Page 41 of Love's Bloom
That evening, Misty and Hazel drove to a one-story red-brick building outside of town where Kung Fu Karate held their classes. David drove up in his truck and parked beside them.
He waved and stepped out of the truck wearing a typical white karate uniform with a black belt tied at his waist. His feet were in flip-flops.
Misty noticed a small bit of chest hair where the V-neckline of the wrap top exposed it and remembered seeing him in his swimming trunks. No doubt about it, David was a sexy, ripped guy.
“Glad to see to see you here,” David said. “You, too, Hazel.”
Hazel looked pleased. “Misty invited me along, and I was excited about the invitation. It’s smart for women to learn to defend themselves.”
“What you will see here tonight is more formal than what I’ll teach you, but I wanted you to see the real deal. It’s much more than performing physical moves.”
He led them inside where several teenagers were waiting. Instead of that age group's usual restlessness and hijinks, the kids stood quietly, waiting for their class to begin.
David greeted them with a little bow. “Good evening, class.”
The students bowed. “Good evening, Sensei.”
“Tonight, we have two special guests who will be observing. I thought I’d quickly review the elements of karate with you so that our guests understand what each of you might be doing.”
The teens lined up.
“How many elements of karate are there?” David asked them.
“Four,” said a girl, stepping forward. “Basic, Form, Study, and Sparring.” She bowed and stepped back in line.
“Correct,” said David. “Kihon is basic techniques, Kata is form or pattern, Bunkai is the study of techniques in Kata, and Kumite is free sparring. Tonight, we will be working on Kihon and Kata.” He turned to Misty and Hazel. “Please have a seat and make yourselves comfortable watching. Karate basics include blocks, strikes, kicks, and different stances.”
Misty watched from her seat in a chair against the wall as the students moved their bodies, arms, and hands in similar poses together.
“It doesn’t look that dangerous,” whispered Hazel.
As if he’d heard, David said, “It’s essential to strengthen your body to do this Kata efficiently and well. When you put them together, it provides a great means of self-defense.”
Mesmerized, Misty watched David teach his class, admiring the control he had over his body. She realized the strength and discipline some of the moves took, especially when combining them.
“How is this going to help us?” Hazel asked Misty softly.
“I’m not sure. But David will show us,” Misty said.
After the class was over, David and the students placed their hands together and bowed. After a moment of silence, David said, “Namaste.”
The students broke into groups, and Misty and Hazel stood.
David came over to them. “What did you think?”
“It’s interesting to watch, but how will that help Hazel and me protect ourselves?” asked Misty.
David gave her a knowing look. “I’m going to show you a few moves that incorporate some, not all, of this.”
“Thanks. We’ll meet you at Jake’s. Okay?”
“Sounds good. I’ve got a change of clothes with me. I’ll see you there.”
As Misty and Hazel climbed into Misty’s car, Hazel let out a long sigh. “Talk about sexy. And yet he’s such a sweet guy. I swear if I didn’t think he was interested in you, I’d go after him for myself.”
Hearing Hazel talk about David that way, Misty felt a flash of jealousy. “I still have some things from my past to take care of before I’ll be ready for a deeper relationship with him.” Misty didn’t say the thought of being intimate with a man, being that vulnerable with him, scared her to death.
“I’m sorry. I understand,” said Hazel, giving her a sympathetic look. “Let’s have some fun at Jake’s. I’m ready for it.”
