An Exceptional Twist

by Kimi Flores

  They tossed the balls, as well as a bag full of yoga mats, into the back of Caleb’s SUV. Opening her door, he watched her hips sway as she took her seat.

  Once they were all seated and on the road, Leah spoke anxiously, “I really hope most of the kids can make it on such short notice.”

  “Why was it last minute?” And why is she worried about it?

  “One of the classes at the studio was cancelled because the instructor couldn’t make it this week, and I get the space whenever that happens.”

  “Don’t you have any set classes?”

  “Nope. Sometimes we get several spots in a row, but most of the time, I just take what I can get.” She shrugged her shoulders, as if she’d given up her fight a long time ago.

  “What about another studio?” Leaning his elbow on the window frame, he put his head in the palm of his hand and took a quick look at her.

  “Are you kidding? This is the only one that’ll even let us put our feet in the door.” She looked hopeful still, but there was some underlying defeat as well.

  “Why don’t you just rent a space somewhere?” he suggested.

  With a smartass expression, she pointed out, “We’re not all made of money, Stefen. I do okay financially, but there’s no way I could pay for my own space. I don’t charge the kids. Their families deal with enough.”

  “That’s very admirable.” Damn, this woman is amazing.

  “We all need to do what we can to give back, and this is what I have to offer. Plus, seeing them smile is an awesome reward.” Her gigantic smile was priceless.

  And he was starting to realize she had a heart to match.

  Leah was still nervous about how Stefen would react once the kids ran in and started hugging him. It was her favorite part of the class, but it could be overwhelming for anyone not used to being around kids that faced intellectual and physical disabilities.

  Will he judge them?

  Running a little behind schedule, she walked through the front door with Madison and Stefen in tow, carrying all of her extra equipment. Stefen’s arms were full.

  “Which one are we in tonight?” Leah asked the receptionist, then looked at Stefen as his eyes took in the older brick building.

  “Last door on the left.” Ugh. She hated that space.

  It was one of the original rooms in the studio and had a strange, musty odor. Stefen held the door for her again, and she tried to hide her grimace as they all walked down the long hallway, past a few other classrooms. All eyes naturally turned in their direction as he past.

  Oddly enough, Stefen didn’t even pay attention.

  His eyes are glued on me? What is he trying to prove?

  As soon as they entered the room, two of her students came barreling into her. “Ms. Leah!” they screamed in unison.

  Getting the wind knocked out of her, she laughed as soon as she caught her breath. “Hey guys, are you excited to get started tonight?”

  Simon spoke first, pointing at Stefen. “Yeah, but who’s the dude you brought?”

  Snickering, she understood. Her young student had Down Syndrome and was partial to being overprotective. Not to mention the fact that he had a crush on her and made it known to any male who stepped into the studio that Leah was off limits.

  “Do you remember Madison’s daddy, Caleb?” she asked him gently.

  “Yeah.” Simon appeared to be skeptical. Crossing his arms over his chest, he peered at Stefen through his thick bifocals.

  “Well, this is his cousin.” She motioned her hand toward Stefen.

  “And my uncle,” Madison chimed in as she trotted away with Amber, another student.

  Extending his hand, Stefen greeted Simon with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you.”

  Narrowing one eye, Simon looked at Stefen’s outstretched hand, then at his face like he was trying to see if he was for real. After a brief stare down, Simon accepted his handshake. “Ms. Leah is my girlfriend, and when I’m all grown up, she will be my wife.”

  “Good for you, man. She’s a real beauty.” Stefen glanced up at her, causing her breath to catch. He’s only saying it because of Simon, but man I love hearing Stefen call me beautiful.

  “Yeah, she is,” Simon agreed. “And she likes when I dance for her.” Simon began to strut his stuff in front of Stefen, shaking his hips and busting into his best running man.

  Stefen looked at him sincerely. “Dude, you have some serious moves. You’re gonna have to show me how to do those so I can find a girlfriend, too.”

  “Maybe later. I have class now.”

  A few other students had arrived, and after checking the time, Leah was disappointed that only five were able to come.

  Gathering the kids, she announced, “Okay guys, let’s begin.” With Madison directly behind her, everyone took their place, including Stefen.

  Facing the mirror, she couldn’t believe he was going to participate in the class and not just sit on the sidelines like the parents and caretakers. If that didn’t make her want to burst into tears, than scanning down to his now bare feet and pink toes surely would. There was a side to him that he kept hidden from the world and it was such a shame. She liked that he was opening himself up to her, though.

  The class did warm-up exercises with some of the equipment they’d brought, then performed the moves the kids had learned in the last session. The best part was watching the kids try to teach Stefen the moves. Gone was the stoic business man. He was different with these kids, acting silly and genuinely enjoying himself.

  Toward the end, Simon came up to her and tugged on her sleeve. “Ms. Leah.”

  “Yes, honey?” She toweled off the sweat from her neck.

  “I think Stefen is cool. You can hang out with him. I’m okay with it. And can he come next time, too?” He nodded to himself like he’d been thinking really hard about it.

  There was the reality. Stefen wouldn’t be coming to anymore classes. He was leaving.

  With a heavy heart, she gulped hard and looked at Stefen across the room, talking to a couple of her giggling female students. She bent down until she was at eye level with Simon. “No,

  hon, I’m sorry. He lives far away. He’s just visiting.”

  “Oh.” His shoulders slouched.

  She hated disappointing her kids.

  Then he burst out, “Maybe he’ll visit us again.” A bright smile broke on Simon’s face.

  She loved how quickly her kids could bounce back. If only it was that easy for her.

  Madison knocked out the second they were in the car. Stefen was still on a high from the dance class and wondered if he should share the reason he’d enjoyed himself so much.

  “You know,” he started, “there was a boy in my high school that had Down Syndrome. His name was Toby.” His chest constricted a little just mentioning his old friend. “We were kids, and none of us really paid much attention to him. But one day during senior year, my swim team and I found him doing laps in the pool before practice and, you know what?” He paused a moment to look at her.

  Wide eyes stared back, waiting for him to continue.

  “He was fast. Not quite as quick as the rest of us, but faster than the average person. Toby’s passion for swimming was contagious and we loved being around him.”

  He swallowed down the lump of emotion and pushed past his discomfort to tell her, “After talking to our coach, we decided to make him an honorary member of the team. Wherever we went, they knew that Toby would be opening the meet. He swam a handful of laps before any of us got in the water and would joke around, saying that he would pee so it was nice and warm for us.” This made him smile. It wasn’t a memory he shared with just anyone, but it felt really good to show Leah a deeper side of his life.

  “Stefen, that’s so inspiring.” Her eyes began to gloss over. “What happened to him?”

  Who knew we had something like this in common?

  A wave of grief passed over him, and he rubbed at his eyes. “He got really sick before one of our biggest
meets and ended up in the hospital.” Breathing deep, he swallowed hard. “We were all pulling for him and visited him whenever we could. We even had a parade in his honor. His mom set him up in a chair by the window, so he could see us march by with signs.”

  This part was even more difficult to share. Taking a big breath, he let it out slowly in an attempt to keep it together. He spoke softly as his voice tapered off. “He died shortly after.”

  He looked out the driver’s side window, blinking hard. He felt too vulnerable. “There were so many people at his funeral. A handful of members from every team we’d ever competed against were there, on top of our whole school, team, and everyone in our community that he had some kind of effect on. The speeches went on for hours. He touched so many lives in the short amount of time he was here.” His voice went soft as he really thought about it. “I can’t imagine I’ll have anywhere near half as many people at my funeral.”

  Taking a chance, he glanced over to Leah.

  Her lips quivered as she stared back at him, sniffling. “I’m so sorry.” She placed a tender hand on his forearm. “I understand. I’ve already lost one of my kids. There isn’t a more genuine or beautiful love than the one these kids bring into the world.”

  Trying not to let her reaction get to him, he continued, “Toby taught me a lot about life. Honestly, being around him was uncomfortable at first, but not because of his special needs. Seeing him give his heart away without reservation, and others doing the same in return, was just mind-boggling. My parents are not really the nurturing type, so selfless love wasn’t something I’d ever seen or experienced before.”

  Shit. Why did I just share that? It’s too personal.

  Pausing again, he wondered if he should share the rest. Finally, he added, “I was so intrigued by him, and I know I was blessed to have him in my life before he died. When I graduated from college, I got involved in the Special Olympics, in Toby’s honor. He was supposed to compete the summer after he passed. I don’t have a whole lot of time on my hands, but I’ve enjoyed helping out as a swim coach a couple of years. Working with these kids is so rewarding. Having to deal with the rest of society is the difficult part.” Gulping, he stared intensely out the windshield.

  Pulling into a parking spot behind her flower shop, he finally took another glance at Leah. That look in her eyes held so much. Admiration, surprise, and many other emotions he didn’t want to acknowledge.

  Shit, now I’ve done it. I let her in. I never let people in.

  What the hell am I going to do now?

  Leah was at a loss. She’d spent last Wednesday with “Uncle Stefen”, and now her emotions were going haywire. He bombarded her thoughts and fantasies nonstop.

  She felt something so strong from him, and she wanted more. But why him?

  Filled with regret that she’d let her guard down, Leah had to face the facts—Stefen was leaving next week. And it was totally going to destroy her heart.

  Her phone rang as she was pouring her first cup of coffee. Checking the caller ID, her double-crossing heart started to dance in her chest.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, beautiful. How’d you sleep?” Stefen’s rough voice sent her pulse racing.

  I can only imagine what he looks like right now, curled up in bed, wearing god only knows what. I’d like to wake up to that every morning.

  I need to stop.

  Brushing away that thought, she decided to taunt him. “I'm sorry, who is this?”

  “Hmm? It's Stefen. Don't you still have my number programmed into your phone?” He stopped for a moment before adding, “Were you expecting someone else?” She could practically hear his teeth gritting through the line.

  He had no claim on her. Though, she didn't exactly hate hearing his jealous tone. As painful as it was, she reminded herself that she also had no claim on him.

  Now she was bugged. “No, no one else. I was just joking,” she grumbled while playing with a loose string on her tank top.

  Sighing, Stefen said, “I was just wondering what time I should pick you up.” He sounded as though he was stretching out, and Leah’s mind wandered to visions of him in bed once more. Distracted in that thought a little too long, Stefen asked, “Leah? You still there?”

  Slapping her forehead to clear the images, she attempted to remember what he’d asked. “Why don’t I pick you up this time?” Who cares if he hates my minivan? It’s just a stupid car.

  Without hesitating, he blurted out, “No, that’s okay. I can come get you. Bri and your sister are going to meet us around three. It makes more sense if I have a car there.”

  Good save. Leah already knew their sisters were coming home from The San Francisco Bay area today, but she didn’t know what time since Dani hadn’t called.

  “I have to run some errands beforehand, so how about we just meet at the tour company’s office. Nine-thirty? I’ll text the address.” She could play this game. If that’s what he was doing.

  “Fine. I’ll see you at nine-thirty.” He huffed, obviously irritated that he wasn’t getting his way.

  She was noticing Stefen could go from zero to asshole in a very short amount of time. He could have such a shitty attitude. Why am I so attracted to him again? Visions of him in those board shorts filled her mind, and she slapped her forehead again.

  Oh, yeah. That’s why.

  Leah pulled into the parking lot and found Stefen leaning against his cousin's Range Rover. Still in the car, she allowed her eyes to linger over his low dark jeans, red t-shirt, and black combat boots. She’d never been so drawn to a guy before. Sure she had a high school crush that she occasionally wondered about, and the guy in college that broke her heart, but this was different.

  If their circumstances were different, she could see herself spending whatever time was needed to actually find out what Stefen hid under that mask.

  She needed to be mindful, though. Remind herself every second what kind of guy he was, or she’d do something stupid. There was no way she could trust him with her heart.

  Stefen opened the door as she was reaching for the handle.

  How did he get over here so fast?

  Grinning, she fluttered her eyelashes and thanked him. “What a gentleman,” Leah flirted, swinging her sock covered feet out the driver’s side door. Before getting out, she leaned back and stretched behind the passenger seat.

  “Where are your shoes?” Stefen scoffed at her fuzzy comfy socks.

  Shrugging, she wiggled her toes and wrinkled her nose. “I don't like to drive with them, especially heels or boots. I feel like I have more control of the car this way.”

  What smartass comment is he going to say about that?

  He only grinned warmly. “Bri does that, too. I've never understood it, but now I can tell her she isn't the only one.” He squatted down and held onto her feet.

  Taken aback, she jumped before picking up her brown riding boots from the backseat floor. She pulled one of her feet away as Stefen picked up one of the boots.

  “Let me help you.” There was that sexy smirk again.

  He placed her foot on his thigh to momentarily grip the boot with both hands. Holding onto her calf, he slowly led her foot inside of the boot, not breaking eye contact.

  She felt her chest rise up and down erratically, mortified that he’d noticed. If she had any doubts, they disappeared when he laughed quietly and led her other foot into the second boot.

  Lifting her hand, he pulled her out of the car into an embrace. Now he could feel her crazy heartbeat.

  Ugh!

  Just as he had done a few nights before, Stefen kissed her on the forehead. His lips were so soft. Too soft. No man’s lips were this soft. Leah had already fantasized countless times what it would be like to kiss them.

  “So?” Stefen gave her an inquiring look.

  “Huh? So what?” Did he ask me something?

  She’d been so busy dreaming about his lips that she missed his question.

  He snickered with a wi
cked look in his eyes, rubbing his palms together. “I asked if you’re ready to do this.”

  “Oh.” Letting out a nervous laugh. “Yeah, let me just put my things in the back.”

  Leaning in for her purse, Leah felt the heat of his gaze right on her butt. She snapped her head over her shoulder, self-conscious. Sure enough, Stefen's eyes were planted right on her ass.

  “Seriously, Stefen?” She glared, secretly loving his attention. It made her feel desirable, but she wasn’t about to let him know that. The last thing she wanted to do was to encourage his behavior. There was no way she could fight it if he came on even stronger.

  He shrugged unapologetically. “Sorry, I'm a guy. It's an automatic response when a stunning girl bends over in front of me.”

  He has no shame.

  Shaking her head, she strolled to the back of her van, popping open the back hatch with her remote control. He caught on and helped her open a compartment to put her purse in. Fishing through the bag, she pulled out a small wallet and her cell phone, tucking them into her too tight front jean pocket.

  What was I thinking squeezing into these? She looked down apprehensively. Hopefully my muffin top isn’t showing.

  Stefen nodded toward her pocket. “Today is my treat. You don't need your wallet.” He puffed his chest subconsciously.

  Narrowing her eyes at him, she told him like it was. “Actually, no it's not. I already paid for it, and I need my ID, so I'll be bringing my wallet.” Sassing him back felt fantastic as she swiveled around him and closed her hatchback.

  “Leah, I already told you that I don't let women pay,” he practically growled.

  Neanderthal man is back.

  She rolled her eyes, ignoring him. “Well, get over it. It’s already done.” Unable to help herself, she stuck her tongue out at him.

  Stefen remained beside her with his jaw tight. He was mad, but she didn't care.

  “Come on.” She waved him over. “Let's take that sour attitude of yours and see if we can change it with a little wine.” She sashayed away, thinking, he’ll catch up once he gets over himself.