Page 55 of Fools in Love

Kate swallowed as she felt tears sting her eyes.

“I want nothing more for you to come home with me, to spend every night in my bed.” His voice had lowered as his eyes searched her face. “Kate, I…”

Just then they were interrupted when more people came through the door.

“Later. I promise.” He dropped his hand. “Congratulations on what appears to be a very successful first day.” He smiled at her. “If you see us driving by a few times this week”—his voice was just a whisper now—“know that it’s because I’m thinking of you.”

She smiled and, this time, her heart jumping in her chest was a good thing.

She didn’t trust her voice, so she gave him a quick nod before he turned and walked out with her brother.

One thing was clear to her after her second yoga class. She’d paid the toll for the almost three months of inactivity. After everyone from her second class left, her mother stuck around and helped her prepare for her first dance class for the younger kids.

Since it was summer, she had scheduled two classes during the day and one in the evening. When school started up again, she’d have to shift all of the classes to evening hours. But for now, her class for children under ten started mid-day and the one for ages ten and above was in the early afternoon.

She was happily surprised that the class for younger kids had a dozen kids in it, including two boys.

She spent almost an hour before and after class talking to the parents and answering their questions: What outfits would be best for their kids to wear? How should they practice? Where and when could they show off their children’s progress?

Kate knew that she would have to hold recitals. She couldn’t count how many she’d been in during her youth.

After her last class, she’d have to head over to talk to Kara and Robin about the possibility of using Sunset Events to host Pride’s very first dance recital.

She was spared that trip when Robin and Kara showed up for her evening adult dance class. For this class, she would be teaching everything from ballet to jazz. It was more of an exercise class than anything. The women all seemed eager to learn while still making it a social event.

After class, several women suggested she allow them to bring wine and snacks for when the class was over. Kate realized then that the women were using her class as a means to escape for an evening. She knew a lot of the women in attendance had small children at home or busy day jobs.

Her morning yoga classes were filled with the die-hard exercise types, but she figured her evening classes could cater to those looking for a more relaxed and fun environment.

Allowing them to bring wine and snacks was a small sacrifice to keep the women coming each week. Maybe she’d even purchase some folding chairs and a couple of folding tables for them to use.

“This was so much fun,” Robin said as they all stood around. “We needed something like this in Pride, a place for women to gather.”

“I’m just thankful Roy was able to watch the kids tonight. I need some me time instead of mommy time,” Julie Duffy chimed in. Julie was a stay-at-home mom. Both of her girls were in Kate’s under-ten class. When Kate had mentioned the evening class for adults, Julie had been hesitant. Kate was happy she’d come that evening.

Kate vaguely remembered Julie and Roy from school. They’d been two grades above her and had been dating since middle school. The couple seemed happy, and their two daughters were super cute in their little leotard outfits. Julie was the one who’d asked her about the recitals.

“Well, I’m so glad you decided to give it a try,” Kate said. “I was hoping to talk to Robin and Kara about using their place for our first recital.”

“Oh, that would be a great idea.” Julie clapped and glanced towards the sisters.

“For us?” Kara asked with a chuckle.

“No.” Kate smiled. “For the younger children. I figured I could have the kids ready and put something together for a Christmas recital.”

“That’s an amazing idea,” Robin said happily. “I’ll let you know what days we have available and mark them off.”

“What about having a small recital at the next festival? Maybe have a select few, your top students, do a little presentation at the gazebo? It would be a great way to promote your business,” Lilly suggested.

“When is the next festival?” she asked.

“About two months from now. The fall festival,” Lilly answered.

A handful of the older dancers showed enough potential that they could be ready by then. And she could allow a group of the younger kids to muddle their way through something simple. After all, adults loved it when little kids tried their best.

“I like that idea,” Kate admitted. “We could do a larger holiday show at your place, say a month after the fall festival.”

After that, most everyone left, leaving only Lilly, Riley, and Suzie behind. The four of them chatted while they changed in the back room. Kate pulled on a pair of sweats while everyone else changed out of their workout outfits.