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“The consequence was a horrible scar on my face, but I’m glad you saved my life.”
“Your example saved so many kids in my Youth Club, saved them from drugs and depression. You managed to turn your lousy life in Asia into something worthwhile. Mia, now you know Royce’s story. We don’t talk about it. It hurts him too much.”
“What hurt the most was the disappointment in myself, the low self-esteem. I hit rock bottom before I gathered the courage to return and face my father. And yet he opened his arms. As soon as Dad saw my face, he said the wound was infected, and he rushed me to his clinic to operate and clean the abscesses. Without his surgical skill I would’ve died.”
“Okay, kids, what’s the lesson here, Cody?” Susan asked the gangly teenager too tall for his age.
“Do as you wish, but don’t cry when things go wrong, and have the courage to admit you were wrong not to listen to the words of wisdom from the people who love you.”
Amazing! Susan had coached her students into reaching the right conclusions on their own.
“Great. Now, who wants dessert?” Matt asked to break the tension.
“I’m going upstairs to get Susan’s strawberry shortcake,” Royce said.
“My tiramisu is here; it’s in the cooler,” Brenda reminded them.
“We’re going back into the pool,” Tayla announced, not asking permission.
“Whatever you want,” Susan said. “I’ll collect the leftovers with Royce and take them upstairs.”
“Matt, what’s beyond these bushes?” Brenda asked.
“The tennis courts. Would you like to see them?”
“Yes.” She owed him and Royce many thanks for inviting Susan and her gang.
“On one condition,” he said after they left the group.
Surprised, she looked at him.
“If you push me into the bushes, I’ll bring you down with me.”
She chuckled at his teasing tone. “Your bed would be more comfy if we’re in the mood.”
“Ah, Brenda, we’re joking, yet… The bushes, the bed, or anywhere you want. I have trouble keeping away from you.”
His husky tone sent tingles to the pit of her stomach. He wanted her. That much was obvious, and she would welcome him anytime.
They left the terrace that ended at a two-story building.
“This is the fitness center.”
At the reception desk, Matt presented his residency card. They stopped at the door of a huge room with treadmills, stationary bikes, and other exercise machines, and continued to a smaller room with Pilates reformers, and further down the men’s and women’s lockers room and shower areas.
“What’s upstairs?”
“The managers’ offices.”
They left the building, turned around the bushes into walkway and strolled at a leisurely pace.
“Matt, I changed my mind about Susan. I really admire the way she handles these kids, giving them freedom, instilling in them a sense of responsibility, making them accountable to each other. She’s done an amazing job.”
“She has. Most of them live in wealthy households, but lack attention and unconditional love. She’s helped rehabilitate so many of them. Faculty and parents speak highly of her.”
“I hope Mia improves with her.”
“If Mia enjoys Susan’s groups, will you relax enough to consider going out with me?”
