Page 82 of Trigger's Forever

Winnie came up with the yoga classes idea, which I’m really excited about. I even talked to Dr. Murphy at my appointment yesterday about possibly hosting her prenatal yoga sessions at the studio. The small office space she’s been using seemed a little cramped when Winnie and I went.

There is ten minutes left of the ballet class, I am currently teaching a group of 4 to 5 year olds. I can tell they have all but lost their focus for the night. After one last activity, I look up at the clock in the corner and decide that skipping out five minutes early won’t hurt.

I slowly lower myself to sit next to the treasure box and smile at all the sweet, beaming faces pointed my direction, patiently waiting for their treats. “You girls did amazing today!” I say, lifting the top off the treasure chest.

“Do you like my leotard, Miss Heather?” Emery asks sweetly.

“I love your leotard, Emery!” I smile at her as she searches for the perfect prize.

She lifts a small heart shaped pop it toy from the box and squeals, squeezing it to her chest. “I love these! I’m going to clip it to my backpack!”

I smile at the girls as they all gush over their new treasures. “Okay girls, I want you all to practice what you learned today and show me next week!”

Lots of tiny voices saying, “Yes, ma’am!” echo out from the group. Pulling open the door, I lean against it, making sure each child sees their person. I wave goodbye to each one. Brittany, Emery’s mom, smiles at her daughter and raises her eyes to mine. I frown when I notice the bruise on the edge of her eye reaching her cheekbone. I can tell she must have tried covering it with makeup, but it’s apparent that something, or someone, hurt her.

It must be obvious that I’m staring at the bruise. She waves me off, saying, “I ran into an open door at work,” and forces out an uncomfortable laugh.

I don’t believe her one bit, but I will give her the benefit of the doubt for now.

“Mommy! Look at the pwize I got from Miss Heather!”

Brittany squats down to get eye level with her daughter and talks excitedly with her. Watching the two gives me such excitement for the future. I can’t wait for moments like these with my boys.

The door to the studio opening causes me to drag my eyes from the mother and daughter across the building to the stunning man walking through. Genuine surprise has a smile breaking across my lips.

“Hey, beautiful,” Trigger says as he makes his way to my side. He catches me by surprise as he leans in and kisses me square on the lips.

A little giggle has me pushing him back gently. Emery has both of her little hands covering her mouth as she giggles, watching us.

“I just wanted to see if there were any other classes we could enroll Emery in,” Brittany says, looking between Trigger and me with a sorrowful expression.

I can definitely feel that something is going on with her, but I don’t know her well enough to know what it is quite yet.

“Of course! Let’s go up front and take a look!” I smile at them.

“I’m gonna go chill in your office. Come find me when you’re done,” Trigger says, then turns to wave bye to the little girl.

Emery waits in the main area where there are a few small toys for the kids while her mom and I look through the class schedule.

“Is everything okay, Brittany?” I ask quietly, low enough that Emery can’t hear me.

Brittany sighs and nods her head. “I’ll be okay, but thanks for asking though.”

“If you ever need anything, even just someone to talk to, I’m always here.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. I haven’t lived here long, and I don’t really know anyone besides Devin’s friends.”

“Well, I’ve got a shit ton of friends that I am always willing to share,” I giggle.

“I may take you up on that,” she says shyly as she smiles.

After she picks a few more small classes for Emery, I write my number down on a sticky note and hand it to her. “Text me or call me if you ever need anything at all.”

She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Thank you, Heather.”

“Call me Pebbles. All my friends do.”

“Oh, ok. In that case, all of my friends used to call me Brit.”

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