Page 15 of Love Letters from a Libra
Her response came faster this time.
Zanaa:
Consent to enlightenment. Sounds like something they’d put on a yoga tank top at the mall.
Me:
Would you buy it?
Zanaa:
Absolutely not. But I’d judge the people who did while secretly wanting one.
I laughed out loud. The cursor blinked as I considered my next move. This was the shit I’d been missing—someone who could keep up but didn’t try too hard to impress me.
Me:
So is that a yes to Thursday? No pressure. There’s always the tried-and-true dinner option.
Zanaa:
I’m in, but fair warning, my heart chakra’s been known to bite. See you then. 823 Fairfax St.
Me:
Deal. I’ll pick you up at 6:30.
Zanaa:
I’m bringing my own mat. Don’t trust those communal ones. People sweat out their darkest secrets on those things.
Me:
Smart woman. See you Thursday.
I smiled at my screen. Thursday couldn’t come fast enough. I glanced at my phone one more time before heading to bed. Already, she had changed me, making me reach for connection, making me want to be seen instead of just observed.
After parking on the corner, Zanaa and I entered the Ambient Flow Studio. I guided Zanaa through the entrance with a light touch on her lower back. Her hair smelled good, and she was dressed in black leggings and a loose top that draped across her shoulders. No makeup except for a clear lip gloss that caught the light when she pressed her lips together. She was beautiful in an unpolished way, like someone who had accidentally walked into the right moment and made it their own.
“This place is gorgeous,” she commented.
Exposed brick, large windows, polished concrete floors, wood beams across the ceiling, Himalayan salt lamps, and plants strategically placed softened the industrial aspect.
I pointed to the cubbies along the wall. “Our shoes must go here,” I said, bending to remove mine. Zanaa followed suit, revealing light blue socks with stars on them, giving a glimpse of her whimsical side.
A woman with silver-streaked hair gathered in a loose bun approached us. “Welcome, I’m Sarena. Is this your first time with us?”
“Yes. We’re looking forward to the experience,” I responded.
Sarena smiled. “Heart chakra work is powerful for connections. You’ll find the cushions in the back, and partners face each other directly.”
“Thank you,” Zanaa answered.
We made our way through the room, passing other couples already seated. We paired up and settled onto the cushions, cross-legged and facing each other. Zanaa seemed amused and nervous as our knees nearly touched.
“So, what exactly happens in these classes?” she asked.
“Not sure. Never done this one before.”
