Page 36 of 1 Last Shot

I’m still chuckling when Oscar, apparently contented with Isabella’s apology, turns to me for confirmation.

“I’m good, boss,” I tell him in as soothing a voice as I can muster. “Not thrilled about the fact that you didn’t immediately jump to defend me, though. Is that the thanks I get for literally saving your life?”

When he gives me a look that can only be described as disbelieving, Isabella lets out a giggle. “He knows I’m right, that’s why.”

I turn my look on her.

Her laugh fades, though not completely. There’s still an amused smile on her face.

Neither of us says a word when we reach our apartment building, or as we climb the steps to our floor. Our respective front doors are right beside each other, so when we finally stop in front of them, Isabella gestures to the door ahead of her. “Okay, this is me,” she says awkwardly, her smile nervous.

I give her a gruff nod. She hesitates, looking like she wants to say something, but in the end, she heaves a sigh and drops to a squat so she can pet Oscar on his level.

“Goodbye, sweet boy,” she coos. It takes her a while to pull herself away from where she’s scratching behind his ear, smiling at the way his tongue lolls and his rear leg begins to thump. I don’t mind waiting.

Eventually, she stands, once again looking nervous as she meets my gaze. “Thanks for walking me. I guess… I’ll see you at yoga?”

I nod. I should turn away, should leave Isabella alone to her perfect life and go back to my own imperfect one, but something is keeping me in Isabella’s orbit. I can’t bring myself to leave it at that.

“Have a good night, Isabella.”

Her eyes go wide at the sound of me finally uttering her name without condescension, without teasing, just… her name.

After a moment’s hesitation, she whispers, “My friends call me Izzy.”

I hold her gaze. I don’t even think about it.

“I’m not going to call you Izzy.”

Her eyes widen and I can practically see the thoughts pinging around in her brain—do I not want to be her friend? What does that mean? Where do we stand then?

Fuck if I know. I just know I don’t want to be her friend.

After a moment, she smiles. And suddenly I’m too busy trying to breathe through the way the sight hits me in the chest.

13

ISABELLA

Tanya: Hey, Izzy! Just wanted to pass on a message we got about you today. One of the girls from Tuesday’s class sent us an email that she really loves the vibe of your class. She said she was scared to pick up a new hobby but you put her immediately at ease and made her feel welcome. Just wanted to pass the message along and say keep up the good work

It’s been an hour, and I haven’t been able to tamp down on the smile on my face and the giddy feeling in my chest. When that text came through, I was just getting home from my contemporary dance class and feeling good about my transition from one dance style to the other. It’s only been three weeks, but I feel like I’m settling into a world that seemed so unattainable when I moved here.

Couple that with this text message from my employer confirming that I’m reaching success with another new area in my life, and I’m feeling an immense amount of pride.

I decide this day is worth celebrating with a pint of ice cream. It’s getting late, and it’s already dark out, but the corner store is only two blocks away and is way quicker than delivering. Grabbing my wallet and my phone, I head out of my apartment.

I breathe in the warm Philly air with a smile on my face. It’s been so easy to fall in love with this city. It almost reminds me of home, like it’s a smaller, more manageable version of New York. The food has been amazing—even through delivery services, because sitting alone in a restaurant is still out of my comfort zone—and I’ve made more friends than I would’ve expected to make by myself. The people have become the most pleasant surprise in this new life.

My brain starts with thoughts of my boss and coworkers at the yoga studio, how kind they’ve been and how much they’ve helped me get started in an entirely new endeavor. I think of Mrs. Martin, and how comforting it’s been getting back into ballet. Hailey comes to mind, and the teachers and dancers at the dance studio. They’ve been so welcoming as I learn how to be a student again, and as I settle into a world that is so similar, yet so different, from what I’m used to.

And then I think about Kane—intoxicating, fascinating, unanticipated Kane.

Even the thought of my hot neighbor starts my heart racing. Within seconds, I’m lost in memories of Kane walking me home yesterday, of the ride I took on his bike, of the way I have dreams about him every night—

I don't notice the sound of footsteps behind me until a hand grabs me and jerks me around.

"Whoa,what—"

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