by Lym Cruz
“In the University of the Heart.” He laughed, clasping my shoulder. “Remember this little talk when you’re down on one knee proposing.”
“What the hell are you high on?”
“Wisdom.” He let go of my shoulder with a pat. “That is what I’m high on.”
I shook my head watching him saunter out of the breakroom.
For Christina and I the line was clear and well-drawn out. And it would never be anything close to lust or even friendship.
The next morning, she found me with the paper open on the table and the coffee maker sputtering quietly in the background. I didn’t need to look to know it was Christina. Her perfume announced her presence. With my eyes fixed on the paper, I reached for the top cupboard, pulled down a mug and poured myself some coffee.
The refrigerator door opened but I didn’t look at her. I poured cream into my mug, and then she screeched, “That’s my cream.”
Sluggishly, I lifted the carton and inspected it. “I don’t see a label on this.”
She marched over to me and snatched the carton from my hand. “You knew this was mine.” She deadpanned. “You’re trying to get under my skin, aren’t you?”
Her words made my lips quirk upwards with a wry smile. “You give yourself too much credit, sweetheart.”
She paced closer, aligning herself before me, and I stared in her dark eyes. She licked her lips bringing moisture to them. It wasn’t a calculated move, but I found it alluring all the same. Her lips were coated in a soft lilac color.
“Don’t call me sweetheart. I’m not sweet nor your heart.”
And just like that, the moment was gone. But I knew one thing for sure, I was tired of this.
I put the mug down, stood straight, looking down at her. “Christina, let’s call a truce for a minute.”
She hesitated. “Oh—Okay.”
“Why are you always trying to pick a fight with me? What did I ever do to you to make you hate me this much?”
“Now you’re the one giving yourself too much credit. I don’t go looking to pick fights with you. I—I.” An emotion flashed through her eyes. I couldn’t identify what it was. As quickly as it showed up, it was gone. “You’re annoying. You get on my nerves and you’re so uptight.”
I frowned, utterly confused. “I’m uptight? You barely even know me, how on earth did you come up with that assumption?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. Since I met you; your presence upsets me. When you’re around I can’t control my temper.” She raised her hands and dropped them on a head shake. “I just don’t know.”
“Try to explain? I wanna make things right.”
“Do you remember the day we met?”
“I—um, not really. Is it important? Did I do something that day?”
Hurt cut across her face. I shuffled through my memories, attempting to remember said day but nothing stood out. Honestly, I couldn’t remember anything relevant. It was years ago.
“Of course, you wouldn’t remember.” Her voice was low and sad.
“I’m getting a feeling that whatever you’re upset about began that night. What I can’t figure out is what I did?”
“That’s just the thing, you didn’t do anything.”
Now I was even more confused. I cupped the back of my neck. “I’m sorry for what I did or didn’t do that night. I’m sorry I called you crazy and a bitch. I’m sorry, Christina. I never intended on hurting you no matter what I did.” I put the most honesty I could into my words because it was true. “I want us to get along. I don’t know how to do this.” I pointed between us. “This fighting game.”
Her shoulders lowered; her stance shifted as if the ice surrounding her was melting. I couldn’t understand why she insisted on putting up this aggressive front when there was a better version of her hovering just beneath the surface.
She trapped her lower lip between her teeth and hung her head. When she raised her face, a small smile, that didn’t quite reach her eyes, crept across her lips.
“Fine,” she said in a near whisper and offered me her hand. I took her small palm in mine. It was smooth and pampered, just like the rest of her. Short fingers with cool bronze skin and a perfect manicure. To the touch, they were soft and warm. “Let’s be civil.”
Chapter Nine
Christina
We haven’t talked much since our ceasefire last week except for a few hellos and goodbyes here and there. I understood that at times I could be a little overbearing and unreasonable. However, like everything else in my life, I was working on it. At least I didn’t have to tiptoe around Ezra in the office, but then he was barely in away.
Today though was one of the rare days where Ezra stayed put. He hadn’t mysteriously runoff since morning nor had his phone had been buzzing that much.
Rubbing my eyes, I took a break from the computer screen and listened to the conversation floating around the office.
“Oh my God! I totally forgot,” Stacie bellowed, bringing her hand to her forehead. Her mouth agape. “God, how could I? I promised the kids I’d make them cupcakes.”
“Shit it’s today,” Frank muttered not so cheerfully.
“You can still buy them,” Sienna said, sitting up on her desk. “I know a store that sells the most delicious treats.”
“But I promised them homemade cupcakes,” Stacie countered. “I said I’d make them with all my love.”
“Just buy them with all your love instead,” Frank mumbled. “They won’t know the difference.”
“I have everything ready,” Sienna voiced with satisfaction. “I promised them each a bag of goodies. I’ll need to grab them later.” She grinned pleased with herself.
As they continued to make arrangements, my curiosity ramped.
“What’s tonight?” I said, pushing out of my chair and mimicking Sienna’s position. That way I could see everyone.
“Ezra teaches a dance class for kids around the neighborhood once a month,” Stacie answered. “It’s a charity thing. Everyone chips in with what they can for the kids, it makes for an entertaining night. It’s fun you should come.”
I moved my eyes to Ezra. He sat back in his chair with his hands linked behind his head. His lips rounded upwards. “It’s nothing big. A few kids from the community that have it rough. And, to be honest, they barely pay any attention to the class.” He chuckled. “It’s mostly goofing around. What gets them hyped up are the treats at the end. Stacie’s right you should come. The more the merrier.”
The news didn’t entirely surprise me. The fact that Ezra could dance was well-known. He never hid how much he enjoyed it. Yet, I was thrilled to know he had it in his heart to help the less privileged. When I was about to answer, his phone lit up. The name Rowan flashed on his screen. Unexpectedly, I pictured Rowan as the man who dropped by the office the other day. Swiftly, Ezra pushed forward, silenced the phone and flipped it around.
“Are you coming?” Stacie pressed.
“Um, yeah, sure. Do I need to bring anything?”
“Whatever you can,” Ezra said, “snacks, drinks, toys, clothes, really anything.”
“Oh, and wear something comfy,” Stacie emphasized, “we’ll be on our feet a lot and Ezra sometimes makes us all participate in whatever routine he is teaching.”
Nodding, I made a mental list of what I could take.
I carpooled with Stacie and Frank. By the time we reached the venue, Ezra, Sienna and the other volunteers were already there. There were about thirty kids lined up in five rows at the center of the space. Closer to the walls, surrounding the kids, were tables set up with food and drinks. At the far end, I saw two orange papers stuck on the wall that read: TOYS. Stacie guided me around the hall, introducing me to everyone on our path. I aided where I could and once all was set, I told Stacie I was going to drop off the stuffed animals I’d bought in the toybox.
I was almost reaching the box when all of a sudden, the kids clapped and cheered. Pivoting, I managed to catch Ezra stepping onto
the dance floor in a pair of black sweatpants and a white shirt. He positioned himself facing the kids and took a bow. With a hand motion, he asked them to settle down. It took a while before they did.
Once Ezra had the situation under control, he welcomed the kids and shouted, “Who’s ready to get sweaty?”
“Meeee!” The children yelled, jumping up and down.
“Soooo ... Let’s. Get. Started.”
More ecstatic noise came from the dancefloor. Ezra nodded to a guy on his right and an upbeat salsa rhythm took hold of the atmosphere. The melody had a brightness to it that stimulated the room. The waves of the tune commanded my body and automatically my hips swayed.
Chuckling, I stopped myself and dropped the toys in the box. More shouts of excitement filled the air. I reclined against the wall taking in the show. Seeing all those overstimulated kids reminded me of home.
My chest squeezed tightly. I missed my brothers and sisters. They were loud and messy but spending every night in an empty apartment wasn’t as enjoyable as I thought it would be. There was too much stillness—a foreign concept to me that I was adjusting to.
Ezra, with the help of Sienna and a few others, managed to get the kids settled down and into the lineup. He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside, uncovering a black sleeveless vest with a very low neckline. Through the mirror, I caught sight of his well-designated back and I gasped, completely mesmerized.
Every inch of the exposed flesh on his back had tattoos etched on it. Some were bright red, but the majority were drawn in black on his olive skin. I made out a rose and half a musical note. I peeled my gaze from the mirror and my eyes locked on his chest. Beneath his collarbone stood more ink. The calligraphy was narrow and elegant, curving in tendrils over his skin almost seductively. It was exquisite and hard to not stare at.
Ezra turned his back to the crowd clapping as he counted the kids in. Our eyes met through the mirror fleetingly and he winked. A flash of heat rushed up my neck and face. Ignoring the blush, I raked a hand through my hair and continued watching as his body moved effortlessly with the rhythm.
Ezra called a stunning woman to assist him and together they moved as a unit. She was good but not as good as he was. They twirled like liquid immersed by the tempo, flowing in graceful arcs, limbs in constant motion. So effortlessly and beautifully.
“Hey.” Stacie stood next to me. “He’s good, isn’t he?”
Absentmindedly, I said, “So good.”
Stacie giggled and I blinked, shifting my gaze to hers. “I mean he’s okay. I’ve seen him dance before. He’s a good dancer, um ...” I cleared my throat trying desperately to regain composure. “The guy can dance.”
“Here.” She handed me a napkin.
I scowled. “What’s this for?”
“To clean your mouth, honey. You’re drooling.”
I set my lips to a firm line. “Don’t,” I warned, shaking my head.
“But you gotta admit, he is fine.”
I rolled my eyes and moved away from her, towards the beverage table. It was hot all of the sudden, and I needed a drink. I pulled a plastic cup from the stack and filled it with water. I ogled the table replenished with the most delightful treats. I inhaled, trapping the breath in my lungs and stormed past it with my eyes closed.
Once I was on the other side, I breathed and opened my eyes that all on their own wandered to Ezra. He was so good with the kids.
“Everybody partner up,” Ezra announced.
A rough throat cleared behind me, and forced me to turn. It was Frank and his bright smile. He offered me his hands. “Wanna be my partner?”
With a frown, I scanned the room searching for Stacie. She was at Ezra’s side.
“She dumped me for the best dancer,” he gushed. “I may not be the best but I’ve got moves.”
I placed my hands on his and he wasted no time pulling me close. The entire room had coupled up and was following Ezra’s count. “One, two, cha-cha-cha ... three, four, cha-cha-cha ...”
“Ouch,” I cried when Frank stepped on my toes. I cocked my head to look at him. “You can’t dance for shit. No wonder Stacie bailed on you.”
Frank laughed
“Freestyle everyone,” Ezra’s voice boomed through the speakers. “Grab your partner and go craaazy.” He stretched out the word. “Forget the rules and just have fun.”
Before I could stop Frank, he whisked me off my feet and spun me around like I was a paper doll. I chortled, taking in the moment. It felt good to let go. When we were on the dancefloor, amid the fervent children, he set me down and did the moonwalk. I cheered him on and did my best to keep up with him. Frank swaggered back towards me, held on to my hand and twirled me round and round. I was getting dizzy and when he let me go, my front collided with Ezra’s hard, sweaty chest.
Without giving me a chance to protest, Ezra took my hand and placed it on his shoulder. His other hand snaked around my waist and pulled me closer to him. I gazed up at him. He had a beautiful grin. His dark brown hair was tousled, thick and lustrous. I’d never paid attention to the vigor of his features, as if chiseled from granite. His firm hands, slightly rough guided me as we swayed. His body was warm and toned as he hugged me. His touch delicate and his gaze held mine. I couldn’t help but blush. Again. His smile inched wider.
My legs buckled as the room continued to spin slightly around me and warmth flowed from his arm into my back and the surrounding chatter faded. In that fleeting moment, all that was left was the music and our gentle swaying, rocking me into a comfortable tempo.
Slowly, he lowered his head and his lips brushed my ear. He spoke in a deep but tender tone, “Are you having fun?”
I nodded unable to formulate words.
“By the way,” he breathed. “You look beautiful.”
Mentally, I assessed my clothes. It was nothing special, just a simple floral dress.
“Thank you,” I managed not wholly accepting his compliment.
During the dance, I imagined his perfect lips ripe for kissing on mine and … oh my God! I popped my eyes open and shook my head, trying to disregard the thought.
When the song ended, I breathed a sigh of relief. Everyone clapped and a break was called. The kids ran to the tables and the volunteers followed after them.
“I should go help,” I said, my voice trembling.
“Sure.” Ezra squeezed my shoulder ever so tenderly. “Go ahead.”
The back of my knees trembled and I had to pause, steadying myself, before taking a step.
Two hours later, we were packing and clearing the hall. The children were gone and the only voices left laughing and chatting were those of the adults.
“I noticed what you and Frank did,” I said to Stacie, tossing empty cans into the trash bin.
She shrugged, not a trace of regret on her face. “You make a beautiful couple. You should have seen yourselves dance.”
“The two of you should just cut it out. Ezra and I are friends, and barely that. Nothing more.”
“When I said couple, I meant dance couple, honey.” She smirked. “But if the thought has crossed your mind then, who knows?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Nothing crossed my mind.”
“Whatever you say, girl.”
“When’s the next event?” I asked to change the topic.
“Not entirely sure. There is a sign-up sheet and you get an email with the date and stuff. Usually, Ezra reminds me a few days before.”
“He’s really invested in this project, isn’t he?”
“Sure is. Last month, he donated twenty thousand to help offset the costs.”
“Wow!”
“I know, right?”
“He’s very generous,” Sienna said, making her presence known. “I asked him about it, and he said it was some cash he’d been saving.”
“He cares about the kids,” Stacie added. “He’s affectionate, kind, considerate—”
Rolling my eyes, I cut her off. “Stop singing his prai
ses.”
I scanned the room, searching for him but Ezra was nowhere to be seen.
“Ezra’s gone.” Stacie chuckled. “Left about five minutes ago.”
“I wasn’t looking for him.”
“Sure.”
On my way home, I typed out a message to Erica and Melissa.
Christina: You guys won’t believe what happened tonight.
Christina: Ezra’s a nice guy!
Christina: he helps poor kids and all.
My hands hovered over the keys debating whether to send the next text. I knew they’d freak out but I wanted to grasp Melissa’s reaction.
Christina: I thought about kissing him.
Before I could change my mind, I hit send.
Tonight had been full of surprises. Even with everything that I learned about him, I tucked my emotions away. I couldn’t afford to let those feelings strengthen only to have my heart crushed yet again.
Instead, I looked at my phone, expecting to find a swarm of text notifications from my friends, but there were none. I opened my last sent message. My eyes flew open and my neck heated as a ball of embarrassment grew inside of me to an overwhelming point. I prayed for the earth to swallow me whole.
“This didn’t happen,” I mumbled.
Chapter Ten
Ezra
Christina: You guys won’t believe what happened tonight.
Christina: Ezra’s a nice guy!
Christina: he helps poor kids and all.
Christina: I thought about kissing him.
The messages were on my phone’s screen but I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Either the texts weren’t meant for me or it was some kind of practical joke. I read them again. She thought about kissing me? I smiled despite myself. The thought had crossed my mind especially after our dance tonight.
She was so docile and meek, allowing me to lead her across the dancefloor unlike the force of nature I’m used to. I always suspected there was much more to her. I locked my phone, placing it on my side.
