Page 76 of Bourbon Truths
“Well, that’s nice of you, but we need to mind our manners. Right, Madeline?”
“Right. Sorry, Mr. Kace.”
“Not a problem at all.” I chuckled.
Those freckles and that smile were going to be the death of me. Madeline was so dainty, so petite. The shirt she was wearing was one I’d bought her a few years ago with a map of New Orleans on it. Clearly it hadn’t been my best purchase since she was just fitting into it now, and because it was a shirt with a map of New Orleans on it, but apparently she liked it. Choosing presents was so out of my realm but, buying for a little girl was in another fucking galaxy of comprehension. Buying for a little girl just added pressure that resulted in crap purchases like the shirt she was wearing. Although she seemed to like the purse I’d gotten her since she still used it. It was ragged and torn in spots where little patches of ladybugs and rainbows covered up the holes.
Even though I didn’t want to feel happy she still used the items I bought her, I couldn’t help but feel slightly elated. She loved my presents.
She loved them. Either that or….
Shit, maybe she hadn’t been given anything else besides my presents because her mom couldn’t afford it.
That thought sent my stomach into another flip.
“Kace, are you sure you’re okay?” Linda placed her hand on my shoulder, and it almost felt like her skin was burning mine, burning me for my past sins.
“Fine. Umm, what can I help you with?” I asked, needing this little conversation to end sooner rather than later.
In the background, the community center bustled with excited patrons observing the different classes we offered as well as taking a tour of the facility, led by Goldie, of course, because who else would be more entertaining? Voices started to flow down the hallway, and I knew the tour would head my way soon, which meant having to get my shit together. I wouldn’t do the center any good if I was practically hyperventilating on the floor. Yeah, that would get people to sign up for my class.
“And this is the Haze Room,” Goldie said, opening the door and allowing a few people to come in.
A family walked in as well as a couple. They looked around in awe. Goldie made eye contact with me and gave me a questioning look. I shook my head for her to not ask anything, and thankfully she didn’t pursue it..
“And this is Kace. He is our instructor in the Haze Room. Rumor has it he’s ready to work his athletes hard, so if you come here, get ready to sweat.”
I smiled and said, “We accept all levels of athletes. No judgement here. I will work with you and your level of fitness.”
“He says that now.” Goldie winked and led the group out of the room.
“She’s so much fun,” Linda said, speaking of Goldie. “She was so sweet at the front desk, especially when she directed us down here.”
“She’s pretty amazing,” I said, speaking the truth.
“Mom, can I go play on the mats?” Madeline asked, a pleading look in her eyes.
Linda looked at me for approval. I bent down to Madeline’s level and said, “Run wild, kid.”
“Awesome!” She threw her purse on the floor and ran around, doing somersaults and cartwheels on the mats.
“She has a lot of energy,” I pointed out.
“Tell me about it. That’s why we’re here. I want her to use that energy for good. I want her to learn how to work with others, take instruction, and apply herself.”
“She will definitely be able to learn that here. Do you have any classes in mind?”
“Self-defense,” Linda said without skipping a beat.
“Okay, well, we have a class she could join. It will probably be more adults than anything.”
“That’s okay,” Linda said while looking at Madeline. “The earlier she learns, the better. I’d also like to see her build confidence and put some meat on her bones. She needs to be able to defend herself.”
The way Linda was talking had me worried. Was Madeline being picked on at school? The mere thought had my blood boiling and my hands itching to take care of whoever was picking on her. No matter what their age or size was, I was ready to teach someone a fucking lesson.
“I know this is none of my business, but is she having trouble at school?”
Linda was lost in a daze, watching Madeline. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
