Nikki
I’m sweating. That’s how unfit I am.
“That’s it, everyone. Good work tonight!” Daisy says, her own cheeks pink, but at least she doesn’t resemble a tomato like me.
I grab my bottle of water and my sweater, getting organized to leave.
“How did you do, Nikki?”
Daisy’s perky voice has me swiveling around, surprised.
“I feel so good,” I tell her honestly.
Her genuine smile widens.
“You were amazing. It’s clear that you’ve done it regularly before.”
My smile falters, but I catch it quickly. I did love yoga. I would do it most mornings. I did it every morning back when life felt safe, before survival became my priority.
“A few of us are going over to the diner for a drink. Do you want to join us?” Daisy looks at me expectantly. My eyes sweep the room to see who’s left, spotting Rochelle, of course, and Tina from the toy store. Evelyn, who I know owns the local home decor store, is also here and a few other people I don’t know as well.
“Oh, thanks, but I need to get home to James.”
“Of course.” She frowns. “Is he home alone?” Her concern would be warranted if it was accurate.
He and Sutton spent the last hour together. It took Sutton a while to encourage me to come to yoga again. Having tried it a few weeks ago, I fell back in love with it, but it’s hard for me to put myself out there and trust that things will be okay. With Sutton around so much, the boys dropped me here at the start of my class and then went to his place to watch movies. “Sutton’s watching him,” I admit, knowing this might trigger more questions.
We start walking out together, the cool night air a little brisk on my cheeks.
“Sutton… as in Sutton Silvers?” Daisy’s eyes twinkle.
“Ahhh, yeah.” I can’t help the warmth that hits my cheeks.
“Connor mentioned that you two were a couple. I love Connor with all my heart, but Sutton Silvers… phew.” Fanning herself, she laughs.
A couple? Sutton’s been talking about us? My mouth dries as I take in Daisy’s words. I feel something for Sutton, and those feelings grow by the second. I try daily to pull myself back. I know getting close is a bad idea, but like being on a diet and craving chocolate cake, I can’t stop. He makes me feel alive, wanted, heard, and sometimes, that terrifies me more than the past I’m running from.
“He has that effect on people,” is all I say, summoning a light laugh.
Daisy’s joking, of course, but I’m starting to understand what Sutton’s life must be like. Having people gush over you who don’t really know you. What are they gushing for? A fictional character that he portrays on camera?
“He’s a great guy, from what I’d heard. He’s been so professional on set at the distillery, too. Connor’s really excited for the launch of this new batch they’re all working on.”
That has me smiling. “I know Sutton is excited as well.”
Like I conjured him, I hear a truck pull up next to me, windows so dark, making it difficult at night to see anyone inside.
He jumps out, wearing jeans and a t-shirt, his baseball hat still in place, even though it’s nighttime.
“Ladies.” He nods in greeting, and I feel my stomach flip-flop as Daisy’s cheeks grow a little pinker.
“Right on time.” I grin up at him, his eyes solely on me. There could be anyone around, and he wouldn’t notice.
“Your chariot awaits.” Leaning back, he opens the passenger door for me.
“A man after my own heart, that one,” Tina murmurs to me as she and Rochelle walk past, going to the diner across the road. Rochelle gives me a little grin that tells me she knows exactly what’s going on between us.
“Thanks for tonight, Daisy. I’ll see you next week.”
