Taking a Shot at Love Page 16

  Now Celeste was experiencing a mixture of pride and embarrassment. Lisa liked her performance and was impressed with Celeste’s routine.

  “Thank you. I appreciate your sentiment.”

  “Are you still mad at me?”

  Celeste smiled and shook her head.

  “Good. Let’s eat. I’d like to ask you questions about pole dancing if that would be okay.”

  “Sure, I guess so.”

  They sat at the table with their plates full of now lukewarm food. Celeste took both plates back into the kitchen and put them in the microwave for a minute to warm them back up. Once they’d taken their first bite, Lisa started with her questions, and for some reason, Celeste had no qualms about answering them. Maybe because Lisa seemed to treat pole dancing as some sort of art form. Maybe it was because there had been no judgment from her. Celeste was willing to answer all of Lisa’s questions because she knew Lisa wouldn’t use it against her or use it to embarrass her.

  “What made you start pole dancing?”

  Ah, that was an easy one. “I grew up overweight. I never got asked out on dates when I was a teenager and never got picked for teams at recess. I was a book nerd, fat, and nearly friendless. When I got into college, I took some nutrition and exercise classes. I had lost a lot of weight, but I still had poor self-esteem. When I was in my late twenties, one of my colleagues at the previous university I worked at suggested pole classes. I thought she was crazy to suggest I try a class, but she dared me, so I took a beginner class.”

  “So, if I want you to try something, all I have to do is dare you?”

  Celeste shook her finger at Lisa and raised an eyebrow. “Don’t get any bright ideas, Coach.”

  Lisa held her hands up in surrender. “Go on.”

  “I took a beginner class and I was so timid, but a few of the ladies in the class were in similar situations so we formed sort of a sisterhood. When we finished the class, we decided to keep doing it so we signed up for a membership at the studio we were going to. It all became baby steps but cheering each other on, it was therapeutic for some of us. When our instructor started talking to us about dressing up, we all looked at each other like she was crazy. I was still overweight. I wasn’t going to get a skimpy costume to wear. But she was so encouraging and understanding. So, a few of us plus-sized gals went to a store our instructor recommended. The ladies there were helpful, encouraging, and made us feel like we should own our bodies and sex appeal. It really opened my eyes to acceptance.”

  They took another bite of food and Celeste decided to add some music to the conversation. She used the remote to put on the sixties soul station. When an Aretha Franklin song came on, Lisa closed her eyes and started moving her head to the beat of the music. So, they liked the same music. Good to know.

  “When I got the job at Glassell University, and I had to move, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to find another studio like the one I belonged to. I talked Olivia into going with me.”

  Lisa’s eyes widened at the mention of Olivia’s name. Okay, obviously she didn’t know Olivia did pole either.

  “The one we belong to now is also great. The ladies are welcoming, nonjudgmental, and fun.”

  “That’s so wonderful, Celeste. I’m really happy that you’ve found something that you really enjoy and get a lot out of. For the record, I thought you were amazing during your performance.”

  “Thanks. That was the first showcase I performed in, and I didn’t make it past the second round.”

  “I know, and I’m sorry about that.”

  “You know?”

  Lisa cleared her throat. “Athena may have checked on the results.”

  “Wow. Thank you for following up on the competition. For what it’s worth, I appreciate that you appreciate my pole dancing. I never know how anyone will react to that information so I just don’t tell people.”

  “I completely respect your privacy, so Athena and I won’t tell anyone. If you enter another competition, I’d like to come watch if that would be okay with you. I’d like to cheer you on.”

  “All right. If I enter another one, I will tell you.”

  They finished dinner while talking about the basketball team—practices, upcoming conference games. The team had only lost one game thus far, and prior to the season starting, they were expected to finish in the top four teams in conference standings. Now, Lisa thought they might actually win the conference. That would certainly help her cause about moving to a bigger school. Celeste felt the sadness overcome her, thinking about Lisa leaving GU, moving away. Maybe not necessarily moving away as there were a few larger universities in the Orange County area, but not having her on campus would be bad enough. They didn’t interact often while on campus, but they could. The potential was there.

  “Hey, are you okay? You got quiet on me.”

  “I’m fine. I was just thinking of you getting a better coaching offer and you moving away. I like having you as my friend.”

  Lisa reached over and placed her hand over Celeste’s. “I like having you as my friend, too. Even if I leave to coach somewhere else, we can still stay friends.”

  “I know. I’m just being silly. I always get a little melancholy around the holidays. I had a great time with Olivia and Carl on Christmas day, but I do miss my parents. I’m looking forward to them coming to see me in February.”

  “I bet you are. How often do you see each other?”

  “About once a year. We take turns going to see each other since we live in different countries. I flew to see them last Christmas.”

  “I hope I get a chance to meet them. You should bring them to a game.”

  “They’re not really into sports, but maybe they’ll make an exception.”

  Lisa helped Celeste put the food away and clean the dishes, then donned her jacket. “I’m going to get going. I have some things to do at home to get ready for next week’s games.”

  “More game film to watch?” Celeste smirked to let Lisa know she was joking.

  “Actually, yes. It’s never-ending during season. Thanks for having dinner with me, and for trusting me to tell me about your past.”

  “No, thank you. For everything. Next time, you can tell me more about your past.”

  Lisa hugged Celeste and told her she’d talk to her later. Celeste leaned against the door and wondered how she was going to get her heart to listen to her head.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Celeste arrived to the university’s pool bright and early Monday morning. It was the first day of the spring semester, and it was time for her to get disciplined again in her eating and exercising. She hadn’t exercised much and overindulged in sinful food over the holidays. She’d begun to feel sluggish physically and mentally. She always felt better when she regularly exercised, and she had the pool to herself that morning. She was disappointed that Lisa wasn’t there, but it wasn’t like Celeste came to swim just because Lisa did. Not entirely. Seeing Lisa in her one-piece racing suit didn’t hurt matters.

  Celeste hung her towel on the hook and walked over to the edge of the pool to dip her toe in to check the temperature. That was nice. What else was nice was that the pool was indoors. Forty-eight-degree weather at six in the morning in mid-January wasn’t ideal to be swimming, but the pool water was nice enough and it wasn’t too cold in the pool area. She pulled her goggles over her eyes and jumped into the water. She started out with easy freestyle strokes for a couple of laps before picking up her pace. By the time she’d finished ten laps, she was out of breath. Swimming was a lot harder than pole, that was for sure.

  She’d managed to be in the pool for almost an hour when Lisa came out, looking sexy in her black racing suit and her wet hair slicked back. Celeste was grateful to still be in the pool as she knew her legs wouldn’t hold her if she was on land. She also had the pool to blame for her hardened nipples even though she knew differently.

  “Good morning, Coach.” When did Celeste’s voice become sultry?

  “Good mo
rning to you, Professor Bouchard.”

  Oh. She loved the way Lisa just said her name. Lisa made the butterflies take off in Celeste’s stomach. “Late start this morning?”

  Lisa jumped in the water and treaded over until she was in Celeste’s space.

  “Mmm-hmm. I didn’t want to wake up from the sexy dream I was having about some English professor.”

  Celeste’s insides caught fire and her breathing rate picked up again. “Just some English professor? Do I know her?”

  Lisa didn’t move any closer; she just nodded. Lisa stared into Celeste’s eyes, and Celeste could feel herself being pulled further and deeper into Lisa’s eyes. She was just about to close the distance and kiss her when an older man she didn’t recognize came walking out to the pool. Celeste stammered. “I was just about to get out of the water.”

  “Would you like to meet for coffee later? What is your schedule like this semester?”

  Celeste knew the answer to the latter question, but for the life of her couldn’t quite remember at that moment. She knew she didn’t have a class at eleven so she told Lisa that would be a good time to meet.

  “I’ll meet you in the café at eleven then, Professor. Enjoy your shower.” Lisa pulled the goggles over her eyes and kicked off the end of the pool to begin her laps. She had wonderful form and looked so sleek and hot. Celeste ducked her head under the water to try to cool herself down. Even when she and Jackie were starting to date, she never had this type of reaction to her, and she and Lisa were only friends. Maybe a smidge more. She climbed up the stairs, went to her towel, and started drying off. She turned toward the pool to find Lisa hanging on the edge watching her intently. Celeste shooed her away with her hand and Lisa smiled at her before continuing with her laps. Sure. Only friends.

  * * *

  Lisa was just getting ready to meet Celeste for coffee when Athena came in the office. She’d had a dentist appointment earlier that morning so she was coming to work a little later. Not that they had anything pressing to do. They’d gone over everything they knew about their next two opponents and they had their practice plan in place. All Lisa had planned to do until practice was send out a few emails and find out what was going on in the world of women’s college basketball.

  “Hey, I was just going to meet Celeste for coffee. You want to join us?”

  “Uh, no thanks. I have some things I want to take care of, but tell her I said hello.”

  “Will do. See you later.”

  Lisa made the short walk across campus to the café. The sun was shining, but the air was crisp and Lisa inhaled deeply. Today was the start of a new semester. All her players got really good grades in the fall semester and were eligible to play. The team had a fantastic pre-conference season; they were a cohesive unit that worked hard and understood each other. They were probably the best group of kids Lisa had ever coached. She felt really positive about her life, she thought as she walked through the doors of the café to see Celeste wave and point to two coffee cups. To add to Lisa’s good mood was the friendship she’d developed with Celeste. Sure, they’d had incredible sex a couple of times, but there wasn’t the pressure of starting a new romantic relationship. Everything between them was easy and fun and flirty. Lisa felt they reached a new threshold after their dinner the other night. Celeste had opened up about her pole dancing and what she went through with her body image issues. Lisa had lain in bed that night thinking about everything Celeste had told her. She was sure there was more, but just the fact that Celeste had trusted her enough to tell her what she’d felt like a mark in the win column.

  “I took it upon myself to get your coffee. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. Thank you for this.” Lisa sat across the table, picked up a pack of sugar that was on the table, and stirred it in. She took a sip of the hot liquid and closed her eyes in appreciation. “So, hi.” Lisa smiled at Celeste, who smiled back.

  “Hi, yourself. How was your swim?”

  “It might have been better if you had remained in the pool, although I probably wouldn’t have swum many laps.”

  “Oh, yeah? Why is that?” Celeste raised an eyebrow and looked over the edge of her cup as she took a sip of her coffee.

  “Are you kidding? You in the pool, in a bathing suit, with me?” Lisa rested her forearms on the table and leaned closer to Celeste, anticipating her comeback.

  “Damn it.”

  Celeste looked disappointed, then a little angry. Well, that wasn’t what Lisa was anticipating.

  “Hello, Celeste. You look beautiful today.”

  The female voice came from behind Lisa, and she turned her head to find a sharply dressed butch woman with short platinum blond hair full of hair product and parted to the side. She didn’t even spare a look at Lisa, and she immediately disliked whoever this woman was.

  “What do you want, Jackie? I’m busy right now.”

  Lisa stood and tried to be a little intimidating, standing about five inches taller. “Can I help you with something?”

  Jackie slowly looked Lisa up and down, then turned her attention back to Celeste, not even acknowledging Lisa. Lisa wasn’t a violent person, in fact she was usually pretty laid-back, but she really wanted to throat punch that chick.

  Jackie spoke without even looking at Lisa. “Maybe you could excuse us. Celeste and I have things to discuss.”

  “Jackie, I have nothing to discuss with you. Lisa and I are having a conversation about one of her players so you need to leave.”

  Jackie looked at Lisa again and squinted. “Oh, right. You’re the basketball coach. Isn’t that…nice?” Jackie sneered and Lisa had never wanted so much to smack a look off someone’s face. She took a step closer to Jackie but saw some students looking their way so she shoved her hands in her front pockets and rocked back on her heels.

  Jackie turned back to Celeste. “Call me, baby. We have things to talk about.” She left without giving Lisa another look.

  “Well, she seems like a gem.”

  Celeste’s face was so red and tight with anger that Lisa was actually concerned. She went to the counter and got a cup of water to give to Celeste, set it in front of her, then sat back down. “Are you all right? Who was that?”

  “That was my ex, and yes, I’m all right. I’m actually getting used to her harassment. She just can’t take no for an answer.”

  “You mean this is a regular thing? Celeste, why don’t you tell someone?”

  Celeste waved her hand like she was shooing away a fly. “It’s not that big of a deal, really. It’s not like she’s a stalker or dangerous, or anything. She’s just mad that I broke up with her. Apparently, nobody has ever broken up with Jackie Stone before, and she’s having a hard time accepting it. I broke up with her last year.”

  “Does she work here? I don’t think I’ve noticed her before.”

  “Yes, she’s a professor in the business and finance school.”

  Lisa was silent for a moment before the light bulb above her head lit up. “Wait. I think I saw her talking to you at the president’s back-to-school party.”

  “Wow, that was over four months ago. How did you remember that?”

  “It was the first time I saw you.”

  Celeste blinked and her mouth made an O shape. “Well, Coach. You sure can say the pretty words.”

  Lisa chuckled and took a swallow of her now cold coffee. Yuck. She slid the cup away from her. “Now, if you want to talk about your ex, I’m a good listener.”

  “I think we are going to need more coffee for this.” Lisa stood and started to walk toward the counter. “And pastries,” Celeste yelled out.

  Lisa returned with a tray containing two more fresh coffees and even fresher croissants. She removed the contents then returned the tray to the counter.

  “Okay, I’m ready when you are.”

  Celeste took a deep breath as she cradled her coffee cup in both hands. “Jackie was the first woman I’d ever dated.”

  “So, you dated men
before?”

  Celeste shook her head. “I’d never dated anyone before Jackie.”

  Lisa was speechless. She sat there staring at Celeste, not knowing what to say. How was that even possible given that she was in her late forties? Celeste seemed to have read Lisa’s mind.

  “Remember I told you I was overweight? Well, that was a large part in me not dating. I never got asked out and I didn’t have the confidence to do the asking. It took me a long time, a slow and steady process, to lose the weight.”

  “How much weight are you talking?”

  “One hundred and eighty pounds. I’m five foot five so you can imagine how big I was. Like I said, it took a long time.”

  “Dang, Celeste. That’s amazing!”

  “What? That I weighed that much?” Celeste let out a nervous laugh

  “No, that you were so persistent and dedicated to losing all that weight. Good for you for being so determined.”

  “Thank you.” Celeste’s face turned red, and Lisa reached out to hold her hand. Celeste squeezed it then took her hand away. Apparently, she was more aware they were in an on-campus café that was filled with students. Lisa sat back and asked her to continue her story.

  “I lost the weight, but I didn’t have any confidence in my new body or my sensuality and sexuality. That’s when I tried pole. It’s really helped my self-esteem even though I still get insecure at times. It also helped tone my body a little.”

  Lisa nodded and stayed quiet. She wanted to give Celeste the freedom and the power to tell her story.

  “I guess my self-confidence started to show. Jackie asked me out while we were attending a school faculty function. She wore a sharp looking suit, had her hair styled, and she had this cocky swagger to her when she walked over to me and introduced herself. She was so charming and gorgeous, I would’ve said yes to almost anything she asked of me.”

  Lisa shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “I guess she’s not bad looking.”