by Nicole Casey
Or maybe I was just carrying a chip on my shoulder.
In any case, it was something which seemed to follow me from each walk of life, no matter how diverse.
“Who is it?” Mal asked with interest. I knew his curiosity was not based on jealousy. Our relationship was not like that.
We were friends with benefits and we preferred it that way, no matter what Chase or anyone else thought.
“The client who drove me home,” I replied. “His name is Slade.”
Chase chortled in his usual, flair for the dramatic way.
“Slade?” he echoed, saying it with a British accent for panache. “Is he gay?”
“Hands off, sister,” I growled. “I found him first.”
“Maya, a client?” Malcolm interrupted, and I saw a glimmer of concern in his eye. “Is that a good idea?”
“It’s just dinner, Mal. There’s no harm in meeting him for dinner.”
But Mal’s expression told me he was not convinced.
“You have gone down this road before,” he reminded me, and I bristled at the memory.
“I have learned from my past mistakes,” I retorted. “Anyway, I laid it all out for him and he understands it’s not going anywhere.”
“He says that,” Chase mumbled. “They always say that and then when they find out there’s another one or two or three –”
“Why do you guys always have to rain on my parade? It’s a freaking dinner date. Stop getting your panties in a knot.”
My cell rang in the front room and I hurried to answer it, not wanting to discuss my personal life with them further.
After all, what the hell did they know about anything?
3
Troy
“Take a deep breath…hold…exhale.”
I followed her instructions, my eyes closed as I listened to her calming, mellifluous voice.
“And again, deep breath…hold…and exhale. That is all for tonight, class. Thank you for joining us amidst the weather. Safe travels home and we hope to see you soon. Namaste.”
I parted my lids and watched as Maya rose easily from her lotus position and smiled sweetly at the room.
She acts as if they are all first timers, I thought admiringly as she filtered through the room, sipping on a bottle of water.
A towel hung lazily over her shoulder and I could make out every curve of her body in the frame hugging Lululemon yoga suit she wore.
Even if I couldn’t, I mused silently. I’m sure I know what she looks like naked. I see her every night in my dreams after all.
“Hi stranger!” she called as she approached me, her beam widening. “I haven’t seen you here in weeks! I thought you had given up on the idea of living well.”
I could hear the jest in her voice, but I felt embarrassed all the same.
Shaking my head, I grinned sheepishly, her smile infectious.
“I got busy,” I told her lamely and she chuckled.
“I’m just bugging you, Troy. I’m glad to see you, especially tonight. Half the class didn’t show. It’s coming down badly tonight.”
“It’s been going pretty strong all day,” I agreed. “But it should let up into the morning. Anyway, you can’t keep me away now that I’m back!”
“Well I hope you keep it up. I can see you’re pale again. Have you been drinking your greens?”
I nodded but I was lying.
It’s not a lie if you don’t say it aloud, I decided although I’m not sure where I developed that theory.
It didn’t matter, I had Maya Viera’s attention, however fleeting. I wasn’t going to let her go so easily.
She had been on my mind a lot lately, especially after things had gone south with Regan.
“Yes, but I don’t think the greens are working for me like they used to. I was hoping that maybe you could make some more recommendations for me…”
I trailed off and turned my dark eyes on her, hoping that I looked inquisitive and not merely desperate to hold her in conversation.
To my relief, her green irises brightened, and she nodded.
“Yes,” she agreed. “I’ve heard that greens don’t agree with all body types. I will make you a list but only if you promise to come to class more often!”
I nodded and blushed slightly, not wanting her to see the expression on my face.
I will! I promised silently. I’m single now and nothing will hold me back.
“It’s a deal,” I replied, nonchalantly. “My schedule has freed up, so I have more time for yoga.”
“Great!” Maya chirped, and I could see I was about to lose her as her gaze shifted beyond my shoulder.
“Uh, one more thing,” I stuttered, and she glanced back at me, but I couldn’t help but notice that her attention was split.
“What’s that?” she asked but I didn’t want to keep her.
No, I told myself. When I ask her out, it will be when she is paying attention and interested. That way she can reject me without a second thought.
“Actually, never mind,” I said quickly, turning away. “I’m late for an appointment.”
Maya laughed.
“Okay, we’ll catch up another time. My date is getting impatient too.”
Before I could stop myself, I whipped my head around and looked where she had been staring.
A slender blonde man with curly hair and bright blue eyes was staring after Maya as if his gaze was magnetically drawn to her.
Oh my God, I thought, a sick feeling washing through me. Do I look that pathetic when I stare at Maya too?
The man was oozing hopelessness and I was embarrassed for him.
But not surprised.
There was just something about Maya. Everyone could see it.
It wasn’t a specific quality or any particular thing she did or said.
It was everything in one sweet-faced fluid package.
The way she made you feel when she walked into a room, the way the dim lighting caught her dark red hair inside the yoga studio or the glint in her emerald orbs when her gaze fell upon you.
I had been in love with her since the first time I had landed in her class over six months ago.
Of course, I had been with Regan then and I knew my fascination with Maya was a crush which would never be requited.
Or so I had thought at the time.
But ever since I had finally walked away from Regan’s lying, cheating ways, I had been unable to get the idea of the petite ginger from my head.
My knuckles still clenched every time I thought of the way Regan had betrayed me, but something told me that Maya Viera could wash away the bad taste in my mouth which my ex-girlfriend had left behind.
I knew I had to see Maya again and see if the attraction I had harbored was still there.
When the lithe yoga instructor had taken her spot at the front, I felt as if I had been smacked in the face with a wave of adoration for her.
That night was the first time the place was not spilling over. Maya classes were always booked solid which was unsurprising; her aura was enough to alleviate anyone’s stress.
You didn’t even need to do the exercises; being in her shadow was therapeutic enough for anyone.
The rain had been my motivation for biting the bullet and going to the session that night.
I figured that I would have the opportunity to get her alone and choke out the date invitation I had been smothering on for half a year.
But it seemed like I never had a chance.
And now she was seeing someone.
I watched in devastation as she met with the man and they disappeared into the lobby together.
“You look like your dog just died.”
I glanced up and tried to force a smile, but it didn’t happen.
“I feel like he did,” I murmured, trying to remember the name of the man who stood at my side.
He was a good friend of Maya’s and I thought he taught meditation or did reiki or something.
I didn’t really care; he wasn’t Maya. She
was the only reason I kept going back to the studio in Oriental even though I lived in Minnesott Beach.
His name didn’t come to me, but I was in no mood to make introductions. I needed to lick my wounds and move on.
I would have to find a plan B to catch her attention.
But what if it’s not serious and I didn’t ask. Maybe I should just ask her anyway. I’ll come back tomorrow and -
“Do you have a dog?”
The question caught me slightly off guard.
I eyed the giant standing beside me warily.
“Yes,” I replied politely. “A poodle. His name is Barker.”
The man laughed loudly, attracting the attention of the other members of the class.
“Barker! Ha ha ha! That’s comical! She’ll love that!”
I turned my head fully.
“Who will love that?” I asked, confused by the entire conversation.
My head was swimming and I didn’t feel like talking anymore.
“Maya,” he replied. “You’re staring after her like…Barker.”
He snorted at his own joke, but I was not amused.
I turned, disinterested in anything else Maya’s friend had to say.
“There’s nothing going on between her and that guy,” he called after me and I couldn’t stop myself from freezing in my tracks.
“How do you know?” I demanded, whirling to stare. He shrugged his massive shoulders.
“Because Maya is not one to be tied down to any man. She is much too free a spirit for that.”
I felt my eyes narrowing.
“How do you know so much about Maya?”
He grimaced.
“I’m Malcolm Trainor. I own this studio. Maya lives in my house. Trust me, if anyone knows Maya, I would say it’s me.”
Suddenly, I was very interested in what this man had to say.
If I can get in good with Malcolm and he is Maya’s best friend, that could go a long way. Maybe he’ll even put in a good word for me and Malcolm can be my wing man or something.
Plan B was taking shape in my mind after all.
“So, you don’t think anything is really happening with her and that guy?” I asked optimistically, and Malcolm scoffed.
“I can guarantee it,” he replied.
He cast me a sidelong look.
“You did hear what I said, right?” he asked but I was only half-listening.
So, there is hope for me yet.
I almost kissed the bear at my side with gratitude.
“Hey!” he growled. “Did you hear me?”
“Yeah, of course,” I fibbed. I was too busy planning my next move.
I would have to spend more time in Oriental, get to know Maya’s schedule better…
“What’s your name again? I’ve seen you in here before,” Malcolm interrupted my thoughts again.
“Troy Caspian.”
Malcolm grabbed my hand and pulled me toward him, startling me from my amorous thoughts.
“Troy, listen to me,” he urged. “I meant what I said. Maya Viera will not settle down for any man. It is not in her nature. It is not her style.”
I wriggled out of his firm grasp and nodded.
“I understand,” I replied but I still didn’t heed the meaning behind his words.
I was far too excited to know that Maya could be tangible after all.
Malcolm sighed and turned away.
“You guys never learn,” I heard him mumble but I didn’t put any stock into his words.
“Malcolm!” I called after him. “When is Maya teaching next?”
“Tomorrow at noon,” he muttered as he walked away.
Obviously I can’t do that because of work but I will find out another time to come and see her. Or maybe I can sneak out of work early or take an extra-long lunch…
I knew I would work it out.
I was filled with excitement at the prospects for the future.
Or maybe I was getting ahead of myself.
Would Maya even consider a man like me for a boyfriend?
I was average looking at best although I was told that I had nice eyes and a great smile.
And don’t forget I’m flipping hilarious. What woman wouldn’t want a man with a sense of humor?
As I gave myself a pep talk, I noticed that everyone had begun to filter out of the room and I was standing there alone like a daydreaming fool.
A hot stain reddened my cheeks and I gathered my bag, beelining it for the door.
I pushed my way into the driving rain and abruptly, Malcolm’s words came smacking back at me like a ton of bricks.
“I meant what I said. Maya Viera will not settle down for any man. It is not in her nature. It is not her style…you guys never learn…”
I stopped walking, allowing the rain to pour down over me as I finally comprehended what Maya’s housemate was trying to tell me.
There’s nothing between Maya and that guy because she will never take anyone seriously. She doesn’t believe in relationships. I have just as much a chance as everyone else at claiming Maya as my own. There is a zero percent chance that will happen.
The doubt and disappointment I had felt before speaking with Malcolm hit me again and I shook my head in defiance.
No, I told myself. Maya has been let down by other men or she has daddy issues or whatever. I will make her see that not all men are bad. I can make her mine.
With new resolve, I raised my head and made my way to my car.
I was going to be Maya Viera’s boyfriend. I had never been so determined to do anything in my life.
I promise that when you finally see me, baby, you’re never going to remember a time when I wasn’t around. I just leave that much of an impression. Just ask Regan.
4
Maya
Our date was one of the nicer I had been on from a cosmetic standpoint.
Slade picked me up from the yoga studio where I was hardly dressed to impress. I had been expecting some fast food dining experience, maybe the Outback or Red Lobster but he shocked me by taking me to one of the only five-star restaurants in Oriental.
“It was short notice,” he apologized when we were seated inside the crystal encrusted Station House in a private booth. “There’s a wonderful restaurant in Vandemere which I would have loved to have taken you but…”
He trailed off, but I knew what he was thinking; next time.
I wasn’t uncomfortable, despite being tragically underdressed for the occasion.
Embarrassment wasn’t something that came easily to me, unlike so many other women I knew.
Vyolet would be mortified being caught at a place like this in a pair of jeans and a tank top, I thought, envisioning my sister’s face in such a scenario.
“You’re smiling,” Slade commented, leaning across the table to reach for my hand.
Subtly, I pulled my hand back and cocked my head to the side flirtatiously.
Again, the apprehension I had been feeling about accepting the date was resurfacing.
Disappointment colored his face as I sat against my chair, my body out of his reach.
“I’m always smiling,” I replied lightly. “I have much to be happy about.”
Slade’s blue eyes widened.
“Really?” he asked, seeming dubious. “You may be the first woman in the history of time who has ever uttered those words.”
A spark of annoyance shivered through me, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
“Well that’s the biggest stereotype I’ve ever heard,” I said. “Are all women ungrateful then?”
His face turned pale and he shook his head.
“Oh no!” he cried, loudly enough to raise reproving eyebrows from neighboring tables. “That’s not what I meant at all!”
I forced myself to grin again although I could not shake the feeling that I had walked into a bad situation.
“I’m an investment banker,” he told me suddenly and it immediately made sense. His almost palpable stress l
evels, his rigid structure.
I bet he hasn’t slept a full night in ten years.
I nodded understandingly.
“You’re used to seeing greed in all walks of life,” I declared. “Trophy wives, cutthroat execs, the works?”
He nodded vehemently, his eyes brightening.
“That’s exactly what I meant,” he exhaled with relief. “It wasn’t some misogynistic dig, I promise.”
I laughed and shrugged.
“Some people fall into the right stereotypes but that doesn’t mean all stereotypes are right, right?”
He laughed and raised a glass in silent toast.
“I can’t believe how easy you are to talk to,” Slade said, and I lowered my eyes. It was something I heard often from people.
I chalked it up to being comfortable in my own skin and having empathy for others. It was amazing to me how many people can’t walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.
People lived to hear themselves speak, to be right, to be heard. It wasn’t often that someone feels they are speaking, getting a point across or being heard.
Interestingly, I found Slade equally charming in conversation.
It was not one sided in the least despite my sly attempts to subtly wrangle information out of him.
“Do you like your job?” I asked him and instantly the light disappeared from his eyes.
I’ll take that as a “no.”
“It’s allows me certain freedoms I wouldn’t have in another situation,” he replied evasively, and I laughed aloud.
“What’s so funny?” he demanded but I could see he knew what I was thinking.
“I’m not one of your one percent friends,” I told him teasingly. “You can answer me honestly. I can see how much stress you carry on your shoulders. I told you that this morning before I knew anything about you. How is your headache by the way?”
Slade sighed and shook his head.
“It’s perpetual,” he replied quietly. “It never really goes away.”
“Do you think that’s from your job?” I asked, wondering if he had another misguided excuse for his stress-related pain.
“Oh most definitely. I never had a headache in my life before I started at Charter-Abrams.”
I laughed at his frankness, but I was still curious.
