by Ciana Stone
"Oh. Okay sure. Can I put my bag somewhere?"
"Right over here." He led the way to a long bench along the wall. Lula put her shoulder bag on the bench, took off her shoes and stripped off her sweat pants. She'd worn biking shorts, just in case she decided to join, she could work out.
"What do you want me to do?" She walked over to the rope.
"Just show me what can be done with a rope."
Lula showed him some basic moves, explaining as she did. "You can see that a lot of the moves require you to wind the rope around an ankle, wrist or leg. It's how you move up and down the rope."
She demonstrated and after a few minutes, descended to the floor to find that nearly everyone in the place was watching. And clapping. Lula smiled and lowered her head in a nod of appreciation.
"That's incredible," Dan said. "You wouldn't by chance, be interested in teaching a class, would you?"
"Maybe. What does it pay?"
"Free membership and twenty-five a class if we can get at least ten people signed up?"
"You have two," one of the women from the ring called out.
"Really?" Lula looked over at them.
"Hell yeah, girl, that's bad ass."
"Thanks." She smiled and turned her attention back to Dan. "But to be honest, women will tear their skin up on ropes like that. I'd suggest different ropes or silks."
"Okay, how about this? Do you have email?"
"Sure."
"Then email me what you think we need and how much space you need to teach a class. I'd figure the costs of start up, and class costs and if I can get enough interest, we'll do it."
"Okay, sure. Thanks Dan." She looked over at the rink. "And thank you."
Both the ladies climbed out of the ring and approached her. "Hi, I'm Reese Quinn," the tallest of the two said and stuck out a hand.
"Lula Sumpter. It's a pleasure. You're a doctor, right?"
"Of etomology."
"Bugs?" Lula took a stab at it.
"Yep."
"Interesting. And it's a pleasure."
"Same here." Reese dropped Lula's hand and gesture toward her companion. "Charli Judd."
"Deputy, correct?"
"Correct." Charli shook Lula's hand. "That was pretty amazing. How did you learn?"
"I was in gymnastics as long as I can remember. After that ended, I sort of gravitated toward aerial workouts then poles and – well, that's that."
"That requires extreme muscle control. If you and Dan get it worked out, we'll definitely sign up. And between the two of us we probably know more than enough women to make a class happen."
"Seriously?"
"Absolutely. Hey, we normally have breakfast after our workout. Want to join?"
"I'd love to, thanks."
"Great, we'll get changed."
"Okay, I'll wait."
She watched them hurry off, she presumed to the locker room then looked at Dan. "I appreciate you taking time for me. This is a nice place."
"Thanks, I'm proud of it. I'm guessing you're new to Cotton Creek."
"I am."
"How long have you been here?"
"About a month. Long enough to learn my way around and get settled."
"Did you buy a place?"
"No, I'm renting a place on Clear Spring Lake."
"It's nice out that way."
"Yes. I really like it."
"I'm guessing from your accent that you're not from around here?"
Lula smiled. "No, I grew up in Tallulah Fall, Georgia until I was fourteen and then we moved to New Orleans where my maternal grandmother lived."
"You're a long way from home."
"I am indeed."
"Is there a Mr. Sumpter?"
"As in husband? No."
"What about steady boyfriend?"
Lula hated to lie, but also hated just to hurt Dan's feelings, so she fudged just a bit. "As a matter of fact, I just got involved with someone."
"Bad timing," he said and smiled.
"Sure is. But you can never have too many friends, can you?"
"No, you sure can't. Hey, since you're waiting on Charli and Reese, why don't we go to the office and we can look online for the kind of ropes or silks you think we'd need."
"Sounds great. Let me grab my stuff."
She pulled on her pants, picked up her bag and returned to where Dan waited. "Lead the way."
By the time Charli and Reese came to find her, Lula and Dan had found what was needed and he'd promised to put up a flyer in the gym later in the day.
Lula thanked him and walked out with the other ladies. "We normally walk to the diner, but can drive if you want," Reese said.
"No, walking is fine."
"That was really cool stuff you did on the rope," Charli said. "How hard is that to learn?"
"Probably not very difficult either of you," Lula replied. "I mean you obviously have the strength. I don't know about flexibility, but that comes with practice and I imagine you are already fairly flexible, so bottom line, if you'd not afraid of heights—or falling, you should catch on quickly."
"And you do pole dancing as well?" Reese asked, then waved at a woman riding down the road who stuck her arm out the window and waved.
"Yes."
"It'd be cool to learn. I've seen videos and some of the people are amazing. Women and men. And talk about a great workout."
"It can be," Lula agreed.
"Let's cross here," Charli suggested. "How did you learn all that?"
"I was a gymnast in my younger days."
They waited for a couple of cars, then made their way to the other side. Just as they turned in the direction of the diner, Lula saw them. Walking across the street just ahead, was one of the biggest men she'd ever seen in her life. He had to be seven feet tall, or close to it. And good Lord was he handsome. His color led her to believe he was Native American.
With him was a man a bit shorter, but still quite tall, built like something from a woman's imagination and handsome as a dream. Both men lit up and smiled and Lula looked the women with her.
They were smiling as well. "You know those men?"
"The one on the right is my husband, Grady," Charli answered. "And the other is Mathias, Reese's fiancé."
"Good God."
"Yeah, right?" Charli laughed.
"Seriously." Lula agreed.
"Y'all headed for the diner?" The man Charli had named as her husband asked, as they drew near.
"We are. Want to join?"
"Always." Grady gave Charli a kiss and then smiled at Lula. "Grady Judd, ma'am."
"A pleasure Mr. Judd. Lula Sumpter."
"Pleasure is all mine. The short fella with me is Mathias Gray Horse."
"Nice to meet you, Lula." Mathias offered his hand.
"Same here."
"So, breakfast?" Reese asked.
"Yes, indeed." Mathias walked over to give her a kiss. "Good workout?"
"Charli always pushes me. Oh! Lula may be teaching ariel classes if Dan can get enough sign-ups. You should see her. She's amazing."
"Sounds interesting. Can men join?"
"Sure," Lula answered. "I know men who are great at it. Of course, most of them work as exotic dancers in women's clubs, but hey, nothing like learning some new moves for your woman."
Everyone got a laugh out of that. Within moments they were at the door of the diner. It took less than a minute for them to be seated. Just as they finished placing their orders, Cody Sweet and her father Billy entered.
"Well, hey there," Cody greeted everyone and then turned her full attention to Lula. "I see you're already making friends."
"Folks here are very nice," Lula replied and then added. "And thank you again for your help, Mr. Billy. I just love the little cottage. It already feels like home."
"I knew you would and am tickled pink, honey. If you need help with anything you just let me know now, you hear?"
"You're so kind. I really appreciate it. In fact, I was going to call. I'm maki
ng homemade plum jam from those plums you and Mrs. Stella gave me and thought you might like a jar."
"You know I would. Thank you, Lula."
"My pleasure."
"Well, we better get on to our table. I see mama and Hannah waving," Cody said. "Y'all have a wonderful day."
Everyone responded, and Lula was struck with the sincerity she heard in all the voices. She hadn't lied when she said everyone in Cotton Creek was nice. It was a beautiful little town, filled with friendly people. She was already in love with it.
"You know how to make homemade jam?" Charli asked.
"Sure, doesn't everyone?"
"Not me," Reese said. "I do good with scrambled eggs and steak."
"Well, it's not rocket science, girl and you're obviously smart as Einstein, so you shouldn't have any trouble learning."
"Yeah? You offering to teach me?"
"Sure. I need to pick up some canning jars and wax, so I won't start until Wednesday, if you want to come over. I can pick up some apples or more plums at the farmer's market."
"I'd love to."
"Great." Lula turned to Charli. "Want to join?"
"I do. How about you meet us for workout Wednesday and afterwards we'll head to your place."
"That'd be perfect."
After that, talk turned to who she had and had not met, and who everyone at the table wanted to introduce her to and before she knew it, breakfast was over. She was just picking up her napkin from her lap when everyone looked behind her.
"Hey Linc," Mathias said and smiled. "What's up?"
"Just meeting Wiley for breakfast. How're you, Grady?
"Couldn't be better. You think you'll have those horses taken care of by the end of the week?"
"Yeah, I plan on riding over tomorrow."
"Need a hand?" Mathias asked.
"Miss the farrier work?"
"Sometimes."
"Then meet me at seven and we'll get it to it. And my apology ladies. Reese, Charli and—"
Lula looked over her shoulder and smiled. "Well good morning, Thor. Imagine meeting you here."
"Nice surprise, for sure, Miss Lula." The smile he gave her was sexy enough to have her question her rule on casual sexual encounters.
"Indeed, it is. Well—" She pushed her chair back, plucked her ticket from the table and stood. "This was loads of fun. Thank you so much. Grady, Mathias, it was a real pleasure. And girls, I'll see you Wednesday."
She turned to face Linc. "Have a wonderful day."
"You, too."
"Why thank you."
With that, she sidestepped him and headed for the register to pay. As she left, she noticed him leaning on her vacant chair talking to the people she'd just left. Lula was willing to bet that her ears should be burning. Not that it bothered her. That was just the way of things.
It wouldn't be the first time she'd been the topic of gossip. And she would not be at all surprised to find that it wouldn't be the last.
Chapter Four
"Thor?" Molly asked then laughed. "Seriously? Thor?"
"I swear," Reese replied and set her glass of iced tea on the table. "And he wouldn't say anything except their paths had crossed."
"Interesting. So, tell me about this class she might teach."
"Look, I'll show you." Reese pulled out her phone and searched YouTube for a video. When she found one she handed the phone to Molly.
"Oh my god, that's incredible. She can do that?"
"Yeah, on a dang rope."
"Wonder where she learned?"
"I don't know. Maybe we should Google her."
"Oh, let's do. Would you grab my iPad? It's on the island."
Reese got up to fetch the tablet and handed it to Molly. "So, her name is Lula Sumpter?"
"Yeah."
Molly started the search. After a few moments she looked up. "Could it be Tallulah Christmas Sumpter?"
"I don't know. Is there a photo?"
Molly turned the tablet around and Reese stared in shock. "That's her. Younger but her. Holy shit. She's an Olympic medal winner in gymnastics. She said she used to be a gymnast."
"Silver. Twice. That's pretty impressive."
"It is. Anything else about her?"
Molly turned her attention back to the tablet. "Nothing after the second Olympics. Wow, that's something, huh? Wonder how she ended up in Cotton Creek?"
"I don't know, she didn't say."
"Well, I guess you can ask. You did say she's going to teach you to make jam, right?"
"She is." Reese grinned. "I've never done anything like that before. Have you?"
"Are you kidding? Do you forget who my grandmother is? Ouch!" Molly's hand went to her belly. "This kid is either going to be a soccer player or a track star because he never stops kicking and running.
"He?"
"Shh, don't tell. Wiley swears he doesn't want to know."
"My lips are zipped. Say, while I'm thinking about it, is it against rules or whatever to use Christmas poinsettias as wedding flowers?"
"I don't think so. Besides, it's your wedding so you can do whatever the heck you want. I'm not really sure about the time, though. The stroke of midnight on December 31st?"
"Yes, Mathias and I both want that. We spent the last moments of one year moving toward the first moments of togetherness in the new year."
"It is kind of romantic and what the heck. People love a wedding and New Year's Eve so it's a great time."
"I can't believe it's real."
"It's real, honey." Molly put her hand on top of Reese's. "And we're all so happy about it. You know as far as we're concerned, your family."
"I feel the same and thank you. This is the first time I've ever felt like I belonged somewhere and had family and I really like it. Oh, did Wiley tell you? Russell Walker agreed to six apiaries and butterfly breeding programs in six states and his brother has rounded up support from other big cooperatives for a dozen more."
"Yes, he did, and I think it's fantastic. We're going to heal the world and prevent hunger. God, it feels unreal to say that, but we really are going to do it, aren't we?"
"Yes, we are. I talked to Naomie last night and she's really enjoying staying with Mercy."
"I think they're both enjoying it. Naomie makes Mercy laugh. Heck she makes us all laugh. That girl is wide open, isn't she?"
"That's one way of putting it. I think she's planning on moving to Heritage in about a month. Mr. Walker's been pushing her to make the move sooner, but she said she wanted to get the SynthBee production facility up and running before she makes the move because once she gets there she wants to immerse herself in the breeding program."
"And not Mr. Walker?"
"She swears not and Naomie's pretty strong on sticking to her guns."
"From what you and Mathias say, there's some pretty strong chemistry between the two of them."
"It seemed so, and may be, but I know she has a pretty firm rule about not getting involved with co-workers or bosses, so I'm betting she'll hold fast no matter how appealing she thinks he is.
"And she did say there was a whole family of hot men there so I'm guessing she can keep herself entertained."
"No doubt."
"Okay, well, I better get in gear. Tell Mercy I said hi okay and ask if she's up for a morning walk tomorrow?"
"I'll have her call you. Have a good day, Reese."
"You too, Molly." Reese rose and started for the door but stopped at Molly's voice.
"Hey, when you see your new friend, how about inviting her over for lunch here. I'll ask Elisi and Naomie. You ask Charli, and I'll ask Mica and Trina, maybe Cody and Hannah and we can introduce her to people."
"That'd be great. I will. Talk to you soon."
"Okay. Bye."
As Reese headed for the office building of Venture, she thought about Lula. What would a two-time Olympic champion be doing in Cotton Creek? And what, exactly, was she doing there?
God you're turning into a busy body. Reese mentally scold
ed herself and finished up with a reminder that people reveal who they are in their own time and when they feel comfortable. Moreover, everyone had secrets.
Chances were, Lula's probably weren't near as big as the ones Reese continued to hide from all but the people she considered family. So, she'd be the last to cast stones.
*****
Lula had just brought in the last of the grocery bags and put them on the table when her phone rang. She fished it from her purse and looked at the caller ID. There was no name displayed so she hit ignore, put the phone on the table and started unloading groceries.
A Bing sound alerted her there was a voicemail. She pressed the speaker button then hit play. "Ms. Sumpter? Adam McCall here, Principal of Cotton Creek High School. I've gone over your application and am quite impressed. I wanted to see about setting up a time to talk about the possibility of you becoming a member of our faculty. Please give me a call at your earliest convenience."
Lula screamed through his recitation of his phone number. She'd almost given up hope that anyone would acknowledge her application. Now, with luck, she'd be able to give up dancing at the strip club and do something meaningful.
Of course, she could always work Friday and Saturday nights at the club. Heck she made more in two nights than she'd make all week working at the school and she'd depleted almost all her savings. It would be nice to be able to start saving again.
She danced around the kitchen as she put away the groceries. The move to Texas might end up being positive after all. If she got the job. Please, please let me get it. She sent up a wish and a prayer.
Her phone rang again, and she snatched it up. "Hello?"
"Hi, Lula."
"Thor? Is that you?"
Lincoln chuckled. "I can see I'm going to have to come up with a name for you?"
"Are you serious? How can you beat Tallulah Christmas?"
He chuckled again. "You have a point. Are you working tonight?"
"I work every night except Sunday."
"What time do you go in?"
"Nine to close."
"Want to have dinner before your shift?"
"I'd love to, but I normally sleep, work and then eat. Pole dancing and fully bellies don't mix well."
"Got it. So, after?"
