JOANNA

"How about this one?"

I step out into the living room, spinning around so Oli can get the full effect of the dress. It's a simple, short sleeve black dress with a wide neckline, but I'm nervous it shows off too much of my cleavage. The length hits my mid calf and the slit down the side helps with the movement of the dress.

"Should I wear a scarf? I don't want to look like I'm asking for it on the first date, you know?" I turn sideways, checking my reflection when Oli looks up.

"You are asking for it, tonta," she says with a mouthful of chicharones. "Might as well put the girls on display. If he doesn't take the bait, he ain't the one." (dummy)

"I'm not looking for the one, Oli. I'm dipping my toe in the dating pool, not doing a cannonball into it." I adjust my bra, trying to stuff myself more inside, but it's useless.

"When's the last time you did a cannonball in a pool, huh? You're missing out, cuz." She shifts on the couch, eyes wide with excitement. "Yo, we should do the pool and steam room sometime this week after training!" She turns back to the TV, licking the tips of her fingers, cleaning the crumbs and salt from them.

"I've never done a steam room," I reply before heading back to my room and dig through a drawer of scarfs and find a sheer gold shawl. Ha! This will do!

Slipping my feet into nude wedges, I run my fingers through my hair that's down in large waves before rushing back out to the living room.

Oli is still going on about the benefits of steam rooms, "....removes toxins, burns calories and reduces stress. So, yeah, there are tons of benefits." She looks over at me and I plaster on a smile, giving her a thumbs up.

"Cool. We should definitely try it then!" Feeling slightly guilty for not hearing all of her spiel.

We look at each other when there's a knock at the door. "He's here," she whispers.

I roll my eyes. "¡No me digas!" (you don't say)

Taking a few deep breaths, I shake my head, fighting through the last minute insecurities and doubts; this is my first date as an adult with someone I've never met before. 

Grabbing my clutch from the counter, I close my eyes fighting through the panic that wants to over take my body and force myself to move toward the door. Maverick and Goose follow me. 

"Sit." They lower their eyes and lick their lips as they sit. "Now, stay."

I open the door, smiling at the well dressed, dirty blond haired man, standing in front of me. Our eyes linger on one another's faces, and his smile widens as he extends his hand out to me.

"Joanna?"

"Yes." I take his hand and shake it.

"I'm Rick. It's nice to meet you. Ezekiel and Enrique have told me a lot of nice things about you."

I smile. "They both speak very highly of you as well."

Oli not-so-gently shoves me aside. "Hi, I'm Oli." She grabs his hand, shaking it quickly. I grimace as Rick's clear green eyes glance at the residue of crumbs and oil on his hand now. "I'm the cousin and as such, it's my duty to warn you. JoJo is the youngest in her family. She has four older brothers. One of which happens to be a cop, but he's not the one you need to worry about, it's me. I can be your worst night—"

"Alright, thanks Oli." I brush past her, slightly pushing Rick back out. "Don't wait up!"

"Use protection!" Oli shouts back.

I close the door and turn to him, breathless. "Sorry about her. She means well."

Rick chuckles. "Ezekial and Enrique gave me a heads up about her. I thought they were exaggerating, but I see they were being completely truthful." He laughs and I join in with him feeling my anxiety slowly wane.

"Shall we?" He holds his arm out to me.

"Yes." I smile, taking his arm, and head toward the elevator.

_____________

"Do you like seafood?" Rick asks as we pull up to the curb of a restaurant. The name stands out against the glass panel, Ocean Prime.

I turn back to face him, smiling. "I don't eat a lot of it, but I'm open to it."

"Perfect." He grins. "Let me grab your door."

Stepping out of the car, he hands his keys to the valet and takes quick strides to my side pulling the door open, giving me his hand. I'm not used to all of this chivalry and elation of giddiness starts to grow within me. The most Manny would do is open the door while we were together.

Obviously I have seen more being done in movies or TV shows, but I just figured it to be just that. Not real. Not realistic. But here it is in real life and it's wonderful!

He leads us to the entrance and pulls the door open, guiding me inside and then everything comes to an abrupt stop.

"Are you okay?" Rick asks me, noticing my sudden resistance and I snap my head to him, nodding. He smiles, "I'm going to go check in."

I nod again, unable to form any words at the moment. ¡Ay dios! This can't be happening! (Oh, God)

Noticing the crowd in the restaurant, I pray we'll go somewhere else. But my hopes are dashed—I'm frozen in place—coming face to face with Coach when he turns around after Rick calls out my name.

Clearing the frog camping out in my throat, I squeak out a greeting, "Hey, Coach!"

He's exchanged his usual gray sweats or joggers with the under armour long sleeve shirts or hoodies he wears at the gym, for fitted charcoal dress pants, dark brown shoes and a lighter gray shirt with a suit jacket, and no tie. His hair is pulled back in his signature man bun, but it's sleeker than how he wears it in the mornings at the gym.

"Joanna." His mouth curves into a heart-stopping smile. Wait, heart-stopping? But as I observe the way his face is lit up, he looks...happy. Genuinely happy.

He takes a step forward. "You look—"

"Sage! Sorry I'm late." A blur of beautiful long, luscious red hair breezes by and into his arms. His eyes leave mine, following Rick when he joins me again.

"Traffic was horrendous!" I overhear the tall, gorgeous redhead apologizing to Coach. "Did we miss our reservation because of me?" Her outfit is just as polished as she is, a sharp cream pant suit and blazer. But the black silk top with trim lace adds a sexy edge to the style.

Rick's arm comes around my waist, pulling my attention. "They said it will be an hour wait. Do you want to sit at the bar and wait or should we try somewhere else?"

"Um—"

"Why don't you join us? That is, if you don't mind." Coach asks his girlfriend—I say girlfriend because they both don't wear wedding rings—she must be who he was talking to earlier today, during our training session.

"Oh, we don't want to impose—" I start to say, but Rick surprises me when he simultaneously responds with:

"That would be great!"

"The more the merrier." Coach's girlfriend gives us a brilliant smile. But having mastered the art of fake smiles myself, it's clear her accommodating attitude is anything but genuine. Ay dios, this should be interesting. (Oh, God)

Coach informs the hostess of the extra menus needed. I give Rick a forced smile, not fond of the way he just thrust us into someone else's date night.

We're led through the dimly lit restaurant when the hostess stops, gesturing at a round table tucked into a corner, next to two large windows looking out into the city.

An awkward moment passes when both Coach and Rick reach for a chair for me. My eyes shift between them and then Coach's girlfriend clears her throat and he moves to pull her chair out instead, as he should.

After a few strenuous seconds of silence, I introduce myself and Rick to Coach's girlfriend and she tells us her name is Maxine.

"So, how do you all know each other," Maxine asks and I realize she's addressing me and Coach.

"Oh, I'm doing a boot camp challenge with a few friends and Coach Sage is my trainer." I inform her. "And Rick and I just met. This is our first date actually. We were set up by mutual friends."

"Isn't this serendipitous," Maxine says, setting down her glass of water after taking a drink. "So are we." She smiles, placing a hand on Coach's shoulder.

"That's wonderful." I return her smile. It's none of your business, Joanna. Don't be metiche. (nosy)

"Joanna made quite the first day impression." Coach speaks up unexpectedly and I begin choking on my water.

Both he and Rick pat my back as I grab a napkin to clean up my sputtering. "Sorry, that went down the wrong pipe." I manage to choke out, my face burns as I wipe at my chin.

"What happened? On your first day?" Rick asks. A nervous laugh erupts out of me, but Manny's voice, telling me to control it in public, filters in my head and I stifle it with my hand.

"Since I was little, I've had a habit of finding ways to embarrass myself in front of people. And the first day of Boot Camp was no exception." I glance at Coach; he's leaning forward, a ghost of a smile on his lips. "I decided to test out a treadmill while we were waiting for bootcamp to start."

"You've never been on a treadmill before?" Maxine's sculpted eyebrows rise high.

"I have, but my friend started messing around with the speed and before you know it, my feet went right from under me. But the worst part was when my pants dropped down to my ankles. I let go, somersaulted off of the machine!" I chuckle, once again picturing it in my mind.

"Would you care to order something to drink?" The waitress returns, saving me from having to look at everyone.

Glancing at Coach Sage, he smiles, it's like he's reading my mind.

"You are allowed to drink even though you're doing the challenge."

"Are you typically not encouraged to drink during the boot camp?" Rick questions, but continues without waiting to hear my response. "If so, I'm not going to sabotage your hard work or progress, Joanna. We'll both have water." He informs the waitress leaving me too dumbfounded to speak up.

Okay...

"So, what do you do, Rick?" Maxine asks, scooting her chair closer to Coach.

"I'm a Finance manager for a consulting firm. Been there for a few years now. Though I'd love to be able to put in more time at the gym. I'd probably have a lot more free time, if I was doing something in fitness. You must enjoy the freedom; are there other hobbies you're into?"

"Coach isn't just a trainer, he owns the gym, Rick." All eyes fall on me and in my haste to do something with my hands, I reach for my glass of water, but knock down Coach's water on the table.

"Shit, I'm so sorry." I grab a cloth napkin and start dabbing at his thigh, not realizing how bad that looks.

"Joanna, it's okay." Coach's hand comes over mine, pulling the napkin out of my hands. "It's just water."

Rick sets his glass down loudly on the table, his eyes squint at the corners and I sit back in my chair. Well, this is going wonderfully.

"What do you do, Maxine?" Rick attempts to keep a conversation flowing.

"I'm in Finance as well." She smiles then looks over at Coach, resting a hand on his thigh, the dry one, but coach shifts in his seat, tugging at his collar. Her hand slides off his leg, but she doesn't seem to mind. "Our mutual friend is an investor for my Boss."

"Tanner...our mutual friend and I met in college." Coach Sage informs everyone. "He was the one who believed in my business goals and invested in me opening the gym."

"Wow, that's a great friend. He helped your dreams come true." I comment.

"That's a huge financial risk. I'm not sure I would have gambled money on an upstart company for anyone, even if they're a friend—in fact, especially if they're a friend. That could have ruined a friendship if things didn't turn out well," Rick states.

Coach's shoulders lift with the deep breath he takes. "Tanner is very persistent when he sets his mind on something. I paid him back with interest."

"Sure, but it probably took years, right?" Rick presses.

"I make good on my debts," Coach's replies with an edge to his voice, his dark eyes fixated on Rick.

"Are we ready to order?" The waitress chirps.

"Yes," Maxine replies while I hurry and scan over the menu.

Maxine proceeds to give her order as does Coach. Then Rick states what he wants. I smile as the waitress looks at me, ready for my request, but Rick beats me to it...again.

"She'll have a salad, dressing on the side. With Lamb Chops. Also, can you add oysters for us?"

"Of course." The waitress smiles.

"That's very gentlemanly of you to order for Joanna." Maxine smiles at Rick while I'm trying to contain my temper.

"Actually, I will have the filet mignon, medium rare with a baked potato."

The waitress's eyes shift between me and Rick. "So...you want this instead of what he ordered?"

"Oh no, you can just add that to it." I smile, handing her my menu.

"Could I get another wine?" Coach asks and the waitress jots it down, before scurrying away.

"Don't worry," I tell Rick. "I'll go dutch on it with you, even though technically as gentlemanly as it was for you to order for me, you didn't even ask me what I felt like."

"Going dutch is not the issue." Rick states, inhaling deeply. "I was trying to be considerate, but you're right I shouldn't have assumed."

"I'll take some home to Oli." I shrug.

"Is that your dog?"

My head snaps over to Maxine. "No. She's my cousin."

She covers a laugh with her hand, my jaw clenches. "Oh, I'm sorry. That's an interesting name."

"It's a nickname. Her name is Olivia, but everyone in our family calls her Oli. It's common in our culture to give nicknames."

"I'm sorry if I offended you. It truly wasn't my intention."

A moment of awkward silence passes and Maxine turns to Coach, leaning in. "So, Tanner tells me you have a son. How old is he?"

"Eleven, soon to be twelve."

"What's his name?" I ask and he turns toward me.

"Obie."

"Like Obi-wan kenobi?"

Coach chuckles, shaking his head. "No, his full name is Obediah."

"Still cool." I smile and his face mirrors mine. He needs to smile more, it completely enhances his eyes.

"Kids can be ruthless with old names like that." Rick comments.

Coach's eyes snap to him. "I guess he's been lucky so far. I'm guessing Rick wasn't your only nickname growing up?"

If you could kill someone with just a look I'm sure both of them would combust into a pile of flames right about now, observing the two men. Coach's phone rings, breaking the murderous staring eye contest. He pulls his phone out and I catch his son's name flashing on the screen.

"Excuse me, I have to take this."

"Jesus, if he's this serious outside of the gym, I'd hate to see what he's like as a trainer." Rick mutters, after Coach walks away.

For some reason, I find it hilarious and begin laughing. "He is that serious in the gym actually."

They don't find it as humorous as I do. I busy myself with drinking more water, realizing my glass is empty now, and my bladder is on the verge of exploding.

"Do either of you know where the restroom is?"

"It's near the entrance, to the left of where the hostess is," Maxine answers, scrolling through her phone. 

I excuse myself and walk quickly to the bathroom. Turning the corner near the hostess station, I slam into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry." I look up and see it's Coach. "Sorry, Coach, I wasn't watching where I was going."

"Don't worry about it. Also, it's okay to call me Sage."

"Okay, coa-Sage." I stutter. "Sorry, it's a habit now."

"Habits are hard to break." His tone of voice is unusually soft.

"Is everything okay with your son?" I ask, switching spots with him, so I'm near the bathrooms.

"Yeah, he's having this movie night with a friend and wanted to push his late-over time another hour."

"Late-over?"

"It's just a late hang out, instead of sleepover; which I'm not too keen on. I'm a bit of a worrier when it comes to him."

"My mom wouldn't let me do sleep overs either, not even with family. But I would sneak into Oli's house—she lived next door when we were kids---we'd always wake each other up so we wouldn't get caught the next day." I laugh.

"I can picture you two doing that."

We stand there for a few seconds, not saying anything else. "Well, I better get back, I suppose," he says.

I nod. "Right." 

Turning away toward the restrooms, I realize I'm heading to the men's side and change directions, feeling his eyes on me until I turn the corner out of sight.

When I return back to the table, Coach starts to rise from his seat as does Rick, but Coach retracts his hand from my chair letting Rick pull it out for me. I sit down thanking Rick, but then notice Coach slides a wine glass to me.

"One glass isn't going to hurt."

I smile thanking him, sipping the delicious wine, closing my eyes as the rich smoothness travels down my throat.

"Good?" He asks.

"Delicious." Feeling a draft in the room, a shiver runs through me.

"Are you cold?" He asks. I shake my head, raising my shawl higher, but then he surprises me by taking his jacket off, draping it over my shoulders; instantly warming me and enveloping me in his scent.

"Thank you," I murmur and turn towards Rick, but he's on his phone.

"How was Zumba this morning?" Coach asks me.

"It was great!" I tell him and then laugh. "Although, I don't think the instructor, Carla, will want us back. Oli and I may have gotten carried away and made up our own dance moves."

"Why am I not surprised?" He leans back in his chair, chuckling.

I laugh, again. "Hey, she's the one telling the class to feel the music, let the music flow through you! We can't help it when the beat drops, we just move with it!"

Our food arrives and everyone begins eating. I take a bit of my steak and begin doing a little dance in my chair, nodding my head in appreciation of the deliciousness.

"Are you okay?" Rick asks, watching me with a quizzical brow.

"Mmhm." I finish swallowing, still bouncing in my chair. "Don't you ever just get so happy when food hits the spot?"

"No." The questioning look on his face deflates my giddiness. I take another bite of my steak, keeping my eyes on my plate.

"Do you want to try an oyster?" Rick smiles confidently, picking up an oyster. "I like to use my fork to make sure the oyster is detached. I recommend you try them first as is. After, you can squeeze some lemon and dab some horseradish sauce on it."

He skillfully dislodges the oyster and turns the shell in his hands. "Make sure the wide edge is facing you when you slurp it. It sounds unappealing, but it's the best way to do it. But don't eat it whole, take a bite or two to get the full experience." He demonstrates and I find the slurping sound he makes humorous, but contain my giggle.

"Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be." For some reason this feels like the most glamorous thing I've ever done in my life—eating oysters like a grown up. 

I pick up an oyster and a small fork, giving it a nudge like he did, then I turn it so the wide edge is forward and bring it to my lips, feeling self conscious, I tilt the oyster slurping it. I chew it once before swallowing.

Hm, it's better than I thought it would be.

"So, what do you think?"

"It's good, but can I try it with the lemon and sauce now?"

Rick's lips curve in amusement. "Of course. When you're finished, set the oyster shell back on the plate upside down."

Doing as he instructs, I pick up another, and dislodge it before squirting lemon juice and then dabbing on some sauce; I slurp it down.

"Mmmm. Much better."

"I knew you'd like them." Rick winks at me.

I glance over at Coach's plate. "How's your food, Coach?"

"Good, thank you." He sees me eyeing his sushi roll. "Have you had sushi before?"

I shake my head, "No, something about raw fish doesn't sound appealing."

He chuckles, "You just ate raw oysters, Joanna. Here, try one." Before I can respond, he lifts a roll to my mouth with his chopsticks. I open my mouth as he brings it closer to my lips and I take it from the chopsticks. I lift my hand to cover my chewing.

My little food dance starts again, but I stop myself seeing the look of disapproval on Rick's face and the heated glare coming from Maxine.

"Really, good." I nod, averting my eyes and I sip more wine.

"How was everything?" The waitress asks, smiling. We all give our appreciation and compliment the food. "Anyone saving room for dessert?"

I shake my head. There's no way I could eat another bite. "Can I get a box please?"

She returns not long after and I dish up my plate knowing Oli will love the food. Well, except the salad.

Once we are outside, I hand Coach's jacket back to him. "Thank you...Sage."

"It's pretty cold out. You can bring it with you Monday morning to training," he says, not taking it back. But Rick grabs it from my hands, tossing it back to Coach.

"I'll keep her warm." His arm comes around my shoulders and Coach's eyes appear to darken as he leers at Rick.

"Well, this was a lovely evening, maybe we'll run into each other again?" Maxine stands next to Coach, hooking her arm in his.

Yeah, right.

"You guys have a good evening." Rick tells them as the valet pulls up in his car. He tugs me along, but I look back at Coach.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Joanna."

Rick opens the door ushering me inside. Once inside, I can't help looking back at Coach and Maxine. They're talking with each other but I turn away before Coach catches me watching them.

____________

"I had a great time, Joanna. Maybe next time it can be just you and me, if that's okay with you?" Rick says in a teasing manner as we walk to the apartment door.

"You were the one that agreed to join them." I point out with a shrug, annoyed that he's making it sound like I'm to blame for the impromptu double date, joking or not.

"You're right...I just got excited about not having to wait for an hour to eat or having to go somewhere else on a busy Saturday night," he responds, placing his hands in his pockets. "But I'll make it up to you on our next date."

"You're pretty confident there will be another date." I face him after pulling out my keys.

"I'm pretty good at getting what I want." His lips pull up in a smug grin. He takes a step toward me, leaning in for a kiss. I snap out of my shock and press my palm to his chest to keep him from advancing.

"Sir, what are you doing? Did I give you the impression that I wanted a kiss?"

Rick blinks a few times and then glances down at my hand still on his chest then steps back.

"Listen, Rick, I'm at the start of my healing era, so this..." I gesture between us. "Ain't happening, at least, not like that."

"I'm sorry for my forwardness, Joanna. We can keep it casual. Nothing serious," he says and takes a step toward me again. "I don't think I told you how beautiful you look tonight."

I smile out of habit but still feel leery with him standing so close. "Thank you."

"I'll call you."

I nod. "Sure." He leans in, making it clear it's only for a hug. Maverick and Goose whine loudly on the other side of the door.

"SH! You guys! They can probably hear you!" Oli reprimands them on the other side of the door, too. We both chuckle as we pull away, and say goodnight to each other.

I open the door and walk in, catching Oli just as she flies over the couch, attempting to look like she's reading. Which she never does.

"Oh, hey cuz! How was it? Did he put out?"

Chuckling, I shake my head, and toss my keys on the counter. "We heard you guys at the door."

"Told you, guys." She mutters to Maverick and Goose then chucks the book on the coffee table, giving up her false pretense immediately. Glancing at it, I realize it's a photo album. She sits on her knees, watching me with eagerness as I put the leftovers in the fridge.

"So, what happened?"

I pull off my shoes and saunter over to one of the chairs near the couch, replaying the bizarre night in my mind. 

"Sorry to disappoint you, but it was not a love match, and you're not going to believe who we ran into—"

The microwave digs and Oli shoots out of the couch. "Wait, lemme get my snack!" She runs back, after a few minutes, sliding into the couch with her socks and plops down with a bowl of popcorn. "Okay, ahora, cuéntame." (now, tell me.)

****