Leah stretched out her legs underneath the table. “I’ll bring it. Bye, Mom.”
“Bye, sweetie.”
Leah placed her phone back on the table. Once she finished her meal and cleaned up, she changed into her pajamas. Sitting on the couch, she clutched a pillow to her chest. When she saw The Great Race playing, she shrieked. She then swayed in her seat as she sang along to the theme song.
As the movie played, she curled on her sofa still clutching her pillow. By the time the movie got to the intermission, Leah’s eyelids drooped. It was too early for her to go to bed, so she stayed in her spot, even as the theme song in the background lullabied her to sleep.
Her body jolted upright not too long after, hearing her cell buzz on the coffee table. Leah rubbed her eyes and swung her legs from the couch. She picked up her cell, spotting a text from Cole.
9:13 PM… Cole: Thanks 2 ur obsession w/ old films, im watchin ball of fire
The corners of her mouth quirked up. She adored the classic with Barbara Stanwyck and Gary Cooper. Leah yawned as she replied to his message.
9:16 PM… Leah: LOL im watchin the great race. Another Jack Lemmon & Tony Curtis classic
9:18 PM… Cole: LOL haven’t seen that one yet. Wats it about?
9:21 PM… Leah: Jack & tony r entertainers & race from New York to Paris. 2 funny
9:23 PM… Cole: I’ll add that one 2 my list since u say it’s funny
Leah stretched back on the couch as she texted back and forth with Cole. By the time ten o’clock struck the clock, they said goodnight to each other. She dragged her feet to bed, plopping on her mattress. She pulled the covers over her as sleep consumed her.
****
Cole toasted his glass with Seth. They sat at the wooden stools butting up against brass foot rails at the high counter of PV’s Bar and Grill. Patrons crowded tables and booths, their orders fulfilled by the wait staff. Brady, the bartender, freshened drinks standing in front of a wall of bottles, along with upside-down stem glasses in racks above. Cole stared at himself in the mirrored wall behind the bar which threw back reflections of neon signs. When he returned his glass to his napkin coaster, he eyed his brother.
Seth fidgeted. He kept rubbing the back of his head and wringing his hands together. When he shifted in his seat, as if to get comfortable, Cole raised an eyebrow.
“You cool, bro?” Cole asked. He picked up another fried pickle from his plate.
“She’s amazing,” Seth replied.
Cole furrowed his eyebrows. “Who? You met someone?”
Seth ran his fingers down his clean-shaven face. “Leah.”
Cole’s mood plummeted and his jaw tightened. History could not be repeating itself. It sounded all too familiar though. “Leah? What about her?”
“We hung out not too long ago. I told her we were still friends, but it’s crazy how old feelings can come rushing back. You know how crazy I was about her.”
Cole frowned. “I know you left her too. I was there.”
Seth dismissed his comment with a wave. “I know. You two were practically best friends, but we were kids. I had some growing up to do. Leah’s sweet, funny, and so beautiful.”
Her face imprinted in his mind since the photo shoot. He couldn’t stop staring into her chestnut eyes. They glistened like threads of gold. “Well, I heard her last relationship didn’t go too well.”
His brother nodded. “I know. I didn’t care too much for Brian. You’re lucky he moved before you came back to town.”
Cole’s curiosity rose. “Was he that bad?” Leah hadn’t shared the details of her breakup, so he didn’t press her.
Seth sipped from his glass. “He wasn’t a bad guy, but I think Leah could do better.”
Cole looked downward. “She deserves to be happy.”
“She’s incredible. That’s why I’m taking her out tonight.”
Cole choked. “What?” Leah agreed to go out with Seth? “What do you mean take her out?”
“There’s an outdoor drive-in Movie Theater outside of town. I’m not a fan of those old films, but I remember that Leah is. I’d thought I’d take her out and surprise her. Who knows, we might rekindle something.” Seth grinned.
“You can’t be serious?”
“I am.”
Every muscle in Cole’s body tensed. Jealously swept over him like fire. Yet, he kept his response calm as much as possible. “Maybe you should slow down. I don’t think Leah—”
“All she can say is no.” Seth’s eyebrows drew together. “I forgot how protective you were of her. It’s like she’s your little sister or something.”
“I don’t want you to get your hopes up. What if she doesn’t feel the same way?” Inwardly, Cole winced. Could he take another blow to his heart if she chose Seth over him again? What was there to choose? He hadn’t expressed what he was feeling.
What was he feeling anyway? Cole’s mouth turned down. He wasn’t clueless to his attraction to Leah. Even in high school, he couldn’t resist her bright eyes or deny his own thudding heartbeat every time she came around him.
During their senior year, they had grown closer than ever. She had been so heartbroken over Seth’s departure, that she refused other suitors throughout their last year in high school. Cole’s mouth had dropped when she asked him to be her date to their prom.
“What?” His eyes had bugged.
“I’m serious. I know I’ll have fun with you. I’m not interested in anyone but I don’t want to go alone.” She folded her hands together in a pleading gesture. “Please, Cole. I’ll feel better with you.”
A heavy feeling had overwhelmed his stomach. Yet, he asked, “Are you sure? Wouldn’t people get the wrong idea?”
She inched closer and clasped his arms. “You’re my friend. If anyone asks, we’ll tell the truth.”
That night had been unforgettable. They had paired with Gemma and Chase and had dinner at Caro
l’s Diner. From there, the group danced the night away before Cole escorted Leah back home. She then leaned over and kissed his cheek goodnight.
“You’re such a good friend, Cole,” she said with a beaming face.
Cole had watched her walk into her parents’ house. That night seemed so long ago, but still it brought the current anxiety that gnawed at him sitting at the bar. Friend. That’s what she saw him as. Would that ever change? If she knew how he really felt, would she give him a chance?
What made Seth better than him? Cole dismissed his last thought. He and Seth were two different people in their own right. Cole made a name for himself. People recognized his work round the world, not to mention all his travels he experienced. Still, sometimes his brother’s shadow still hovered over him like a dark cloud. How could he escape it?
Would it be a good idea to tell his brother about his own feelings for Leah? Silly flirtations were one thing, but anything deeper, he didn’t know how she felt. Though it had been years since the first time he tried to pour out his heart to her, Cole could still feel the slight sting of rejection. Her “friend” comment shattered his hopes of wanting more with her. She fit in his embrace when they danced at his studio. Why would she—
Seth’s buzzing cell phone interrupted Cole’s thoughts.
His brother sighed. “Oh no, Dad’s into one of his projects again.”
“Is he okay?” Cole asked. He hadn’t talked to his father since they had shared lunch.
“Yeah, but I’m going to stop by before heading over to meet with Leah. Then again, knowing Dad, this may take a while.”
“Maybe you should reschedule with her.”
Seth shook his head. “No, her schedule is crazy, and this was her only free night.” His eyes widened. “You keep her company until I get there.”
Cole’s eyebrows squeezed together. “Oh no, you’re not bringing me into this again.” The familiar routine resurfaced, and he wanted no part in it. He would keep Leah entertained until Seth came and swept her off her feet. Cole scratched his nose. “Why can’t you tell Mom you’re busy tonight?”
