Page 28 of Pooh

Once the class begins, Pooh is all business. He’s taking this seriously and it’s obvious that he wants each and every one of us to learn moves that could save our lives. That endears him to me even more. He uses my body several times to demonstrate a move but it’s always professional on his behalf, even if my body wants to forget where we are and enjoy his touch.

Pooh doesn’t go easy on us and yet he takes into consideration the injuries a few of the women are still dealing with. At the end of the session, he hands out bottles of water, and then verbally goes over everything we learned tonight. He gives tips for safety and awareness and we soak it all in. I already feel more capable and I can tell by the looks on the others’ faces that they do too. I get in a long, lingering look at Pooh and I notice he does the same with me. We thank Pooh, set up a time for our next session, and head back to New Horizons.

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It’s been a few weeks since the women and I took our first class with Pooh. The women have talked a few of the others into taking them also so it’s a rather large group now. I love these classes! I feel more capable and confidant. I know I don’t have enough knowledge to be effective yet but it’s a start. Craig has volunteered himself to let the women try their new moves on him and it’s great watching them practice but being so careful with the little guy. He feels important and helpful and definitely thinks of himself as the man of the house. It’s cute.

Pooh and I text often. He’s not pushing me at all and that makes it extra nice. I’m getting the chance to get to know him without the pressure of dating. He has stopped by several times to hang with Craig and Craig loves it as much as I do. The women have come out of their shells being around Pooh and they fawn and fuss over him when he stops over. He never flirts with any of them and only gives advice when asked. He’s nonjudgmental and quick to encourage their independence. I think he’s in the wrong line of work because he’d be great doing my job.

I sometimes feel like I’m taking advantage of him though. It seems like every time he stops by something needs to be fixed. I guess that is the way it is with older homes though. He never complains and insists on fixing whatever the problem is that time. He’s handy with all sorts of things and it’s been a godsend not to have to call a plumber or electrician for every little thing. Trigger has stopped by a few times too and he’s awesome! Tammy shines a little brighter as soon as she spots Trigger and I wish for her sake he was interested. He seems to smile more in her presence and I’ve wondered more than once if he is just gay, or maybe bisexual too. I would love to ask him but that’s not a conversation I know how to start.

One concern I do have lately is how little Craig’s mom, Katrena, is here. She’s taking advantage of the free babysitting and has not been coming home a lot of the time lately. I know I need to speak with her about that but it’s been hard tracking her down. I don’t live at New Horizons so I’m not there 24/7 to catch her when she does show up there. And she’s not answering her phone or returning my texts. And I’ve had a couple of the women tell me that she’s come home drunk or high a few times now. Sadly, Craig hasn’t seemed to notice and that tells me her being absent from his life is not new. I’m making it my mission to have a chat with her and soon. But in the meantime, I spend as much time as I can with Craig.

I expressed my concern about Katrena and Craig to Pooh and he said he’d have Rex do some checking on her activities. I’m hoping against hope that she is busy doing the right things but I know in my gut that she isn’t.

BILF: Having a club cookout this weekend. You’re invited. The women, Tammy and Craig too.

Me: Um, how wild do they get?

BILF: Daytime, not bad. Be fine for Craig to be here. Nighttime, not ok for him. Kids leave after the meal.

Me: Okay, I’ll let everyone know. What can I bring?

BILF: I’ll ask Ava, but probably nothing. Can you cook?

Me: If it involves a microwave, yes.

BILF: Um, you don’t need to bring anything. Ava will have it covered.

Me: Are you afraid of my cooking skills?

BILF: I’ve been hospitalized over bad food before. So yes, yes I am!

Me: Can you cook? And I want to hear that story some day!

BILF: Basic stuff, yes. And the story is a sad one. Wished I was dead!

Me: I also want to hear the story of how you got your name! Give up the details, dude!

BILF: Never!

Me: Okay, then will you tell me about the tat on your chest? Geti. If it’s too personal, just tell me to mind my own business.

BILF: Geti was my sister. Her name was Bridget but as a kid I called her Geti and it stuck. She died at age 23. Loved her to death and back. Long story but I’ll tell you about it sometime. Yeah?

Me: Yeah. I’m sorry for asking, Pooh. I’m sorry you lost someone you loved.

BILF: Don’t be. She was a beautiful person who lost her way. She deserves to be remembered.

Me: You’re a good guy, Pooh. I like you.

BILF: Thanks, doll. Feeling’s mutual. You’re coming to the cookout?

Me: Yeah, I think I will.

BILF: You’ll be safe, babe. Hang with me, okay?

Me: Of course. Okay, looking forward to it.

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