Students filled the room fast, and just as I was deciding on a mixed CD, a hush fell over the space. I glanced up at the mirror to see Cody’s reflection as he walked in, followed by Liem.
Excited chatter erupted, and I bit back a smile at how fast Miss Lenny flew to their sides, Delly on her heels.
What kind of song mix should I choose for a class full of horny seniors and two young, hot men? Shrugging tomyself, I put the CD I was going to use back and pulled out a different one.
“Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica crackled through the room, and I led the class in a series of senior-friendly stretches during the intro.
Halfway through the long song, we got to work.
Cody stood in the corner with his arms crossed over his chest as Delly whisked Liem into the center of the room to teach him the steps.
His eyes cut to me when I came to his side, then back to Liem. Despite his imposing size and his general “don’t fuck with me” attitude, I recognized him for what he was.
He was like me.
When I shut down, I glared and pulled the strings of my jean shorts.
When he did, he glared and twirled the fidget ring on his index fingers.
“I saw Liem’s dance card on the website,” I said just loud enough to be heard over the music. “You planning to get a spot?”
He grunted. “Always.”
I extended my hand. “You better learn the steps, then.”
He narrowed his eyes and took my hand. “Well played.”
I guided him to the corner and whipped him into shape without mercy.
I may have been shit at texting Liem, but I could make sure he had the time of his life in two weeks at the gala.
The original of the song ended, and the Miley Cyrus and Elton John cover followed. Everyone was so caught up in their steps that they didn’t even complain.
I went to check on Mr. and Mrs. Hammond out of habit, then wanted to kick myself when I realized they weren’t here and that I hadn’t noticed until now.
“What’s that look for?” Cody asked, leading me in a basic sequence without major disaster. “I’m not doing that bad, am I?”
“I’m missing a couple of regulars.”
His hazel eyes, so similar to Adair’s, narrowed. “Then go find them,Cherie.”
The Cajun drawl almost distracted me from what he’d said, but not quite. Becausedamn.He was right. It really was that simple.
I handed him off to Liem toward the end of class, not wanting to deploy the thirst trap of the two of them flirting and dancing earlier while there was too much time left, and did a circuit of the room.
“Two more weeks!” Delly announced at the end of class. “Make sure you send your dance card links to your friends and family. If you need help to do that, see Jillie at the front desk or me around noon in the Zinnia House cafeteria! And don’t forget, glamor shots are tomorrow! If you want a super hot photo for your dance card, make sure you come by the art classroom after three! If you’re a Zinnia House resident, we’ll come to you, starting at ten in the morning.”
Delly’s enthusiasm for helping with the project hadn’t waned at all. She was basically our spokesperson, with me and Ari preferring the behind-the-scenes vibe. Ever since she took that meeting with Ari and Cole, she’d thrown herself into planning the glamor shots aspect, leaving most of the gala to me and Ari. Adair had chipped in, too, calling local restaurants while he convalesced on the couch and securing donations of food.
His proud smile when he’d announced the fruits of his labor had almost done me in as hard as seeing him crochet had.
Dozens of students swarmed Delly with questions, andI almost felt guilty for leaving her, but I had someone to find.
With a wave to her, a hug from Liem, and a nod to Cody, I was gone.
Instead of taking the elevator at Zinnia House, I took the stairs to the second floor, my momentum keeping nerves at bay.
Pinching the fabric of my dance skirt between my fingers, I walked straight to Apartment 2E and knocked.
