Humming aloud, she danced toward her refrigerator. She even threw in a few salsa steps along the way. She darted for her phone again and typed in Salsa radio. At the sound of congas, Leah waggled her hips as she sashayed back and forth. She repeated the basic steps she had learned and twirled around, imagining herself with her dance partner. Then Cole’s mink brown eyes came to mind.
Leah stopped mid-step almost losing her footing. She placed her leftover grilled salmon and sautéed vegetables in the microwave. She leaned against the counter as she waited for the timer to tick down. When her cell rang, interrupting the music, Leah walked over to answer. It was her mother.
“Hi, Mom.”
“How are you? I wanted to check on you. It’s raining hard over here.”
“I’m okay. It’s fine at my place. How about you all?”
“We’re fine. It’s this unpredictable Texas weather. Still, I wouldn’t live anywhere else.”
Leah giggled.
“You sound chipper.”
“I was heating dinner when you called.”
“Are you feeling better?” her mother asked.
“Taking one day at a time.”
“Where have you been though? I’m surprised you answered the phone. I’m usually leaving a message or seeing you on Sundays.”
&nbs
p; “I’m okay. I’ve been…”
“Been what? Are you seeing someone, Leah?”
Leah drew in her bottom lip between her teeth. “No, I’ve taken a break. Like you said, take some time for myself.”
“You must be busy.”
“I’ve been having some fun. I rode a horse.”
Her mother choked. “You did what?”
“I rode a horse. I’m taking salsa lessons.” Leah then rubbed her stomach and prayed she wasn’t sore the next day. I’m going to be sore. “I started a Pilates class and—”
“I’m still stuck on the horse, sweetheart. What brought this on?”
“Trying new things.”
“Well… I’m proud of you.”
Her microwave dinged. She doesn’t sound too convinced. “Why the hesitation, Mom?” She carried her plate to her dining table.
“I’m not saying another word.”
“So, you will keep me in suspense?”
“Exactly.”
Leah sighed. “Okay, Mom.”
“I almost forgot why I called you. Did you see Seth this week?”
She pressed her free hand to her chest. “What?”