Page 123 of Win Big

I convinced Taj to let me make some improvements to this change room, so it didn’t look like the marina bathroom it once was. I added a couple of hair dryers and a few feminine accessories. It’s not the ideal setup, but it works for the couple of classes a week I do here.

Breathe in courage . . . breathe out doubt.

Harrison Whoever is probably harmless, but I don’t like to be pushed. I overreacted, I know it. I’m working on it.

When I exit the change room, I find Everly still hanging around. The man with her—the one who made the joke that caused Harrison to fall into the ocean—is with her. She approaches me, and he’s a couple steps behind her. Big guy, very handsome.

“Arya,” she says. “I’m so sorry about the class.”

I smile at her. I like Everly. She’s been coming to my class for a while, along with her friend Taylor, and she’s always been in to it and respectful of the practice. “No need for you to apologize.”

“He’s my brother,” she says. “Harrison.” She rolls her eyes. “I convinced him to come that first time, so I feel responsible for his antics.”

“You’re not responsible for anyone but yourself.”

“You’re so sweet. You handled that amazingly well.”

“Iapologize,” the guy with her speaks up. “I’m Wyatt.” He extends a hand and I shake it. “We shouldn’t have been joking around like that.”

“I told your... Harrison that it’s fine. I’ve let it go.” I smile. “Shit happens.”

They both let out surprised laughs. “It does,” Everly agrees.

“It’s healthy to find the humor in things,” I add, smiling. “I need to get to my next class.”

“Do you have a business card?” Everly asks.

I blink. “Yes.” I move over to the counter and pluck one from the holder. “Here you go.”

No idea why she wants it, but whatever.

“Thanks. See you next week.”

Is she going to bring her brother again? Crap.

It doesn’t matter.I am capable of anything.

Taj and I are sitting on the patio at The Golden Fish on the Venice Boardwalk later that day. The tables are wooden, the sun is low over the ocean, and we’re with some of Taj’s friends—Arlo, Indigo, and Janey—who are now my friends too. Taj’s boyfriend, Ziggy, owns this place, so we hang out here a lot. It’s got that casual beach vibe, cool and laid back, with the scent of ocean and sun-warmed sand mingling with coconut sunscreen and marijuana. Lots of marijuana.

I sip my beer, one of the many interesting choices Ziggy has on tap here. Taj is drinking kombucha with Longboard lager. I’ve finished off my tuna poke bowl, which was delicious.

I look around as Taj and Arlo talk about the beach cleanup they’re organizing for next weekend.

I can’t believe I’m living here.

This is so far from home. Back in Fargo, North Dakota, the snow might be melting... or they might be having a late season blizzard. I’m letting the sun warm my face, sitting near the Pacific Ocean, listening to Hozier, drinking a delicious beer. I let out a long, slow breath of peace.

It might sound weird, but sometimes I get homesick, no matter how wonderful it is here. We all complained about the snow and cold, but weirdly, there are moments I miss it. And I miss my family. But life is good here. Uncomplicated. Relaxed. Chill.

Maybe a wee bit boring, but that’s my own fault. I’m learning to take bigger steps, bigger risks. Not like skydiving or anything, just... small risks.

“Tell these guys about your class today,” Taj says to me with a grin.

I shake my head, smiling ruefully. “I got dumped in the water.”

Arlo, Indigo, and Janey laugh, Janey’s eyes going wide. “No!”

“Some guys were joking around, and one of them laughed so hard he fell in.” I pause. “Actually, I was having a hard time not laughing myself.”

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