‘Why? What do you think will happen? You’ll get into trouble?’
‘Well, yes.’
The hall has almost cleared now, but I see Jillian and another woman looking our way and whispering. It’s like high school. I pick up my handbag and throw it over my shoulder, ready to follow the others.
‘Look, if we both don’t go to yoga, people will notice that we are not at yoga, and I want to be gossiped about less than I want to do frickin’ yoga.’
‘So, yoga, then?’
‘Correct.’
I leave first and march my stubborn arse into the yoga room, followed by Will. Obviously, I’d prefer to be alone with him than in here, perspiring profusely from something as simple as stretching, but maybe it’s for the best. We’re both being impulsive. It’s all fun and games until you stick your dick into someone who’s not your estranged wife.
Brad is his usual smiling self as we enter the room, welcoming everyone, while adjusting the blinds to diminish the afternoon sun glare.
‘Please take your positions,’ he asks politely, returning to his mat at the front. ‘We’ll begin shortly.’
I take the mat in front of Brad while Will takes the mat to my left, so thankfully he won’t be staring directly at my arse the entire time. At least he isn’t wearing his joggers, so I won’t be distracted by his… I look again;so,his bulge is evident in any trousers he wears.
I do my best to make it through the class. Eyes straight ahead, wobbly poses attempted and not one glance at Will to throw me off course. Brad works hard to help with even the most basic of poses, but I think he eventually realises it will take a back brace and a mediaeval rack to help with my perpetual slouching.
‘You’ll get there!’ he lies. ‘Just keep practising.’
Finally, the class is over and muscles I didn’t even know I had ache. I started this class in a state of arousal and now I’m in a state of sweaty discomfort. I need to get back to my cabin.
‘You ready to go?’ Will asks
I nod. ‘But I think we should go separately. I need to shower and—’
‘Nora, we need to talk.’
‘I know. Just not now. I’ll see you later, OK?’
He sighs, but accepts my decision, walking back on his own, while I do the same. If we’re going to be alone, I need to feel prepared. I need to feel confident. Dammit, I need to feel dry.
CHAPTER25
I give Charlie a call before I even sit down. I need to hear her voice. I’m only on day four but it feels like I haven’t seen her for weeks.
‘Hey, Mum!’
‘Charlie! How are you, my sweet? God, I’m missing you, are you well? Is everything alright?’
‘I’m good,’ she replies. ‘I got ninety-eight percent on my history test.’
‘Oh, well done, you! That’s brilliant, you’re so clever. Is Aunt Faith alright? She’s ignoring my texts.’
Charlie giggles. ‘I know. She says it’s for your own good.’
I laugh too. ‘She’s probably right. You’re not allowed to ignore me though.’
‘I need to go though, Mum; we’re going to a Mexican restaurant for dinner, and I need to change.’
‘Oh, is it that place near Rose Street? I love that place. They do the best tostadas.’
‘I think so. Got to run, Mum, will see you on Friday! Bye!’
‘Bye, darling, have fun!’
