“She doesn’t know shit about martial arts, karate, jujitsu, or whatever.”
“Oh, yeah, that was really nice how you interrogated her. Made her feel like she didn’t look like she worked out. Did you notice the definition in her thighs and on her arms? She works out and she’s strong, too. Definitely not like some of the skinny weaklings that come in here acting like damsels in distress.”
Dalton turned and gave Hank a dirty look.
Then Hank challenged him.
“You still aren’t over Sylvia, are you? Man, you didn’t even sleep with that bitch and she had your emotions all twisted up in knots. She was a conniving bitch and used you to piss off that dirtbag boyfriend of hers, Larry.”
“Enough, Hank. I don’t need to talk about that woman. I didn’t see what you and the brothers saw. I truly thought she wanted to break up with Larry.”
“Whatever. Just don’t be so quick to judge people before you even know them. She seemed sweet.”
“Sylvia?”
“No, you idiot! Millie. She seemed really nice and had that New York accent.”
“Whatever.” Dalton walked out of the room. Hank looked out the window just as Stacy, Anna, and Millie exited the boutique. Millie was smiling as Stacy and Anna seemed to be introducing her to some of the other residents of Pearl. Then Lena and Bryant showed up. That was a young woman who was tough as nails. He was happy for the Jones brothers. They landed them all a fine woman.
* * * *
“Lena, Bryant, this is Millie,” Stacy said. Bryant remembered Millie from elementary school.
Millie kept looking toward the MMA fighting place across the street. Dalton was a fierce-looking man and a mean one to boot. Hank seemed really friendly and was very attractive. She wondered why she kept thinking about them. She needed to give herself a mental kick as a reminder about her track record with men. Not that she had a chance with men as gorgeous as the Lewis brothers she met so far.
“Hi, Lena, it’s so nice to meet you. Stacy and Anna have told me so much about you.”
“And they told me lots about you, too. I’m glad you’re here. We could use all the help we can get with the new shelter and community center. I saw you going into the MMA fighting place. Do you know karate?”
“I do, but I’ve been out of it for a few months. Long story, but I’m motivated to get back into it. I could use the boost of empowerment.”
“Yeah, I take the beginners’ course there in the morning at nine along with Sage. She loves the kickboxing part.”
“It’s a great workout.”
“It sure is. I was thinking about asking Dalton and Hank if they would be willing to run a class once or twice a week at a discounted price over at the new rec center. I’m sure the women would love it and want to feel empowered, too. Plus they might not feel comfortable heading into town.”
“That sounds like a great idea, Lena,” Stacy chimed in.
“Millie and you should go ask them about it,” Anna suggested then winked at Millie.
Why did it seem like Anna and Stacy were pushing her toward one or more of the Lewis brothers? They were out of their minds.
“I think their next class is going to start up. That’s an intense one, too. My leg is still giving me problems, but Dalton tries to rearrange the program so I can handle it,” Bryant stated.
“How is the therapy going, Bryant?” Stacy asked.
“It’s going well.”
“He’s a pain and gives me hell every day about it,” Lena replied and Bryant snagged her around the waist and hoisted her up against his side.
They all laughed.
“Well, we’re headed back to the site now. I think Anthony and Jeremy are working with their crews on finishing the rec center. We’re supposed to have our paint picked out by tomorrow,” Stacy stated.
“Well, let’s head over to the hardware store now. That way Anthony and Jeremy will be set and on schedule as usual,” Lena added and they headed toward the middle of town.
Chapter 8