Page 45 of Both Sides Now

I invited my new friend to my inaugural run, but I never thought he’d show. Already, I’m feeling better about this class. Whenever Keegan is close by, my mind calms, even as my body alights with sparks.

“You said you needed a cheerleader, although judging by all the excited looks, you already have an ample fan base.”

“One more never hurt, especially when his presence was specifically requested.”

Ally watches my exchange with Keegan, her eyes glowing with interest. Hard to say if she’s curious about my upbeat disposition or the dashing man by my side.

My money is on the Baby Maker.

“Ally, this is my friend, Dr. Keegan Russo.”

She extends a slender hand, a new sort of smile playing about her face. I should have placed money on that bet. No surprise that the sexy as hell doctor has piqued her interest. “Pleasure to meet you, Dr. Russo. First time at yoga?”

“First time at a class.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll be gentle.” She moves her hand to his chest, offering a playful pat.

Keegan grins, arching a brow in her direction. “Is that a promise, Ally?”

I clench my teeth as I observe Ally’s flirtatious banter with Keegan. I know she’s not acting maliciously, simply seizing upon a golden opportunity.

The fact that Keegan is responding to her advances? A whole different story.

I was never the girl who liked to share. Even when the toy didn’t belong to me.

A bad habit, indeed, but after thirty-seven years, one I’m unlikely to break.

“I’d better get prepped for class.” My voice is calm, but I may as well be speaking to the wall, as I’ve ceased to exist.

Seems they’refartoo interested in one another for my taste.

“We need to get you ready, too. Come with me, Dr. Russo, and I’ll get you signed up.” Much more of this exchange, and I’ll lose my breakfast.

Time for distance. Distance is the safest bet against the little green monster rooting around in my emotions. That and a roll of my eyes in their direction as I march toward the changing room.

Keegan and I are friends. That’s our agreement. Friends aren’t supposed to behave like jealous lunatics when beautiful, svelte yoga instructors show interest.

We’re supposed to be supportive.

So why do I want to rip Ally’s ponytail out by the roots?

This is definitelynotthe right mindset for a vinyasa flow. I pull in a few deep breaths, and find my center. My calm.

For now, I need to push the Keegan and Ally situation from my brain. My focus has to be on my return to the mat as my student’s instructor and the owner of this wellness center.

My class requires my undivided attention. Hell, after all these months, they deserve that and more.

I scratch my nails against my legs for the millionth time, unable to squash the butterflies roosting in my belly. So much has changed in the last two years.

I’m not the same woman I was before Charlie’s death. Will I be the same instructor?

Will my grief deepen my teachings or detract from them? The questions swirl around my brain, but a glance at the clock reminds my mental reel to put a lid on it.

I can do this. This is my passion, and it doesn’t matter how long I’ve been away because my wellness center is my home.

And you canalwaysgo home again.

An hour later,I tap the gong to signal the end of class.

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