“We had an audience. Evelyn challenged us. Amy agreed.”
“I saw all of it.”
I exhaled.
“You watched the video closely.”
“I wanted to determine how worried I should be.”
“And?”
“Very.”
I pushed off the table and paced toward the window. Below, the weight floor moved through its Saturday rhythm. People lifted, stretched, talked. Franklin sat beside the reception desk wearing a bandanna that violated several health regulations.
“I can handle it,” I said.
“What is it?”
“Attraction.”
“Only attraction?”
“Yes.”
Rose waited. I rubbed the back of my neck.
“Probably.”
“Dani.”
“What do you want me to say?”
“The truth would be refreshing.”
“I like her.”
Rose capped her pen. “Obviously.”
“I’m attracted to her.”
“Everyone with vision knows.”
I reached for the resistance band on Rose’s desk and stretched it between my hands. “I am not falling in love with her.”
“You’ve known her three weeks.”
“Exactly.”
“That was not reassurance.”
“I liked coaching her. I like running with her. I like arguing with her. I like when she laughs.” I watched a client drag a sled beyond the glass. “And the kiss was good.”
Rose’s face remained neutral.
“Very good,” I added.
“I gathered.”
