Page 2 of Oh Boy!
What?
No matter how infuriating he may be, my reaction to this guy confuses me. That’s how I initially let my guard down. That’s how I got in trouble. That’s how I learned that Barbie was a fighter, not a dumb blonde.
“Stop!” Elijah Steel’s baritone voice rings through the dojo’s room, in spite of the amount of cushioning that covers the floor. Awakened from my trance, I take a look around and spot Courtney, who’s been partnered with a short bald guy. I must have really zoned out. My favorite coworker’s attention lands on my partner, envy clear on her flushed face… unless her workout is responsible for it.
Nah! Who am I kidding?
Pinching the bridge of my nose to regain my bearings, my head swivels towards the former SEAL who’s been sharpening our martial arts skills. It’s Wednesday, day three of our four-day session that’s mostly dedicated to Israel’s Krav Maga.
Who would’ve thought they held these types of classes in a town as small as Bear Creek, but then again, why not? I normally attend by myself, but I made the mistake of mentioning it. Knowing our shared enthusiasm for martial arts, I asked her to tag along. The self-defense aspect doesn’t concern her.
This unexpected class is a nice break from our tedious job at the archaeological site, up north in Wellington; Courtney and I craved the time off. As for me, a reminder that one can never practice enough was beneficial.
What attracted me to this particular class was that it wasn’t reserved for women, though we outnumber the men. Training alongside men mirrors reality, although I always keep to myself; why become friends with people who you’re practicing against and won’t ever see once the class is over anyway? That’s the drawback of traveling often.
I don’t fraternize, but saying that I didn’t notice today’s opponent before now would be a blatant lie. His demeanor implies that he knows the effect he has on people. I’ve seen how students, both men and women, stare at him. I’m still debating whether I admire or despise that he acts like he owns the place. I’m being unfair because so far, he’s come ready to learn, not to brag. Maybe my irritation is due to the fact that he’s everything that Courtney’s been rambling about since we set foot in Miyagi Wisdom; however, like me, he followed the instructor’s suggestion to not disclose our name. Remaining anonymous while training is apparently advantageous. Go figure! In turn, Elijah refers to the ten of us by funny nicknames, thanks to his dry humor, and at least, I’m not Barbie to him!
Against all odds, G.I. Joe startles me by yet again stepping into my personal space as he extends his hand, waiting for me to accept the peace offering. What an unexpected gesture! His intent gaze bores into my ocean eyes. A genuine smile on his face, he waits and I can’t help but shrug, perplexed. My hand has a mind of its own. Warmth spreads in all the wrong places when we touch. Who is this guy?
“Nathan Price.”
