“Can I have more guidance than that?”
“Gentle is good. So just be you.”
Please keep me from triggering her. Heal her mind. Show me how to take good care of her.
“No hand squeezes?” I ask.
“Um, maybe no squeezes while I get used to things. Now spill. What is this key for?”
No hand squeezes. Must remember. I hold her hand like it might shatter. “You’ll see. So, listen, I did this to show you that I care about you …” See? I can tone it down. “So it’s about to serve its whole purpose. There is no pressure whatsoever to use it. It will benefit people after you, so it’s completely up to you whether you want to use it or not.” I’m repeating myself. At least I’m not speaking like my father.
Beautiful dimples reappear on her face. “Levi. What’s going on?”
I open the door and guide her into the gym, down the hall with the multipurpose rooms. Here’s the door. Her door.
She holds up the key in question, biting her lip. Resisting the urge to kiss that lip will be excruciating. I kiss the top of her head instead. She shrugs her shoulders in that delighted way that makes my heart pound, and I’m overwhelmed that Jesus said yes. That she’s mine to care for.
Thank you.
And I motion for her to unlock the door.
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
A dance studio,right here on campus. To my right, a barre. To my left, a pristine mirrored wall. I’m greeted by my own shocked face in the reflection, blue eyes wide and thrilled. I step onto the polished wood floor and kick off my shoes. Dance floors can’t have dirt on them. Levi chuckles—I don’t know why—and maybe follows suit. I’m too busy gaping at this magical place.
He did this?
When I glance over, he’s sheepish, but at least his posture is relaxing. I run my hand along the brand-new barre, smooth and bolted firmly to the wall. I can’t resist aglissadeas I cross the room—“I didn’t help it.” Film on the back window blurs a swaying pine outside.
Matte black walls, speakers mounted discreetly. A cognac leather arm chair is nestled in the corner on a sheepskin rug. Levi’s fingerprints are everywhere, so to speak. It’s the most modern, elegant studio I’ve everseen.
Oh—and on that cozy chair proudly sits a red box topped by a white satin bow as big as the box itself. Broad white letters scream “Capezio.” I know what kind of present comes in boxes like that. I spin to Levi.
“Open it.” He tips his head toward the prize.
I sprint the rest of the way, nearly slipping in my socks, and tear into the box like it’s Christmas morning. Lyrical dance shoes in the perfect size. He remembered every detail.
“Do you remember at IHOP when you told us you loved ballet?” he says. “You had the most beautiful look in your eyes. Like pure joy.” He arrives at my corner with uncharacteristic shyness. “It was obvious you were going through something, and I just wanted you to have, well, your version of what swimming is for me. I had this feeling that it might help. But like I said, no pressure.”
Wow. So many gifts. Thank you.
I drop the shoes and reach to hug Levi but flinch, remembering the risk. I spot a Tic Tac box in his pocket and give it a try. His arms fold around me and I settle into his chest. Maybe hugs are okay. Could I have been hugging him all this time?
Every one of my muscles slackens until I’m floating in comfort. Even Levi’s hugs overachieve.
“You have no idea how good this is,” I say. “How helpful, how perfect.” I’ll have so many opportunities to remember to let go, to give God my worries. I lift my chin to his chest. “What do you mean you and the guys did it yourself? What was this before?”
His arms loosen to motion. “It was a multipurpose room. They were only using it for storage a few months ago. The wood floors were already in, but we refinished them. Haymitch taught us.” He beams. “We installed the mirrors and barre and speakers and everything. And painted.”
I shake my head. I can’t believe he did manual labor to keep me from feeling guilty. “And the school let you?”
“Yes.” A mysterious look. “I made an arrangement. I’ll tell you another time if you want.”
“Okay …”
I enjoy his back and sides as I pull away. How can someone so solid give such delectable hugs? More research is warranted.
I ditch my socks and try on these beautiful new shoes. Soft tan leather, a perfect fit. My feet arrive in first position with a will of their own. Leg out totenduin front of me. Those toes are so happy squeezing into a hard point. My leg circles around inronde de jambe. I can hardly stand still. Something in me begs to be unleashed.
