Their Perfect Melody by Priscilla Oliveras

Author:Priscilla Oliveras
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2018-09-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

“Here you go.”

Lilí looked up from where she hunkered down next to an equipment duffel bag to find Omara holding out one of the red padded protective gloves they’d used during the self-defense class. “Thanks.”

She did a quick scan of their corner of the gym, noting that while the other students had bugged out, Omara’s group waited for her near the edge of the bleachers about thirty feet away.

Kent Smith had already left with two duffels of equipment. She’d told him she could handle the last two on her own. They’d hang on to the items to use during the final class next Tuesday.

“I appreciate you noticing this was left out,” Lilí told Omara.

“Sure.” The girl quirked her neck in a typical teen “whatever” head tilt. She jammed the toe of her pink-and-blue striped sneaker into the court. Evidently she had something else she wanted to say.

Lilí waited. Omara would either speak her mind or leave it for later. Best she not feel pressured or she’d clam up. That would only detract from the progress they’d made tonight. And thankfully for all the girls, because they were the ones that mattered here, progress had been achieved.

For starters, they’d all come dressed appropriately. Omara’s clique still sported full makeup and cute hairstyles—Lilí hadn’t really expected otherwise. After all, there were teen boys in the building to impress. But their exercise gear allowed them to practice the self-defense moves much easier and they’d all given 100 percent. That wasn’t always the case with some classes, despite Lilí’s best efforts.

Finished picking up the last of the protective gear, Lilí tugged the zipper closed on the duffel.

“You did a great job tonight. I hope you feel proud of yourself,” she told Omara.

Arms crossed, nearly covering the words “All That” scrawled in black script across the front of her tight gray T-shirt, Omara gave a tough-girl chin jut to indicate her friends. “Yeah, sure. Look, the girls and I thought we oughtta say thanks for doing this and, you know, for acting like you care. Or, whatever.”

The unwitting glimpse of Omara’s softer side made Lilí want to hug the girl. Of course, she refrained. That wouldn’t be a cool move.

Instead, Lilí rose from her haunches and met Omara’s gaze. Tentative acceptance lingered in the girl’s dark eyes. Doubt twisted her lips.

“There are a lot of people here rooting for you. Willing to help you develop the tools so you can be successful and healthy. I’m one of those people.” Lilí pressed a palm to her chest.

Several beats passed.

She could tell by the way Omara’s eyes narrowed the tiniest bit that the girl was weighing her options. Trust or not trust. It had to be earned in this neighborhood.

“You were pretty bad-ass going up against Officer Smith tonight,” Omara finally said.

“Well, we were both wearing protective gear, and it was simulations. But I can hold my own.”

“Like with that jerk who came at you last night?”

Surprise had Lilí drawing back a step. “How did you .

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