The One

The One (38)

"My butt is definitely broken," I groaned to Maxine, who could only nod furiously in agreement since she was too exhausted.

The 'hot ski instructor' took leave today and a bald old man took over the class instead.

"How many times did that old fogey shout at you?" she asked.

I shrugged. "Lost count. He was just shouting the same thing over and over again."

" 'Focus! You can't do nothing if you don't focus!' " mimicked Maxine and I laughed.

Then suddenly her eyes widened. "Okay, Felicia, whatever you do,don't turn around, since this could be shaping up to be not the best moment of your life."

I ignored her and turned around anyway and immediately wished I hadn't.

Steve was walking towards me, hand in hand with another girl.

I furrowed my eyebrows.

Was that Emily, then?

I pursed my lips and walked away, determined not to talk to the couple behind me.

"Felicia," called out Steve.

Damn it.

I gave Maxine a pleading look and she immediately caught the hint.

"Hey there Steve," she said. "And this is?"

"Emily," the girl said and I closed my eyes, groaning.

So it is her.

I forced myself to smile and turned around. "Hi, my name is Felicia."

Emily smiled. "I know. Steve talks about you sometimes."

I listened to this piece of information, rather surprised. I glanced at Steve, who was looking at me intently.

I swallowed and turned my gaze back to Emily. I forced myself to laugh. "Really? What does he say?"

"He says you're a really nice and sweet girl... and what else, Steve?"

"And that she helped me to play the violin again," said Steve softly. I could feel his gaze burning a hole in my back.

"Yes, and that. And I really want to thank you for doing that. I suppose you know about me and my father?" said Emily softly, looking down.

And suddenly I felt horrible.

She needed Steve, much much more than me. She depended on him.

"Yeah," I croaked.

"It wasn't his fault. I'd been trying to get that through for years, but he doesn't listen. Thank you for making him see," she said gratefully.

I blinked, unsure of how to respond.

"We're having a celebration at the end of this month. It's sort of like prom. You must come along," she insisted.

I looked at Maxine, who shrugged. "I'll see," I said vaguely.

"Emily's uncle owns the resort, so feel free to make yourself comfortable," interjected Steve.

I could only nod.

"Well then," interjected Maxine smoothly. "We'll be off on our way, since we froze our butts off, if you get what I mean."

With that, she grabbed my hand and pulled me away. When we were out of earshot, she hissed, "Who the heck was that girl? Do you know her?"

I sighed. "Sort of. Steve told me about her."

"Well then, who the hell is she?"

I debated mentally whether to tell Maxine. It was Steve's personal business after all. "She's his violin teacher's daughter."