Foul Pole by Tina Gallagher
Chapter Seven
Leo
I turnedinto the parking lot and spotted Anjannette standing on the front stoop. Wearing skinny black jeans, a gray V-neck sweater, and black boots, she looked like a model posing for a photo shoot leaning against the brick building scrolling through her phone. She glanced up as I pulled into the spot closest to the entrance.
“Hi,” I said as I stepped out of the truck.
She placed her phone in her purse and walked down the steps.
“Hi.”
“You look great.”
“Thank you.”
I opened the passenger door and she blinked up at me. Stepping back, I opened it wider, gesturing for her to get inside. She placed her foot on the running board and stepped up before shifting into the seat. I closed the door as she clicked her seatbelt into place.
Jogging around the back of the truck, I slid behind the wheel.
“I thought we’d go to Cooper’s unless you’re in the mood for something else. It’s relatively close and since it’s such a nice day, we can sit on the deck if that works for you.”
“That sounds great.”
I smiled over at her before shifting into drive and pulling onto the street.
“Did you get to relax yesterday as a reward for putting on such a great show?”
“I did and it was glorious. It was my first full day off in over a year and I made the most of it reading, watching TV, and napping on the couch.”
“It was definitely well-deserved. The show really was great.”
“Thank you. Everyone worked really hard and I’m so happy they all did so well.”
“It seems like a great group of people.”
“It is. I’m very fortunate.”
I turned into the parking lot at Cooper’s and pulled into a space then glanced over at her.
“I’m guessing the studio’s aesthetic is by your design more than chance.”
Her wide eyes were still on me when I got out of the truck. She’d opened her door by the time I rounded the truck and I grabbed onto the handle to hold it in place as she stepped down.
As we walked through the parking lot, I was again amazed at our size difference. Her long legs make her look much taller than she is, but the top of her head barely reaches my chin. Add in her tiny frame and slender figure and I feel like the Hulk next to her.
When we approached the hostess, I requested an out-of-the-way table on the deck. She led us to a cozy spot in the corner and said our waiter would be over shortly. It was pretty obvious she recognized me, but she didn’t say anything. Which is somewhat of a relief.
I enjoy talking to fans, but I’m never sure how the conversations will go, especially with females. Once I was on a date and our waitress told me that I’m on her freebie list. I had no idea what to say to that so I just offered an awkward smile. And even though I offered no encouragement, she continued to flirt throughout dinner and my date got mad at me. Like it’s my fault I’m on some women’s approved list of celebrity one-night stands.
“I haven’t eaten here since my college graduation.” I chuckled at the memory.
“What happened?”
“We ordered the shark bite appetizer and Angie woofed a bunch of them down but then freaked out when she found out they were actually made of shark.”
“What did she think they were?”
The waiter approached before I could answer.
“My name is Daniel and I’ll be your server today. Can I start you off with a drink?”
“I’d like water with lemon,” Anjannette said.
“Just water for me.”
“I’ll bring that right over,” he said. “And I just want to say what a pleasure it is to meet you, Leo. I played ball at Lackawanna and you and Trey are legends.”
“It’s nice to meet a fellow Falcon.”
I held out my hand to shake his.
“Also, I’ve asked Caroline to block out these tables,” he said pointing to the two tables across from ours. “That way you won’t be disturbed while you eat.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
He nodded. “I’ll be back with your drinks.”
I looked over at Anjannette, ready to pick up our shark bite conversation, but she spoke before I did.
“Is it weird having people know who you are?”
“It definitely takes some getting used to, especially away from the field.”
“Have you ever had any issues with fans?”
“Nothing really awful. Sometimes fans of other teams like to talk smack, but it’s usually in good fun.”
Daniel returned with our drinks and took our orders. When he left, I took the opportunity to shift the conversation away from me and my semi-celebrity status.
“So how did you get started doing pole dance?”
“I went to a bachelorette party at the studio I used to attend and just fell in love with it. I’m not a very athletic person, but the pole and I just clicked. I signed up for classes and a couple years later went through the process to become an instructor.”
I asked her questions about what that entailed, happy to keep her talking about herself.
“Was opening your own studio always a goal?”
“Um, no. Not really.” She paused, seeming to carefully choose her words. “At first I was happy just teaching but I had a lot of ideas that I wanted to implement, and the owners weren’t interested. For years I went through the motions and just did what they wanted. It was their business after all.”
Daniel returned with our meals. Once he refilled our water glasses and made sure we didn’t need anything, he left us alone again. The man is definitely getting a big tip. Not only did he make sure no one sat at the surrounding tables, but he’s also taking care of us while giving us space.
“So what changed?”
She shrugged and looked down at her plate, seemingly fascinated by her crab cakes. I bit into my lobster roll, giving her time to collect her thoughts. Or change the subject. There’s obviously a story but I only want to hear it if she wants to share.
I was halfway through my lunch when she spoke.
“A perfect storm of things happened over a couple years actually. I ended a long-term relationship that hindsight has taught me was really unhealthy. Shortly after that, I was laid off from my job. Things at the other studio had gotten tense and I realized that I was more invested in that business than the owners. I was planning events and recitals and recruiting new students, and they were sitting back reaping the rewards.”
She set her fork down and took a drink of water. I’m curious about the unhealthy relationship comment, but won’t push for details. Not on the first date anyway.
“Around the same time, Clay bought his building. He sent me pictures to add to his website and I thought it was a great space. After making a list of pros and cons, talking it over with Keera and some of the other girls, and obsessing about it for months, I reached out to Clay and we negotiated terms.”
“With the way that all happened, it definitely sounds like it was meant to be.”
“It seems that way. Some of my students from the other studio followed me, but I also had an influx of new people. So there’s a good mix.”
“And it’s your full-time job now?”
She nodded.
“My severance gave me some extra padding in my budget so I could get the studio up and running before looking for another job. It’s done so well that I don’t have to do anything full-time. I have a few freelance clients whose websites I maintain and I’m good.”
“Good for you.” Her eyes narrowed. “What?”
She shook her head and stabbed at a lump of crab meat with her fork and shoved it into her mouth. After she chewed and swallowed, she explained.
“Sorry, bad habit. The aforementioned ex said that phrase all the time and it wasn’t usually complimentary.”
“Well, mine was,” I said, my eyes locked on hers so she could read my sincerity. “I’m glad you’re able to fully focus on something you love so much.”
The corners of her mouth curled up into a small smile as she seemed to study me.
“I’ve never met anyone like you,” she said.
“Is that good or bad?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Maybe we need to spend more time together so you can figure it out.”
Anjannette
I’m pleasantlysurprised at how much I’m enjoying myself with Leo. He’s really easy to be with and, other than the attraction simmering beneath the surface, this has been more like lunch with a good friend than a typical awkward first date. And even though it’s been a while since I’ve had a first date, I remember never feeling totally comfortable whenever I was on one. So this is a whole new experience.
“Can I get you anything else?” Daniel asked. “More water?”
Leo looked at me and raised his right brow.
“No, thank you. I’m good. We should actually get going soon. I have some things to do at the studio before class.”
“Just the check, thanks,” he said.
“I’ll bring it right over,” Daniel said, then left us alone again.
“Angie and Nori are really looking forward to class today. They were talking about the recital all day yesterday.”
“I think they’ll have fun. We’re doing a short routine they shouldn’t have any trouble with.”
“I have a feeling she’s going to want a pole installed at the house after this.”
I must have looked confused because he explained before I had to ask.
“Angie lives in my house in Bergen County, which is where we’re from.”
“That’s in New Jersey?” He nodded. “So she doesn’t live too far away.”
“No, it’s just a couple hours from here.”
“Is she your only sibling?”
“No, I have two other sisters and two brothers.”
My eyes widened.
“You have five siblings?”
“Yep. Five.”
“Wow! That’s a big family.”
His sexy smirk did things to my lady parts.
“Now you know why I bought a house here.”
Daniel returned with the check and Leo handed him a credit card without even checking the total.
“Do you have any siblings?” he asked.
“I have a brother, but we’re not very close.”
“Did something happen between you?”
“No, he’s fifteen years older and joined the Navy right out of high school, so he was out of the house by the time I was three. After that, we saw each other maybe once a year. And now that our parents are gone, I’d be surprised if I ever see him again.”
“I’m sorry. Both about your parents being gone and your brother,” he said, then turned his attention to Daniel who’d approached once again.
“Thank you,” he said and handed the leather portfolio to Leo.
“No, thank you. I appreciate the private lunch.”
“Just ask for me anytime you come here and I’ll make sure you get to eat in peace.”
Leo finished signing the receipt and handed the portfolio back to Daniel.
“Will do. Thanks again.” After Daniel left, Leo looked at me. “Ready?”
I nodded and stood then bent down to grab my purse. When I straightened, Leo was standing next to me, a silly smile on his face.
“What?”
“Nothing.” He shook his head and let out a soft chuckle. “Something funny just popped into my head.” I raised my brow. “The way you reached down for your purse, I was expecting you to do the bend and snap when you straightened.”
First he quotes Buffy and now Elle Woods? Who is this man?
He held his arm out, gesturing for me to walk ahead of him. Some people approached as we were on our way out, but he never left my side as he shook hands and autographed random items that were handed to him.
“Sorry about that,” he said as we made our way to the car.
“No worries.” I looked up at him. “I guess it comes with the territory.”
“Yeah, sometimes.”
He opened the passenger door and offered me his hand as I placed my foot on the running board. Goosebumps trailed up my arm when my cool fingers came in contact with this warm skin. His grip tightened to steady me as I stepped up and settled into the leather seat.
“Thanks for being so understanding.”
His warm brown eyes held mine captive as his thumb drew tiny circles against the back of my hand. Those two small things gave my body a big reaction and I fought the urge to wiggle in my seat. Instead of answering, I just nodded wondering, not for the first time, why I respond so strongly to him.
Slowly sliding his hand from mine, Leo stepped back and closed my door. I managed to collect myself before he slid behind the wheel.
“It’s just strange,” I said.
“What is?”
“You seem like just a normal guy.”
“I am just a normal guy.”
“You’re basically a celebrity.”
He didn’t comment until we pulled out of the parking lot and were driving back toward the studio.
“I wouldn’t call myself that.”
“Celebrity means that you’re well known. You are well known.”
“You didn’t know me,” he pointed out with a smirk.
“No, but lots of other people do.”
“I hope that doesn’t freak you out too much.”
“It doesn’t freak me out exactly. It’s just different.”
“Well hopefully it’s not so different that you won’t agree to go out with me again.”
His eyes shifted toward me as he said that then quickly returned to the road.
Even though he technically didn’t ask a question, I answered. Sort of.
“It’s not.”
The dimple in his right cheek popped with his smile. He really is ridiculously handsome. A whole buffet, just like Keera said. And while he’s definitely nice to look at, his personality is most certainly pulling me in.
Over the last three years, I’ve reflected on my past relationships both alone and with my therapist and I realize how dysfunctional they were. Some of the guys I dated were total jerks and others just took me for granted. My reaction to both of those things was to morph myself into versions of them. Yes, I majored in theatre, but I never imagined I’d use my acting skills in my relationships. But that’s exactly what I did. Looking back now, it makes me sick.
Even though I essentially agreed to a second date with Leo, I’m still being cautious. I don’t want to fall back into bad habits. It’s definitely a “it’s not him, it’s me” thing.
I can’t remember a time in five years of dating that Travis waited for me to walk in front of him. Not even in the beginning of our relationship. He was usually at least ten paces ahead and more often than not in the car when I finally caught up.
Which reminds me…
“I have a question.”
“Shoot.”
“I’ve heard you quote both Buffy and Elle Woods. How is that possible?”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever known a guy who quoted either.”
He turned into the studio’s parking lot and pulled into the first spot then shifted to face me, the corners of his mouth curled into a sexy smile.
“I did mention my three sisters, right?” I nodded. “They basically commanded the TV when we were growing up, especially Angie. I’ve seen every episode of Buffy more than once and I lost track of the number of times I watched Legally Blonde. That stuff just stuck in my head and I can’t get it out.”
His distressed look when he spoke that last sentence made me laugh.
“It’s not funny,” he said around a chuckle, diffusing the meaning of his words.
“It kind of is.” I shrugged. “What other shows are you fluent in?”
“I know who the “other Tucker” is, that on Tuesdays we wear pink, and the perfect date is April 25th.”
“John Tucker Must Die, Mean Girls, and Miss Congeniality. Pretty impressive.”
“And those don’t even take the Nickelodeon shows like The Wild Thornberrys and The Amanda Show into consideration. Or Gilmore Girls.”
“Interesting. So, serious question.” I tapped my index finger against my chin. “Are you Team Angel or Team Spike?”
His cocked brow and the glint of humor in his eyes had me anticipating his next words. And they didn’t disappoint.
“I don’t think we know each other well enough to discuss that.”
He delivered the words in such a serious tone, it took me a second for them to register in my brain. But once they did, my laughter echoed through the interior of the truck. When I let out a loud snort, he joined me and we just sat there laughing like two fools for I don’t know how long.
When we finally settled down, I placed my hand on my chest and drew in a deep breath. I have no idea when I last laughed like that and I have to say, it felt good.
“Thank you for today. It was fun.”
“Would you like to do it again Friday night?” he asked. “Clay told me about a Brazilian steakhouse that I’d like to check out if that sounds good to you.”
“That sounds great actually.”
“Does seven thirty work for you?”
“That’ll be good. I get done here at six thirty so I’ll have enough time to run home and change.” At his raised brow, I smiled and added, “I’ll text you my address.”
With his eyes locked on mine, Leo rested his elbow against the center console and leaned closer. I held my breath anticipating his kiss but before he closed the distance between us, Clay pulled into the spot right next to us.
We both watched as he waved as he walked toward the front door, unlocked it, and disappeared inside. Leo’s gaze met mine again, but the spell was broken.
One side of his mouth kicked up into a half smile and I watched as he got out of the truck and walked around the front. The door opened and just like before, he offered his hand to help me out. I stepped down and looked up at him.
“I’ll probably see you later, but I’ll definitely see you Friday night.”
His clean scent filled my nose when he leaned down and kissed my cheek. The skin his lips touched tingled, my nipples tightened, and my va-jay-jay clenched. If I respond like that to a peck on the cheek, I can’t imagine what kind of reaction I’ll have to a real kiss.