Damon brings out the celebratory drinks that Ruby’s been mixing, the crystal clinking as he sets the tray down to toast the news. He’s the youngest Korolov and the most unpredictable of the men who protect me. I don’t miss the dirty looks that Ruby and Damon give each other. I’m staying out of that. Tonight is for celebrating.
I’m opting for an evening class at Nina's, having been too tired this morning from last night's festivities. There are many new faces tonight, no doubt due to the community event a couple of weeks ago. I can't help but feel proud of myself. I’m stretching, and I lose my balance. I begin to fall forward, nearly taking down the man next to me. Before I can hit the floor, he catches my arm with a steady hand.
I look up to find him smiling at me. “Are you okay, miss?”
“Oh goodness, yes,” I say, my cheeks flushing as I regain my footing. “I’m so sorry.”
He laughs. “Don’t worry about it. Although I’d prefer any injury to come from a roundhouse kick rather than a stumble. That’s a term, right?”
A laugh escapes me. “Agreed. Falling over wouldn’t be a very fun story to tell.”
He extends his hand. “I’m sorry, where are my manners? I’m Frank.”
“Hello, Frank. I’m Vee,” I reply, taking his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Is this your first class?”
“Actually, my second,” he admits. “I figured coming back once wouldn't kill me. I signed up at the event a couple of weeks ago and realized I just needed to stop putting it off and do it.”
“Well, welcome.” Nina stands in front and introduces herself to the newcomers. I partner with Frank for the rest of the class.
"If you don't mind me asking, Frank, what brings you here?"
"I don't mind at all, Vee." He stands up straighter, his gaze drifting to the floor for a moment before meeting my eyes again. "Actually," he says, his tone shifting into something more somber, "I'm on a healing journey."
"I’m sorry, Frank," I say quickly, "I don’t mean to pry."
"Oh, goodness, no, Vee. Thank you for asking," he insists, with a small, appreciative smile returning to his face. "It’s just…not a lot of people take the time to ask me about myself."
“I’m on a journey as well. It’s more of a who-am-I journey, but a journey nonetheless.”
"In that case," Frank says, snapping back to his cheerful self as he begins to stretch his arms, "I'm glad I'm not the only traveler in theroom. Even if I'm the one who almost got flattened during the first five minutes."
"Technically," I tease, "I was the one doing the flattening. You were the hero of that story."
He grins. "I'll take it. Better than a roundhouse kick to the face for a first impression."
After the class, I check my phone and see a message.
Miles: Thank you.
Nothing else.
Frank walks out with me, the cool night air a sharp contrast to the humid studio. He extends his hand, and I take it.
"If you ever want to compare notes on our journeys, let me know," he says with a sincere smile.
"I will," I promise, returning his smile.
Settling into the back seat, my mind immediately drifts to Miles. I hope everything is okay with his aunt. Maybe I’ll ask him during our next meeting. That wouldn’t be too personal, would it? Shit, I just don’t know where he and I stand. It’s somewhere in the middle of being colleagues and the guy I desperately want to punch in the face.
Miles
Chapter 23
I look at Tomas,who’s taking a sip of his beer. We’ve been in Colombia for a couple of days. When we arrived, Tia Susana’s spell had passed, and she was feeling better. I still had Tomas examine her, much to her dismay. My plan is to go back to Veridian Bay, but I decided to stay a couple more days. I didn’t attend our scheduled meeting yesterday. Instead, I emailed.
“You’re thinking of her, aren’t you?” Tomas asks, bringing me out of my daze.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lie.
