While Marty helped another student, he was pleased to see Emma conversing with Leslie as they waited for another chance at the rock wall.
Halfway through the class, he sent Emma’s group over to work with Caleb and waited for the first group to head his way. While he was kept plenty busy, he still noted that Emma was trying the rings with Caleb’s assistance.
He knew firsthand how hard it was to try something new like this and was proud of her for taking the first step. Each subsequent class would get easier.
By the time the class was over, everyone was tired. Emma stepped off the gym mat as she brushed some of her wayward hair out of her eyes and reached for a bottle of water. Her face was flushed as she sank into a nearby chair. When Leslie stopped nearby, Emma laughed and said, “I have a feeling I’m going to have sore muscles in places I never even knew about.”
Leslie agreed with a laugh. “It was fun, though, wasn’t it?”
“It was. I’ll see you on Friday?”
“I’ll be here.” Leslie lifted her hand in a wave and left the gym.
Marty helped Caleb check the gym and make sure everything was in its place for the last class Caleb would coach. When he’d finished, he joined Caleb and Emma in the observation area. She’d cooled off some, her face no longer as flushed, and she looked happy. Tired, maybe. But happy.
“I’m glad you decided to try a class,” Caleb said as he leaned against a nearby wall. “So what did you think? Anything Marty and I should do differently from a student standpoint?”
She thought a moment before shaking her head. “It was great, organized, and informative. You are both taskmasters, but what are you gonna do?” Her eyes sparkled. “If I’m late to work tomorrow, you’ll know I couldn’t get out of bed because every muscle in my body hurts.”
Marty laughed, remembering well those first few weeks when he’d started ninja training. The sore muscles were real. “We’ll do some stretching tomorrow afternoon.” He paused. “If you’d like to.”
“That would be great.” She gave him a little smile.
Caleb pushed away from the wall. “Don’t forget we’re closed a week from Saturday for the competition in San Antonio. I signed up to compete. If you guys are in the area, you’re welcome to come watch. I find going to them, even as a spectator, inspires me to keep going in my own exercise routine.”
Marty had considered signing up himself but decided not to. Maybe next year. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
“It’d be great to see both of you there.” Caleb pointed to the door. “Alright, guys. Get out of here and have a good night.”
Emma smiled. “You, too.” She lifted a hand in farewell and left the building.
Marty was going to follow her, but Caleb stopped him. “You’ve been good for Emma, man. You got her to go to a class, something I’ve been trying to do for the last year.”
“I don’t know if I can take all the credit for that.” He wanted to mention her doctor’s appointment and the hypertension, but didn’t know if she’d told Caleb about it. The last thing Marty wanted to do was betray her confidence. “But I’m glad she’s attending the class. Besides, I think she might be good for me, too.”
Caleb nodded slowly, a knowing gleam in his eyes. “I think you’re probably right.”
“You know,” Caleb began, “you should see if you can get her to go to the competition on Saturday. It’d be good for her to go and see the kind of supportive community we’re a part of.”
“Yeah, I might do that.” Marty’s mind raced. How was he going to convince Emma to go? He couldn’t think of a single way to word it that didn’t make it sound like he was asking her out on a date.
* * *
Emma was exhaustedby the time she got home. In a good way, though. The class tonight had been harder than she’d imagined it would be. Even though her muscles ached, and she was in dire need of a shower, she felt better than she had in a long time.
Her thoughts drifted to Marty as she parked in front of her house. She’d been afraid it might be awkward having him—and even Caleb, for that matter—as a coach. But they’d both been great. Marty made her feel included without singling her out. He was good at what he did.
While there was still a lot about him she didn’t know, it was clear her first impressions of him had been wrong.
She was still smiling to herself when she entered the house. An amazing smell welcomed her and promised one of Emma’s favorite meals. She didn’t get to eat pizza often thanks to the heavy salt content. This smelled like Mom’s homemade pizza, and that was even better.
Emma ducked around the corner into the kitchen. “It smells incredible in here.”
Mom grinned and motioned to the timer on the stove. “Ten minutes, and we’ll be ready to eat.”
“Awesome. I’m going to take a fast shower. I’ll be down in a minute.”
Emma showered, changed into comfortable clothes, and entered the kitchen just as the timer dinged. Perfect. She helped carry drinks to the small table where Mom had already set the pizza.
