Gary gave her a closer look while her attention was elsewhere. The man saw more than most, and Rojas appreciated his way with reading people. “We do, and you’re welcome to join our next workshop, but I don’t think that’s why Rojas brought you here tonight. We’ve only got the kids’ classes for another hour, then some of the advanced adult classes. Beginner’s adult classes are Monday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturday mornings.”
“We like to look out for our new employees.” Rojas tossed it out there before Elisa could reply. Her cheeks flushed a very attractive pink, but he didn’t want her to wrestle awkwardly with asking a stranger for help. She had her pride and might find a way to excuse herself and leave.
He hurried to continue. “I suck at explaining things, so I just brought her over here to introduce her. A hotel isn’t going to be the right fit for her, so I was wondering if you’d mind letting her stay upstairs in the studio for a night or two until she has a chance to find a place to rent somewhere in town.”
No need to air her private issues until she was ready. Rojas had a good idea of what was going on, but he was sure he didn’t have the full story. And Gary was good at hearing what wasn’t said.
Gary nodded slowly. “Sure. The studio’s reasonably clean. One of the boys slept up there the night before his fight last weekend, and Greg swapped out the sheets and towels during the week. Should be fine to take you up there now while Greg’s managing the class.”
“I could pay…”
Gary shook his head, holding up his hand to stall her. “It’d be complicated to add that income to the books. Why don’t we make a trade instead?” He jerked his thumb to indicate the instructor surrounded by kids. “My husband over there hates sweeping the mats every night and every morning. If you could take on that chore and a couple of others, it’d be more than the boys do when they sleep here for the odd night or two.”
Elisa blinked.
Rojas wondered what she was processing faster: the proposed trade or the mention of a husband. “Greg is always griping about the way the mats constantly collect dirt even when no shoes are allowed on them.”
Tension melted out of her shoulders, and she breathed easier as she gave Gary a genuine smile. “I’d really appreciate the place to stay.”
Gary grinned. “Good. Let’s take you up now and introduce you to Greg between classes. Then you can have some peace and quiet to yourself for the rest of the evening.”
“Peace, maybe.” Rojas coughed and looked pointedly at the ceiling. “But quiet, not so much. The adult classes aren’t as high-pitched as the kids’, but there’s a fair amount of noise until about twenty-one hundred hours.”
“That’s nine o’clock p.m. for those of us who remember we’re not wearing a uniform.” Gary rolled his eyes. “You boys are holding on tight to your old habits.”
Rojas shrugged. “Some habits are good to keep fresh.”
“And some are worth letting go.” Gary’s gaze held his for a long moment. This wasn’t the time to be working on those issues, though, so Rojas remained silent until Gary huffed out a breath. “You training with us tonight?”
Rojas shook his head. “Wanted to get Miss Hall here settled in then head next door to get Boom some frozen yogurt.”
“Are you seriously going to walk back?” Elisa sounded appalled.
“Sure.” Rojas grinned.
Gary rolled his eyes again, uttering a groan this time. “Don’t let this roughneck jerk your chain. We’re friends with the owners next door. One of their kids will give him a ride back on a delivery run. Boom’s frozen yogurt won’t even have time to melt.”
Chapter Six
Elisa sat on the edge of the bed and looked around her, bemused.
Oh, it was a pleasant enough studio and much nicer than some of the motels she’d stayed in over the last several months. The room was minimally furnished with a bed and nightstand. The bathroom had the essentials: toilet, sink, and shower. Despite the somewhat bare furnishings, the room was painted in pleasant cool blue-grays with white trim. The carpet was thick and lush under her bare feet.
It was welcoming. Not just the room, but the school and its owners. Gary had brought Greg up for personal introductions just a few minutes ago, after she’d had a chance to retrieve an overnight bag from her car. Both men were warm and friendly, and didn’t seem bothered in the least by her intrusion.
Gary had waved off her apology. “Any friend of the boys at Hope’s Crossing is good people. All we ask is that you leave your mental baggage at the door and come inside ready to do good things.”
The boys at Hope’s Crossing.