Mom snapped her fingers. “I have a splendid idea,” she said, turning to Kingston. “You can be Sunny’s assistant.”
“What?” they both said.
“I can help out too.” She smiled.
He gaped. “But I’m only doing one lesson—”
“What a perfect way to relax while you’re on break,” his mother continued as if he hadn’t said a word. “What do you think, Sunny?”
Their instructor tapped a thin finger against her chin. “I could use some help. I’m hoping that once the word spreads about the lessons we’ll have more students. But I don’t want to impose—”
“It’s no imposition, is it, King?” Mom looked at him expectantly, clasping her hands together. “Just think, we’ll get to spend more time together!”
The conversation around them was a low murmur as Kingston scrambled for an answer, trying to come up with reasons to say no. He was supposed to be resting, notworking. But dancing wasn’t work, and he did like teaching. And it was only once a week for six weeks—
Nuts, why was he thinking of positive reasons to be Sunny’s assistant?
There was one reason he had to say no. He glanced around the studio, looking for Olivia. The senior-citizen crowd was still there, and Bubba and Jared were talking near the front door. But Olivia was gone.
“You can think about it and let me know.” Sunny gave him a wide smile.
“We don’t need to think about it, do we, King?” Mom looked up at him.
He met her gaze, withering a little inside. How many times over the years had he seen that look directed at him? Expectation mixed with confidence that he wouldn’t dare say no.
Then he glanced at Sunny. Even though she had told him to think about it, he could see the hope in her eyes. If he turned her down, he’d disappoint two people. He’d already upset Olivia tonight.
“Okay,” he said, digging deep for enthusiasm he didn’t feel. “I’ll help.”
“Wonderful!” Sunny exclaimed.
“Splendid!” Mom added. “You’ve more than made up for being late, dear.”
He should have known she wouldn’t let that faux pas go.
“See everyone next week!” Sunny moved away from him and Mom and told everyone goodbye. “And please, if you had a good time tonight, bring a friend with you next time. The more the merrier!”
“Thanks, Sunny,” Senior said. “I just might do that.” He winked at her and escorted Erma and Myrtle out the door, Jasper lagging behind them.
Jared came up to them, Bubba following. “I appreciate your help, Mrs.Bedford.”
“Please, call me Karen.”
Kingston had to smile. At least his mother was having a good time.
Jared continued, “I was intending to do just one lesson to support Sunny, but I’ll be back next Monday. I really enjoyed learning something new.”
If his mother’s smile had been any brighter, she would have lit up Neptune. This was what she lived for—helping others and basking in appreciation. “You’re so welcome. You’re an excellent student.”
As she and Jared continued their mutual-adoration conversation, Kingston scanned the studio again. Still no Olivia, so his fleeting thought that she’d gone to the restroom was moot. He wasn’t surprised she’d left. Or that she was so mad at him that she’d smashed his toes. He deserved it, and he was ashamed he’d avoided her for so long. Would she be back next week? Hopefully she’d enjoyed the parts of the lesson he wasn’t involved with. Maybe by next Monday she’d have cooled down and he could apologize to her.
“Ready to go?” Mom said, still glowing from Jared’s praise.
“Sure.” He turned to Sunny, who was taking her phone out of the dock next to a Bluetooth speaker. “See you next Monday.”
“See you then.”
“Wait here.” Mom scurried to Sunny. “You’ll need his phone number. You know, in case anything changes.”
