Page 14 of Light Up My Life (Forbidden Heat 3)

“Yep,” I said. “I can’t wait.”

She ran me through a workout on the heavy bag, practicing my speed, accuracy, and coordination. Surprisingly, it was all coming back to me as if it was a sleeping giant that was quickly being woke up again. And there I was, ready for whatever was to come next. I felt so strong. It had been a while since I’d had that kind of strength inside of me. I felt like I could handle anything when we were done.

“Wow,” she said. “You still got it. Hell, it’s almost like you never left.”

“This feels so good,” I said. “I just want to keep doing it and never stop again.”

“Good. I’m glad you are back. Are you coming to class tonight? I’m sure everyone will be happy to see you.”

“Yeah,” I said. “I’d be happy to. I feel weird coming back after all this time off.”

“Well, your skills are still as sharp as ever and everyone misses you, so there is nothing to feel weird about.”

“Thanks,” I said. “But I have to say… I don’t have any money to pay. I’m pretty short on funds.”

Jodie smiled. “Well, I’m sure we can work something out. Have you ever thought about teaching? One of our instructors moved to Ohio and we have a spot open. It’s yours if you want it. Maybe in exchange for training?”

“You mean that? Just like that? I can have the job?”

“If you want it. We need you Tuesdays and Thursdays at six p.m.”

“Absolutely, Im in.” I replied. I headed back to the locker room, took a quick shower and grabbed my bag before heading to work, like it was still my second home.

I left the kickboxing center feeling like I was on top of the world. I was actually going to be teaching. I’d always thought about getting to that level, but never thought I’d be good enough. For Jodie to think that I was good enough now really meant the world to me. Especially after being out for so long. I guess muscle memory really was a thing.

I arrived at the hair salon feeling on top of the world. I was practically humming as I went through the motions of getting my station ready for the day. I couldn’t wait to get through the next eight hours so that I could head to the dojo and teach.

Jenna was a bit annoyed at my demeanor. “What are you so happy about?”

“Oh, nothing in particular,” I replied.

She gave me a fake smile. “Well, don’t allow it to interfere with your job. You can’t afford to mess up today.”

I smiled and ignored her desperate attempt at bringing me down. I wasn’t having any of it. Nothing she could say or do was going to get to me today. I was determined to overcome this bullshit, soon my future was going to be full of bigger and better things. I had no idea what exactly, but I was certain that it was right around the corner.

Cassie even noticed I was less affected by customers being rude to me today. I had an extra bounce in my step and I even briefly flirted back with a few of the guys who came into the salon and chose to give me their business, one of them even asked me out. Of course, I turned him down with the “I have a boyfriend” line. When he usually came in (he was so prissy and specific about every little thing) he would just kind of act like he thought I might bite his head off or something.

“Wow,” Cassie said. “You are on fire. How many tips have you got today?”

“I think, something like fifty bucks,” I said. “Every little bit helps, even if Jenna does take half of them.”

“What’s gotten into you today?”

“I don’t know. I’m just having a good day. Why?”

“Well, it’s something you should keep doing. I have a feeling it will make for a much better life, not to mention, more money.”

I laughed. “Yeah, I’m learning that. I think I’m just tired of being tired. Tired of my old excuses. So, I’m going to start making some positive changes in my life.”

Cassie gasped. “You met a man!”

I looked at her with widening eyes. “Are you mental? No, I did not meet a man.”

She looked confused.

“Well, actually I did… but I’m not going out with him. I’m not going to let anything happen with him.”

She stared at me, and I knew she didn’t believe a word I said.

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