Now that she was standing beside Manny, she could watch.
The sparring wasn’t vicious, just unrelenting. One man ducked a punch, rolled into a counter, and the thud of impact echoed off the walls. A woman landed a clean kick to the midsection. She looked strong in ways that had nothing to do with body type and everything to do with intent.
Bea watched, arms folded loosely across her chest. The air smelled like sweat, leather, and something electric.
Not violence—discipline.
“What do you think?” Manny asked her.
Bea’s eyes were still on the mat. The woman in the corner had just landed a clean combo. Her partner stumbled back, then nodded once.
Bea answered, “I’ll keep it in mind.”
“You’re getting more tempted every time.” He grinned, then glanced sidelong at Lillian, who immediately shook her head, wide-eyed.
“No, thanks.”
They waved goodbye.
Bea and Lillian stepped out into the cold, their breath fogging instantly. Bea zipped her coat, still warm from the studio. Lillian strode beside her, hugging her tote like a shield.
The sidewalks were quiet at this hour, city lights bleeding onto wet pavement, reflections smudged under their boots.
“If someone keeps asking you out,” Lillian said softly as they walked, “and you’re not sure how you feel…but he’s patient, andconvincingin a way that makes you feel like maybe it could work, what do you do?”
Bea looked over. Lillian wasn’t looking at her.
“Is it Seth?” she asked. “From Naomi’s engagement party?”
Lillian gave a small nod. “He’s very…persuasive.”
“And handsome,” Bea said, nudging Lils with her elbow.
“And older.”
Bea shrugged. “You’re grown.”
She sighed. “He makes me laugh. Even when I don’t want to. And he says things like he means them.”
Bea smiled. “Terrible qualities.”
“I don’t think we’ll work. We’re too different.”
“How do you know?”
“A feeling?”
Bea thought about that. “Do youwantto like him?”
“Yes,” Lillian admitted.
“Maybe that’s enough to try.”
“Is it okay to start with maybe?”
Bea looped her arm gently through Lillian’s. “Absolutely. Maybe is how the best stories start.”
And together, they walked the last block home.
