Kade’s wife Sally had started running a bath to help with her labor pains, then they decided they needed to get to hospital. In all the commotion with the car, she clearly forgot to switch the taps off. I’d just been left alone with their little boy Owen and Snoop, the dog, when water started pouring through the ceiling.
“Don’t worry buddy,” I say to Owen, who’s clinging onto my shoulder for dear life and bawling. Snoop is excitedly barking and puts his big paws on the wall to try and lap up the water. I run out of the kitchen and up the stairs two at a time. Owen stops crying, thinking this is a game. His eyes are wide. The dog runs along behind me, still barking. I’m surprised the neighbors haven’t complained yet.
There’s a stream of water coming from the bathroom door and I run in. Owen starts laughing at the sight of the overflowing bath. I manage to turn off the taps and pull out the plug in one movement, then watch as the water starts to go down. Snoop runs in and looks joyfully at the water, takes an enormous leap and plunges into the bathtub, spraying us with water. I can’t help cracking up and Owen joins in. I swear the dog is laughing too as he sits there with an expression of glee on his face. Judging by the color of the water, he needed a bath anyway.
Four hours later, Owen is having a nap and so is the dog. I’ve mopped up all the water and the damage doesn’t look too bad. Aron texted me to let me know the twins have been delivered safely. Once Kade’s Mom arrives to take over, I hotfoot it out to the car with one thing in mind - seeing Alyssa. Except I have Snoop in tow, since Kade’s Mom is taking Owen to meet his new sisters at the hospital and apparently the dog needs company.
Alyssa and I are meant to be having a session today, so I head straight for the gym. As I walk in, Ivar looks up.
“Well done on the childcare. And puppy care. Or is it more of a hellbeast? Anyway, who knew a lug like you had it in him, eh?” Ivar can’t help teasing me.
“I used to babysit you, you big lummox. Where’s Alyssa?” I push past him to look at the big glass window behind the reception area that looks into the main gym.
“She left about twenty minutes ago. What a pretty girl, she seemed sorta blue though. Even my best joke only got a little smile.” He shrugs.
“Do you know where she went?” I put my hands on the counter. Snoop puts his paws up too.
“Woah, dude. You look like you’re going to punch me if I don’t tell you straight away. And your backup is intense. I surrender.” He raises his hands up.
I stare at him. “Ivar.”
“She said she was going back to the salon. Are you okay, bro?” He inclines his head to get a better view of my face but I turn on my heel and march out. Snoop seems to enjoy being taken along on this mission, since he’s keeping close to my heels.
I can’t waste time.
All I wanted to do when I woke up this morning was tell Alyssa I’d fallen in love with her and that we’d work it out. That me being her trainer didn’t matter. That it had never happened before with anyone I’d trained and would never happen again. Because I only want her, from now on. If she wants me.
I drive to the salon instead of walking. Snoop fills up most of the back seat of the car and he’s panting in my ear during the drive. When we arrive, I grab his leash and head inside. There are a row of old ladies under those hood dryer things and Alyssa’s boss is at the reception desk holding Cindy, his tiny dog. Snoop sits down and looks at the little Chihuahua with a friendly expression.
Dale doesn’t smile. “I don’t know what your game is, but I know you’ve upset Alyssa. And that girl isprecious. So if you’re going to cause her any pain, you just turn right around and walk out of my salon.”
“I’m not. We had a misunderstanding. And I think maybe her sister got in the way.” I rub Snoop’s ears.
“Well, that wouldn’t be the first time Maisie’s caused drama. Lys is in the back. But we’re all watching you, Mister.” He points to the back of the salon. I hand Dale Snoop’s lead and before he has time to protest, walk to the back of the salon, watched by Dale, the two dogs and the row of old ladies under the hairdryers.
Alyssa’s putting away bottles when I walk in with her back to me. I just want to run over and throw my arms around her, but instead I clear my throat.
“Hey there, beautiful.” I say as she turns her head round, her cheeks flushed.
“What are you doing here?” Her voice is quiet.
“I’ve come to see you. Your sister wasn’t too friendly this morning. Did you get my note?” I walk slowly towards her.
“Um, no. I didn’t get a note. But I’ve had my session at the gym. With your brother. I think it’s clear we can’t work out together. Which is a shame. But I don’t want to sneak around. I’m sorry, I like you too much for that. I’m no one's dirty secret.” She’s not smiling.
“Alyssa…” I start, wanting to take her in my arms again.
“It’s nice that you’ve come to see me but I wish you’d stayed this morning. And then changing the session so your brother did it - it felt weird. Do they all know already? I’m not into being some gym groupie, Cole. You better leave.” She marches past me into the main salon.
My mouth drops open. I think I love her even more like this. I’ve seen the vulnerable side where she hides her trophies in a closet but now I’m appreciating how she stands up for herself too. I spin round and follow her.
“Alyssa. Wait.” I have to shout over the noise of the hairdryers.
She stops walking and turns to face me. Dale walks over to the old ladies and presses a button and all the dryers stop. They all stare at me in silence, even the dogs.
“This morning before you woke up, I got a text from my brother. His best friend’s wife had gone into labor and their car had broken down. He went to take them to hospital, I drove to their place to look after their kid and their dog. I left you a note, which I guess your sister threw in the trash. All I wanted was to stay in bed with you this morning. Our night was perfect. You are perfect. I’m in love with you, Alyssa and I want everyone to know it. My brother only trained you because I was taking care of the kid and the dog...” I stop to draw breath.
Alyssa’s watching me, her mouth slightly open in surprise.
