Page 26 of Slap Shots & Sweethearts

"Of course. When is it?"

"It starts in thirty minutes I'll text you the address. You're the best bye!"

She hangs up and I sigh. Guess I won't be relaxing on my couch tonight after all. Instead, I make a quick stop home to change into my workout gear: an oversized tee and dark blue tie-die leggings. The fabric is extra stretchy and feels smooth as butter. The address Lia sent me is for Blissful Bay Yoga Studio, and it’s near the bay that the city is named for. I'll be cutting it close, but I should get there in time for the class.

On the drive, I think about the last time I did yoga, and how the instructor kept focusing on the women who looked more fit than I did. Having a few extra inches on my hips did not mean I wasn't capable of exercising. Lou and I would lift weights together regularly, and whenever I was home I went to my mom's Zumba class.

The studio I arrive at has the classic white exterior with a boho-style sign above the glass door. The inside is simply serene. The floors are a dark hardwood, the wall to my left is bare brick while the one to my right is painted white with the studio name’s sign hanging above a welcome desk. The wall that separates the reception area from the rest of the studio is covered in green plants that hang down. This is not the typical gym room with harsh lighting and mirrors. No, this studio smells of lavender and sage, and oozes relaxation. I can easily envision it meshing with the spa and salon Lia had started working with.

I am greeted by a beautiful woman with radiant dark skin who smiles warmly. She wears a simple white tank top and black leggings that showcase her graceful figure.

"Welcome," she says, her voice warm and inviting. "I'm Laila, and you must be here for the restorative yoga class."

After signing in at the desk, I follow her around the green plant wall to a serene room. Inside, Lia, Maria, and Charlotte are already sitting on matching dark green yoga mats, looking relaxed and ready. A fourth mat, positioned next to Maria, awaits me.

I settle onto my mat, feeling a sense of calm wash over me as Laila begins the class. Her voice is calm and serene, guiding us through each movement with gentle precision. The room is filled with a peaceful ambiance, making it easy to focus on the restorative poses and let go of the day’s stresses.

At the end of the class, Laila leaves the room so we can soak up a few more minutes of calm.

"Oh, I needed this," Maria mumbles.

The rest of us agree. My body feels all loose and warm. I could melt into my mat and take a nap.

"Anyone up for getting drinks after?" Charlotte asks.

"Sorry, I have to get up early," I tell her.

Drinks have never been my thing, and I'll get up early tomorrow whether I like it or not for game day tradition with Lou. We always eat breakfast together on game days. I always whip up the omelets while Lou is put in charge of the fruit smoothie. The man should not be put in charge of a stove ever.

"Same," Maria tells her.

We go our separate ways, and I finally head home.

By the time I get home and water my plants, I have a text from Mary in marketing that the submissions are coming in like crazy. I pull it up on my phone out of curiosity and love that people are finding the humor in the secret admirer angle. There are hundreds of comments already, and several are asking that the footage from the game be shared.

I get an email notification about the game tomorrow and open it on instinct. Some people have work-life balance, and I really should set better boundaries, but as I read through the email my stomach sinks. It's an email from the family Matt asked me to get tickets for so they could come to the Sweethearts game tomorrow. They can't make it after all. Treatment was particularly hard on Noah's little body and he needs more time to recover.

I email the mom back right away promising her that when Noah is feeling up to it I'll have tickets ready for him. I also ask her if Noah would like the team to sign a poster.

As much as I hate the reason Noah and his family can't make the game, thanks to Nate's request, I have an idea for filling those seats. The seats Nate has for Lia and Penelope tomorrow are right by where Noah's family would have been sitting. I know some ladies that I've promised hockey tickets to.

The text I send out to our book club chat is simple.

Me: I have eight hockey tickets for tomorrow's game. Who wants to come?"

Lia: I'm already going with Penelope.

Maria: A chance to see your brother knocked around the ice? Count me in.

Charlotte: Yes, please!

The five Crestfield ladies are pretty quick to respond as well.

Beth: We were going to do a movie night, but hockey has better popcorn. What time?

Lia: You have to try the nachos!

I shoot Nate a text that I was able to get more tickets so the book club is going to the game now. All I get back is a notification he gave my text a thumbs up. It'll have to do since I don't want to spoil any surprises for Lia.

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