Bryson whispered, “Are you a new student?”
Joey looked back seriously and said, “It’s my second time here. Can you show me the ropes?”
Bryson shook his head, eyes wide. “We don’t have any ropes here. Just punching bags.”
“Will you show me the punching bags, then?”
Bryson looked back at Stefanie, who joined them on the floor and gave her a frenetic bow. “Hello, ma’am!”
“Hello, sir.” Stefanie bowed back. “This is my friend, Joey. He’s going to be helping us in class today.”
Bryson gave him a puzzled look and Joey explained, “I’m just new here. I’m not new to karate.” Bryson wordlessly pointed to Joey’s white belt. “Ah, this is borrowed. The one at home is black.”
Bryson’s eyes went wide. “I’m going to be a black belt too.”
“Awesome. Ready to get to work on that?”
Bryson nodded frantically at least four times and he was soon joined by about a dozen other children the same age and energy level. Stefanie began her class more gently than she would for the adults. After a warm-up, the adult helpers split the children into groups to learn their forms and practice their front kicks. Like every week, she had a hard time not melting in the face of the earnest effort of the kids. Almost inevitably, about once a class, a student would kick just a little too hard and fall on their backside. She always praised them when they got back up and never got tired of watching them try again, gaining pride and self-control with each effort. She paused to watch Joey teach the proper form for a side kick. While he was gentle and slow to teach the motion to the yellow belt in a high ponytail, he demonstrated one kick hard enough to send the punching bag back a few inches. Sofia giggled in response and did her best to replicate his moves. Stefanie lost her train of thought for a moment until Master Kimberly came up behind her. “You must really like this guy. You’ve never brought anyone here before.”
Stefanie did her best to appear nonchalant. “He’s new in town. Thought I’d introduce him to some of my favorite people.” She gave Master K a nudge.
Joey gave another kid a high five, his fan club growing by one more. Strength without arrogance was what they taught here, and Joey embodied it. Kimberly eyed Stefanie. “I like him.”
“You’ve known him for ten minutes. And he’s interning at my company.” Stefanie shook her head. “Absolutely not.”
“He looks a little old to be an intern.”
“Second career.”
Master K went to correct a child’s form, then returned. “Hm. Intern sounds temporary. Maybe you should go out for drinks his last day of work or something. The kids have a good sense for people. So do I.”
“I think Bryson’s side kick needs a little work.” Stefanie cleared her throat. “It isn’t quite right.” She darted off before Master K could ask her any more questions, and a few minutes later, her class was bowing out. It was the last class of the morning and soon, Stefanie found herself alongside Joey tidying up the space.
“That was a lot of fun. Thanks for the invite.” Joey put away a large pad they used to teach the children to aim.
Stefanie bit her lip. “I was kind of hoping to find something that would throw you off. Apparently not much can do that.”
Joey smiled. “I have a huge family. A lot of little cousins. I can’t really go to a family gathering without someone, at some point, handing me a baby. You get comfortable with kids pretty quickly.”
“Oh?” Stefanie straightened the punching bags.
“I mean. I don’t have any of my own, but maybe someday.”
Stefanie put a hand on her hip. “You’re full of surprises, Joey. I figured you’d be annoyed I tricked you into teaching a class of five- and six-year-olds.” She set the last punching bag against the wall. “So, even though you aren’t annoyed, want to enjoy the peace offering I had planned?”
Joey straightened one last pile of equipment so that everything was as neat as when they’d started class. “Sure.”
Stefanie led him down to the basement and flicked on the lights. The room was full of gym equipment, from pull-up bars to free weights.
Joey was right behind her. “Whoa.”
“I’m not sure what your gym situation is at home, but since I occasionally help out, I have keys to the building. We can come here any time you want. They teach an intense workout class here twice a week, but the rest of the week, no one really uses it.”
Joey walked over to a pull-up bar and did a few. He caught her looking at him and winked at her. Her cheeks heated and she suddenly became very interested in studying the lockers. He dropped to the ground. “Nice.”
Stefanie walked over to a locker and pulled out a bag. “We got to watch the little kids do their best, but after seeing you teach, I’m curious. Want to spar? This time, for real? Don’t take it easy on me.”
Joey shook his head. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Please.” Stefanie shot him a look. “I’ve got some extra gear for you.” She tossed him a padded helmet, which he caught easily. “Unless you’re worried you’ll lose.”
“I have a feeling you aren’t going to let this go.” Joey put the helmet on and secured it while maintaining eye contact, playfulness dancing in his eyes.
For the next minute, there was only the rip and tear of Velcro pads being put into place, and the two took their sides of the mat. They bowed to each other, shook hands, and then the game was on.
Stefanie bounced around the large padded gym mats, waiting to see what Joey’s strategy would be. He moved to give her a little tap with his foot and she dodged it easily, throwing a punch at his stomach. She made contact and he gave her an appreciative nod. “Nice hit.”
Stefanie narrowed her eyes. He
