Maizy the Bear Charmer(Diving Creek Ranch 16)(100)

“Sorry. I’m…I’m fine.”

“Heath and the guys were so sure they’d find you. That kind of faith is rewarded. At least that’s what I believe. I don’t think they’ve given up on you.”

“Heath told me that when I ran into him yesterday.”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.” The wound is already ripped open anyway.

“What would you do if for some reason you couldn’t teach at Divine Elementary?”

Maizy didn’t hesitate in replying. “I’d find another way to teach or to help young children learn to read and write.”

“What will you do if the bears are gone from your life for good?”

The pain took Maizy by surprise and her eyes teared up. “I would miss them for the rest of my life.”

Camilla winked and said, “I don’t think you’ve given up either, Maizy. Seems pretty simple to me.”

If she had truly given up, the pain wouldn’t have caught her by surprise like that. She turned to Camilla and said, “Thank you.” She smiled a real smile for the first time in weeks.

“The guys invited the bears to come along with them to the Dollhouse tonight,” Camilla said nonchalantly. When Maizy growled, Camilla giggled. “I heard that. You’re so perfect for them. Rachel isn’t the only possessive one in this group. Can I ask you about something unrelated?”

“Sure.”

“I was working the night of the Halloween party at the Dancing Pony last year and I got to see you dance firsthand. The place was so crowded I couldn’t see you unless I stood on the bar but I could see you’ve got a real talent for belly dancing. I wondered if you’d come to one of the striptease classes at the Twisted Bull sometime, to teach a few techniques and give the ladies some pointers.”

She recalled Lucy mentioning something about that a few weeks back. “I think I’d like that.”

“I know you’re really busy at the moment with Lucy’s wedding coming up, and with all the other upheaval you probably need some time. How about I get in touch with you later and we can look at the calendar?”

“Is there any way it could be a private class? I’m a little concerned since I’m a kindergarten teacher. Members of the school board would probably be put out with me. Maybe I could do that during the summer?”

“Of course. And Cody, Heath, and Spencer always work the front during our classes, to keep people who shouldn’t be there from bothering us. I could make an announcement that there was going to be a special, private class, for established members only if that would help you.”

“That would be perfect. Cody, Heath, and Spencer would be there?” The thought made her heart ache. She wished she’d been able to dance for them, really belly dance, clad in her costume, before…No. The breakup would’ve been even more painful.

Camilla nodded. “For the protection of the group, yes. Since that front entry stays unlocked for the Steakhouse patrons. But don’t worry, they don’t sit down to watch the classes. They are very dedicated to their jobs. We can talk more about it later.”

Maizy nodded, feeling torn. Part of her was dying to get back to dancing but her heart still ached when she thought of it, because she would forever associate belly dancing with how she’d found the men she’d loved…and lost.

The party arrived at the Booty Parlor and the ladies climbed out of the stretch limo. Thanks to Camilla’s friendship with the owner and several of the dancers, they had the best tables in the club and the night began without a hitch and with quite a few laughs at Lucy’s expense.

The girls were all having a good time when one of the dancers approached Camilla. Maizy watched as Camilla squealed and gave him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. He looked genuinely happy to see her. After a few words she pulled out her cell phone and evidently thumbed through her pictures to show him a picture of her sons, and he smiled and hugged her again. He was a beautiful man.

Lucy nudged her and discreetly pointed at him while he continued chatting with Camilla and said, “Is that my stripper? Tell me that’s my stripper, Maizy. I want that to be my stripper. Would you look at those legs? Oh my gawd, look at his ass. I want to bite him.” Lucy clenched her hands as though she’d like to be squeezing his buns in them.

Maizy laughed until she had tears in her eyes. Lucy’s enthusiasm lifted her spirits and she let herself be taken over by the lusty fun of the moment. No, her situation wasn’t perfect, but she was out with friends who cared about her. She chose to believe Camilla knew what she was talking about. It’d all work out.