Page 86 of Unraveling Rain
When we arrive, I’m surprised to see Dylan, Manny, and even Vanessa already set up.
“Hello, everyone,” I say as Rain and I find two empty mats and place our jugs by the wall alongside everyone else’s.
“Hey, Xander. I wasn’t sure if we were going to see you here,” Dr. Gutierrez says, grinning like he knows something I don’t.
I frown—just in time to catch Dylan laughing and holding out his hand. Dr. Gutierrez pulls a crumpled twenty from his shorts pocket and slaps it into Dylan’s palm.
“I told ya,” Dylan says smug as hell. “He’s pussy-whipped.”
I shake my head, hands going to my waist. “You two scoundrels were betting about me?”
Dylan shrugs and points at Dr. Gutierrez with his thumb. “This one here thought a hockey player wouldn’t show up to goat yoga.”
I bark out a laugh. God knows what else these two have been saying about me.
Doc looks a little embarrassed, especially when Rain joins us and pins him with a curious look. His cheeks turn red instantly.
“So,” she says, arms crossed. “You two are placing bets on us?”
I press my lips together, fighting a laugh. She’s got that tone—half-amusement, half menace.
“That this one is pussy-whipped is old news,” she adds, jerking a thumb in my direction. My eyes grow wide.
She continues, “Granny has been coordinating weekly bets about our relationship at the diner. I think they’re currently betting on whether Xander and I are going to stay together when he heads back to Raleigh.”
The entire barn explodes in laughter.
As funny as it is, my heart lodges in my throat. I don’t laugh. I’m too busy waiting for what Rain might say next.
“So…” Vanessa chimes in, eyeing us with interest. “Are you guys staying together?”
Rain huffs, flipping her hair over one shoulder. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
She saunters over to her mat just as a girl I’ve never seen before walks in—definitely the yoga instructor—followed by two guys herding a bunch of baby goats.
“There’s no way I’m going to give any of you inside intel,” Rain adds over her shoulder. “I’m not about to taint Granny’s betting business. I know better than that.”
Everyone laughs again, but I’m still stuck on what she didn’t say.
She didn’t say no.
And that’s enough. For now.
Still, I can’t wait much longer. The second this class is over, we’re having that conversation.
“Hello, everyone. My name is Daisy, and I’m a yoga instructor from Spruce Pine,” the instructor says, giving a little wave to Rain. “Today, I have the pleasure of taking you on a journey of relaxation and self-awareness—alongside some cute goats.”
She leans down to scoop one up and strokes it back affectionately.
“A couple of quick instructions before we start: you can interact with the goats at any time. Don’t be afraid if they jump on your back or rub against your legs or arms. They’re playful and enjoy being around humans.”
Right on cue, a tiny white goat trots over and starts rubbing its head against my leg.
“Aww, Xander. That’s so cute,” Rain coos, crouching to pet the goat. I don’t mind it, but I can’t say I’m enchanted either.
“Aww look, her name is Sprinkle,” Rain adds, reading the name off the goat’s collar.
Another one ambles over, and Rain immediately scoops it up, talking to it in a baby voice. The goat stares at her like it’s found its soulmate. I think Rain just fell in love. Guess I should start budgeting for a goat pen in our future backyard.
