She doesn’t say another word as Kami streams the first song on her class playlist, “MAMIII” by Becky G and Karol G. It’s a slow warm-up, and I keep up pretty well. Meanwhile, Stevie is struggling next to me, the same as Em. Cameron is hitting every move correctly. This is probably because he saw his girlfriend choreograph this over winter break.
My focus goes back to Stevie, who seems highly determined to hit every step and has her nose scrunched up in concentration. She looks innocent as always, but with a confident edge that wasn’t fully there before.
What does this class have to do with her list? It could’ve been to come to one class or—hold on. I never asked her why she made the list. Shit, did I reach the point of being so self-centered that I ignored everything she told me and only heard her asking me for help? I feel awful. I was such a selfish dick that night, and all she’s been is kind and trusting.
Two more songs play, and as soon as the first two-minute break begins, I try to take Stevie aside to talk, but she heads forher water bottle and talks to Em as if they’ve been best friends for months.
“You okay, man?” Cam asks.
“I’m fine.” I take a couple of gulps from my bottle.
He chuckles, clearly unconvinced by my response, but doesn’t push for more.
Em and Stevie come back as soon as the next song plays, and the rest of the class continues this way. I’m not able to speak to her during the five-minute break either, because Kamila also talks to her, and even Cameron joins the short conversation. For once, I am the odd man out, but I don’t care as long as I get to speak to Stevie tonight. Which shouldn’t be difficult, considering we live together.
Finally, the last song plays, and I rush toward Stevie before anyone else can. She’s faster than I thought, considering all my other girlfriends were short.
“Hey, can we talk? I’ll drive us back to the apartment. My car’s in the lot.”
She hardly glances at me, moves closer to the cubby, and waves goodbye to Em and the others. “Sure.”
I exhale and don’t waste any time when we step out of the gym.
“I was short with you the other day.”
She doesn’t respond but tilts her head.
“I’m sorry if I hurt you.”
She’s quick to reply to that one. “You didn’t.”
And there I go, sounding self-centered again. “I’m sorry for reacting the way I did without knowing the other things that were on the list.” I open the car door for her before she hesitates and sits in the passenger seat.
As soon as I sit in my spot, she speaks up. “You don’t need to help me, Levi. I understand where you’re coming from, even though the way you said it was a little…jerkish.” I nod, agreeing.“But I can do most of the things on my list alone, like learning how to dance.” She pauses. “Well, with Kamila’s help, but it still counts.”
Ah, her taking the class suddenly makes sense. Turning the engine on, I look at her, still feeling guilt in the pit of my stomach. I’m about to speak, but she quickly cuts me off.
“You’re not going to help me with the song, are you?”
Fuckkkk.I don’t respond. She knows the answer. I’m such a pussy.
“I’m sorry, Bam?—”
“There’s something else you can help me with.”
Exhaling, disappointed that she didn’t allow me to finish using the nickname I chose for her, I say, “Anything.”
She clears her throat. “Do you know any other musicians who would be willing to help me write the music and lyrics for my song?” She’s quick to specify. “Someone with experience and for a reasonable price? I asked my dad for money, so I’m all set with that.”
I’m silent for a moment while I process what she asked of me. She asked her dad for money when I would have done it for free, but I understand why she thought she needed it, since I had said no to start with. And my response remains the same because once again, I’m a pussy.
“Does this mean we’re good?”
I park a block away from our place.
She turns and smiles. “We’re good, Hotshot.”
Nodding and smiling, relieved, we both open the doors and get out of the car.
