“You want to know what I think?” Levi states. He was the only one able to make it here. Em and Jake are both in studygroups. Either way, Levi and I hang out alone sometimes, just like Jake and Em do.
I lay my head on his shoulder. “Yes…no…I don’t know.”
“You’re going to forgive him eventually,” he says with an apologetic smile while I look at him in confusion. “Don’t give me that look, it’s true. Sure, it’ll take time and a lot of effort on his end, but it’s bound to happen. You love the guy.”
The last part of that statement hits me like a freight train.
Abe speaks next, holding back a smile. “I’m with Levi on this one.”
I shift uncomfortably. “I never said I loved him. I’m not sure if I do, and besides, saying it while punching someone doesn’t count in my book.”
“Either way, it’s only been five days. You expressed your dilemmas and pain.” Levi nudges me with his elbow. “You have to admit that what he said to you at the gym was kind of hot.”
Hiding a smile, I nudge him back. He’s right. Cameron’s words left me craving his touch.
“In all seriousness, you know what to do, and you’ll know what you want soon enough.” Levi sighs. “You don’t need my advice anymore, or Jake’s or Em’s.”
He’s right; I don’t need their advice. Most of the time, we don’t even listen to each other’s guidance. Why do friends do that?
We ask them to decipher our issues to give us ways in which we could go about fixing them. And while they take the time and effort into doing that, we either do the complete opposite or take no action at all.
Levi takes a sip of his drink, interrupting my thoughtful question. “That being said, when you guys get together, Jake and I have a little surprise for him.” He smirks behind his glass.
Before I’m able to ask what they have planned, Tara speaks.
“As much fun as this has been, I have to go back to my office and get some work done before I leave for the day.” Tara grabs abottle of water and starts to walk away when Abe says something.
“I actually have somethin’ to talk to you about, Tara.” He waves at the waitress near us, and she skips towards the bar. “Here, get some practice in.” He hands her his rag.
Tara walks ahead, and when Abe passes us, he leans down next to me. “Wish me luck.”
I open my mouth in surprise and smile. “It’s about damn time.”
He winks and disappears to the backroom.
Levi and I put our coats on and exit the bar.
“You sure you can’t come to the gym?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t. I have one more student to teach today, and it’s at the same time as your class.” He wraps his arms around me, kissing me on the forehead. “Either way, don’t hesitate to text or call if you need anything, okay?” I nod against his chest.
Levi Clarke: the sweetest and most loyal guy you’ll ever meet.
“You’re the best.”
“I know,” he whispers, before swinging his guitar case over his back and whistles down the block towards his apartment.
Thursday
Last Zumba class of the semester. It’s an odd feeling. I’ve had a couple of students come up to me from time to time asking about my playlist and Mom’s classes in the city. Some have even asked me if I wanted to do this as a career. I always respond with a no, and I’m definitely sticking to Public Relations, but I don’t think I’ll be ready to give this up when I graduate either. Dancing alone gives me a couple of hours a week to let go mentally and physically. My own kind of meditation.
Meanwhile, my mind is calmer than it was a couple of hours ago. The conversation with Levi at the bar helped, although, as I had guessed, the candy cane mocktail was not a good decision.
There are about five minutes left until everyone starts piling in, and I take advantage to stretch and clear my mind of all things Cameron and Ana. There’s no space left for David anymore, I got my closure with him.
Five minutes later my students are fixing their things and taking their places. I pull my playlist up and turn to speak to the class.
“Hi, everyone, happy end of the semester. It really means a lot to me that so many of you spread the word about this class and have inquired about taking them during your winter and summer breaks. I would also like to?—”
