My Instructor (3 page)

“
Well, I’m sure you were a nice guy. And had you asked me, I may not have accepted but I would have been nice about it,” Tiffany said. “Even if you were a skinny weed.”

Tiffany chuckled at her description.

“Oh sure, make fun of me. I used to eat like a pig, but I still couldn’t gain any weight. It was so depressing,” he recalled dismally.

Tiffany composed herself.

“Well, you don’t have that problem now. I’m sure the women hang all over you,” Tiffany said.

“
I don’t know where the doting women are, but I do have to watch what I eat. I love chocolate cake, but it doesn’t treat me well,” Aaron said.

Tiffany smiled but didn’t respond. She understood all too well about watching her diet. It was the bane of her existence. She looked around the lobby.

“Looks like people are heading back. We should go in as well,” she remarked.

Aaron escorted her back to their seats. She read her program while the lights were still up. Aaron remained quiet, not wanting to disturb her. He thought about revealing his high school crush on her. He didn’t know why he had felt the need to tell her. In doing so, he took the risk of pushing her away from him. However, he wanted her to know how he’d felt about her. Somehow hoping that she would get the drift that he still had those same feelings for her. He didn’t believe that his plan had been successful. She had teased him a little, but overall she’d been kind upon hearing his confession. And that was all. Well, he had to be thankful that she had not rebuffed him. He would just have to continue his campaign and change how she viewed him. He could do it. It would just take a lot more of what he didn’t have much of: patience. The lights went down, and she became engrossed with the show. He too allowed the beautifully staged production to garner his attention. At one point in the performance, Chance executed a spectacular jump and flip, landing in a magnificent split with his arms raised skyward. Tiffany gasped and grabbed his leg mid-thigh in her excitement. Her firm grip stayed there momentarily then she removed it to clap vigorously. The warmth of her hand lingered on his thigh. He wanted more than anything for her to repeat the unconscious act. He began to pray that Chance had another spectacular feat in the program. Soon, the performance concluded to a standing ovation. He and Tiffany applauded loudly when Chance took his bow. Afterward, Aaron took Tiffany behind the stage to meet his cousin. Tiffany also had the pleasure of meeting Aaron’s family members. There were so many of them that Tiffany had trouble remembering names.

“Don’t worry about remembering the names tonight, dear. You’ll go batty,” Sharon Jacob laughed.

Tiffany laughed. Aaron’s mother was charming and sweet. She also had his dark coloring. Aaron was very much like her.

“I’m going to try anyway,” Tiffany chuckled. “I dislike not knowing the name of the person I’m talking to. It’s one of my pet peeves. It drives me bananas.”

“
You’ll be a monkey tonight then,” Sharon teased.

They were laughing as Chance finally came out of his dressing room. Chance was surrounded by his family as they hugged and congratulated him. The woman who was embracing Chance was African American, and obviously his mother. While his father, who stood on his other side, was Caucasian. Tiffany stood back and watched fondly as Chance graciously accepted the praise. Finally, Aaron pulled Chance over to meet Tiffany. He made the introductions.

“Hi. It’s nice to meet you,” Chance smiled politely.

Chance was a good looking, curly haired teenager. He was well-built due to his strenuous dancing and about 6’2” in height. He was respectful and clean-cut. The kind of son that any parent would be proud of.

“It’s terrific to meet you. You are absolutely brilliant,” Tiffany said effusively.

“
Thank you,” Chance replied.

“
My heart caught in my throat when you did that amazing flip,” Tiffany quipped.

“
So, did mine,” Sekai said as she held her hand to her throat. “I worry every time he does it.”

“
It’s not a big deal, Mom. I do it all the time,” Chance lamented.

“
So says the invincible sixteen-year old,” Sekai exclaimed.

Tiffany chuckled as she looked at Sekai. Sekai was Chance’s mother, and she was beautiful. She was petite and slender, and it was obvious that Chance’s dad; Stewart adored her. Tiffany could see his love for her in his sparkling grey eyes.

“Sekai’s name in Zimbabwe means: laughter,” Aaron said.

Tiffany thought Sekai was aptly named as she watched her laughing exchange with her son and relatives.

“Let’s move the celebration to Angelo’s Restaurant. They are expecting us,” Stewart said. “It’s time to party. Aaron. Tiffany. Let’s go.”

Tiffany looked at Aaron in surprise. He shrugged.

“Looks like we’re going to Angelo’s,” he chuckled.

Tiffany laughed with him and allowed him to escort her out of the theater. Aaron opened the passenger door of his Camry, and Tiffany slid smoothly into the soft leather seat. When Aaron entered the car, Tiffany turned to him.

“I really enjoyed the performance. Thank you for inviting me,” Tiffany said sincerely.

Aaron inserted the key into the ignition and started the car.

“It was my pleasure. I hope you will say that after you’ve experienced my family at Angelo’s. We can be a rowdy bunch,” he smiled.

“
I like rowdy. I’ve been known to be a bit boisterous,” she grinned.

“
I do recall some instances at the school dances. How often were you in the principal’s office?” he said with raised eyebrows.

“
Hey! I was a lively teenager. And I wasn’t in the principal’s office all the time,” Tiffany objected.

Aaron began driving.

“I didn’t say you were in Berger’s office all the time; just once a month,” he grinned.

She swiped at his arm.

“Not so! I was there only twice my entire time in high school. And that was enough. Cleaning the cafeteria kitchen was a chore,” Tiffany grimaced.

He laughed.

“Was that your punishment?” he asked.

“
Yes. And the punishment outweighed the crime by leaps and bounds. Old man Berger was no joke,” Tiffany recalled.

“
But he was a good principal. I didn’t realize just how much he’d done for the school until recent years,” he said. “Rolling Hill High is one of the top five high schools in the country.”

“
I heard about that. He has done a very good job and despite his grouchy demeanor, he really did care about the students,” Tiffany said. “I hear he’s still the principal there.”

“
He is. I think he’ll be there for a long as he wants. He’s a good man,” Aaron said.

“
He is,” she agreed.

They fell into a companionable silence; each lost in their own thoughts. Tiffany had to admit that she was having more fun than she thought she would. The show was wonderful and Aaron was proving to be a great escort. The night had gone very well so far, and it promised to get even better. They arrived at Angelo’s and the hostess guided them to the private room that Sharon had secured. They could hear the noise emitting from the room long before they entered it. Tiffany stopped in the doorway in shock.

“Oh my God!” she exclaimed.

“
I told you my family was rowdy,” Aaron said.

Tiffany took in the scene in amazement. The room was filled to overflowing with people. Obviously, Jacob had invited more than just the family. There was a DJ spinning tunes, dancing, eating, talking, laughter. It was a party, and everyone was having a great time. Tiffany laughed as she turned to Aaron.

“I love it,” she said. She spoke loudly to be heard over the dim.

“
So do I,” he grinned. “Come on. Let’s get some food.”

They made their way to the buffet table and helped their plates. They then found a table for two in a corner and sat down. They ate and talked about a variety of things; favorite movies, travel, hobbies and books. Their conversation never stalled.

“Tell me about your family,” he suggested. “Do you have siblings?”

“
Yes but not as many as you. I have a sister and a brother,” she said between bites of salad. “We are very close. And I have a ton of nieces and nephews. My brother and sister want to repopulate the world.”

“
Are they older or younger?” he asked.

“
Older. My brother is the elder. He has three kids and so does my sister,” she said.

“
You have some catching up to do,” Aaron said.

“
At the rate I’m going, I’ll never catch them. I can’t seem to find the right guy,” she said dismally.

“
Maybe you’re looking in the wrong places,” he suggested.

“
I guess I am,” she sighed.

Aaron let it go. He didn’t want to depress her. And it was too soon to propose that he fill that void.

“Tell me about your parents,” he said.

“
They’re terrific. I adore them,” she began.

She spoke highly of them. Dean and Donna Hyatt were her heroes and role models. He knew he had his work cut out for him to measure up. When they finished eating he took their plates away. When he returned to the table, he stood beside her chair and extended his hand to her.

“Dance with me,” he said softly.

Tiffany read his lips more so than heard his words. She laid her hand in his palm and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. The music slowed as he pulled her into his arms. He held her firmly yet casually. Tiffany was pleased that he was a good dancer. His lead was strong and firm. There was no doubt as to who was in control, and that was fine by her. She was comfortable in his embrace and laid her head on his shoulder. Aaron wanted to hold her tighter when she put her head on his shoulder, but he refrained. He had to keep his emotions in check and bide his time. But she felt good in his arms. She was the perfect height and size for him. He liked it that she had a bit of meat on her. He disliked razor-thin women; he detested being able to feel their ribs as he held them. Tiffany had something he could hold on to. Something that he could squeeze and massage when the time was right. He would make sure that she didn’t lose too much weight. He looked forward to the day when he could show her just how much he desired her. The music changed to an upbeat rhythm, and they began to free style. Aaron’s brother and sister-in-law came over to hijack them. Tiffany found herself dancing with Levi as Aaron was commandeered by Farah, Levi’s wife. They were having a great time as she danced the night away. Tiffany was chatting with a group of Aaron’s relatives when she looked at her watch. She was surprised at the hour. It was one-thirty in the morning. Where had the time gone? It had been a long day, and she was beginning to feel tired. She glanced at the group of men who were talking a few feet away from her. Aaron was among them. He must have felt her stare for he turned to look at her. He nodded his head toward the exit, and she bobbed her head in agreement. He excused himself from the men and came to stand next to Tiffany.

“You guys will have to excuse us. I think Tiffany is fading,” he joked.

“
Aw! Come on, Tiffany. It’s still early,” Levi teased.

“
For you! But it’s long past my bedtime,” she laughed.

“
I’m so glad you could join us, Tiffany,” Sharon said. “Please come see us again.”

“
I will. Thank you for having me,” Tiffany replied genuinely.

“
I’ll see you guys tomorrow,” Aaron said. “Goodnight.”

Everyone exchanged good-byes, which took at least another ten minutes. Finally, they were out in the cool evening air, walking to their car.

“That was fun,” Tiffany said as she got into the car.

Aaron entered the vehicle.

“My family didn’t scare you off?” he asked.

“
Not at all. They’re terrific,” she smiled.

“
Good,” he said.

Tiffany began to dose as they traveled to her house. Aaron didn’t disturb her. Instead, he thought about the evening and was pleased that it had gone so well. His family really liked her. Had they not they would have gotten the message to him immediately. That was one huge hurdle that she had cleared without even knowing it. He drove into her driveway, just as she began to stir. He noticed that the porch light was on, courtesy of Marisa. They looked out for one another. He was glad to see that.

“Hey sleepy head. You’re home,” he said softly.

“
Mm. Already?” she said groggily.

“
Already. Let’s get you into the house,” he said.

He got out of the car and went around to open her door.

“He’s such a gentleman,” Tiffany thought kindly.

She got out of the car.

“Thank you. It’s good to see that old-fashioned chivalry is not dead,” she said.

“
Not with me, it isn’t,” he smiled. “Unless, you’re an independent woman who wants no favors from a man.”