“Self-defense is a lot about attitude. If someone sees confidence in you, that alone is going to make them question themselves, right?”
“Right, that makes sense,” she nods.Damn, she looks cute in that tight little outfit.
“So if you ever find yourself in a difficult situation, you’re going to strike a strong pose and stare right at your opponent. Eye contact is important for two reasons,” I say.
“To unnerve them?” she asks.
“And so that you pay attention to every detail of what they’re about to do. It’ll always be in the eyes first,” I say.
“Sorry, guys, I have to go. I have serious FOMO about this, but it’s important. I’ll definitely join you next time, though,” Kaz says, groaning and pouting.
“We’ll miss you,” Maria teases.
“You better,” he smirks.
Kaz leaves, and Maria faces me again.
I keep the lesson relaxed and fun so that she stays engaged with me. The more focus I have from her, the more I can teach her, and she’s doing brilliantly.
“No, remember your feet?” I say, pointing at her sneakers. “Where should your left foot be?”
“Oh my goodness, I totally forgot.” She corrects her posture and stands stronger.
“Okay, do it again,” I nod.
Maria practices sequences over and over again without a single complaint. She works hard and pushes herself beyond what I expected her to do.
I guess that was my mistake…to underestimate her. It won’t happen again.
“You’re so patient and calm,” she says, breathless from practicing.
“I don’t see any point in being anything else?” I shrug.
“Not everyone has such good control over their emotions. Even I don’t. I get frustrated and annoyed over plenty of things that don’t matter.”
“Everything matters in its own way. Even if you don’t understand at the time why,” I say thoughtfully.
She goes quiet, focusing on the move again.
When she completes the spin and punch perfectly, she leaps into the air and yelps with excitement. “Did you see that!?” she shouts.
“I did, it was brilliant. You nailed it,” I say, enjoying her happiness.
“You’ve obviously taught people before?” she asks, grinning and breathless.
“I have. I taught my sister.”
“Oh, that’s sweet. Is she a kickass fighting queen now?” Maria asks.
I scoff. “Hardly. She hated it,” I laugh. “The only form of exercise she believes should be legal is surfing, and everything else is basically a form of attempted murder.” I shake my head.
Maria laughs loudly. A carefree, relaxed outburst of genuine amusement.
“I think I might get along with her. I, too, believe that exercise is a form of attempted murder.” Her cheeks are glowing, and her smile is tantalizing.
“But you’re doing so well!” I argue.
“I have a good teacher,” she says, her eyes roaming my body.
