An Exceptional Twist by Kimi Flores Page A

I’ve already lost one of my kids. There isn’t a more
genuine or beautiful love than the one these kids bring into the
world.”
    Trying not to let her reaction get to him,
he continued, “Toby taught me a lot about life. Honestly, being
around him was uncomfortable at first, but not because of his
special needs. Seeing him give his heart away without reservation,
and others doing the same in return, was just mind-boggling. My
parents are not really the nurturing type, so selfless love wasn’t
something I’d ever seen or experienced before.”
    Shit. Why did I just share that? It’s too
personal.
    Pausing again, he wondered if he should
share the rest. Finally, he added, “I was so intrigued by him, and
I know I was blessed to have him in my life before he died. When I
graduated from college, I got involved in the Special Olympics, in
Toby’s honor. He was supposed to compete the summer after he
passed. I don’t have a whole lot of time on my hands, but I’ve
enjoyed helping out as a swim coach a couple of years. Working with
these kids is so rewarding. Having to deal with the rest of society
is the difficult part.” Gulping, he stared intensely out the
windshield.
    Pulling into a parking spot behind her
flower shop, he finally took another glance at Leah. That look in
her eyes held so much. Admiration, surprise, and many other
emotions he didn’t want to acknowledge.
    Shit, now I’ve done it. I let her in. I
never let people in.
    What the hell am I going to do now?

Leah was at a loss. She’d spent last
Wednesday with “Uncle Stefen”, and now her emotions were going
haywire. He bombarded her thoughts and fantasies nonstop.
    She felt something so
strong from him, and she wanted more. But
why him?
    Filled with regret that she’d let her guard
down, Leah had to face the facts—Stefen was leaving next week. And
it was totally going to destroy her heart.
    Her phone rang as she was pouring her first
cup of coffee. Checking the caller ID, her double-crossing heart
started to dance in her chest.
    “Hello?”
    “Hey, beautiful. How’d you sleep?” Stefen’s
rough voice sent her pulse racing.
    I can only imagine what he looks like right
now, curled up in bed, wearing god only knows what. I’d like to
wake up to that every morning.
    I need to stop.
    Brushing away that thought, she decided to
taunt him. “I'm sorry, who is this?”
    “Hmm? It's Stefen. Don't you still have my
number programmed into your phone?” He stopped for a moment before
adding, “Were you expecting someone else?” She could practically
hear his teeth gritting through the line.
    He had no claim on her. Though, she didn't
exactly hate hearing his jealous tone. As painful as it was, she
reminded herself that she also had no claim on him.
    Now she was bugged. “No, no one else. I was
just joking,” she grumbled while playing with a loose string on her
tank top.
    Sighing, Stefen said, “I was just wondering
what time I should pick you up.” He sounded as though he was
stretching out, and Leah’s mind wandered to visions of him in bed
once more. Distracted in that thought a little too long, Stefen
asked, “Leah? You still there?”
    Slapping her forehead to
clear the images, she attempted to remember what he’d asked. “Why
don’t I pick you up this time ?” Who cares
if he hates my minivan? It’s just a stupid car.
    Without hesitating, he blurted out, “No,
that’s okay. I can come get you. Bri and your sister are going to
meet us around three. It makes more sense if I have a car
there.”
    Good save. Leah already knew their sisters were coming home
from The San Francisco Bay area today, but she didn’t know what
time since Dani hadn’t called.
    “I have to run some errands beforehand, so
how about we just meet at the tour company’s office. Nine-thirty?
I’ll text the address.” She could play this game. If that’s what he
was doing.
    “Fine. I’ll see you at nine-thirty.” He
huffed, obviously irritated that he