“I’m glad to hear Franky feels that way as she’s my new bestie as well. She’s a very good snuggler.” Charlie almost laughed since Franky didn’t have any competition in the bestie department. Her job had consumed her so much that the only person she ever talked to outside of work was Ashley, and she was Charlie’sfriend—she used that term lightly—because Charlie had paid her to be.
“Sheis, but you have to watch out for her paws. Putting all that weight onto a few feet can be brutal.”
Charlie rubbed the spot on her chest where she suspected a bruise might appear. “You don’t have to tell me that.” She laughed. “But she’s such a sweet girl. It’s all good.”
“Yeah, a lot of that was the trazodone. It really knocks her out. But anyway, what can I get you to drink?”
Charlie hummed as she weighed her options. “How about that Kentucky thing you made me last night? It was fantastic.”
“No problem.” But when Harper bent to scoop some ice into the shaker, her body jolted, and she gasped.
“Are you okay?” Charlie asked, worried.
“Just a little back thing that flares up from time to time. I’m mostly just tight. But I’ll be fine. No long-term damage.” Yet the sides of her mouth were pulled tight as she made the drink, and she pressed her lips together as she shook it.
“Do you go to PT or see anyone for it?”
“I don’t really have time for long-term treatment.”
“If you think it’s just tight muscles, what about yoga?” Charlie said, unwilling to admit how much she’d like it if Harper came to their upcoming community class.
“I don’t know about that,” Harper said as she set the drink in front of Charlie.
“A lot of tightness comes from muscle imbalances that pull other muscles and cause you to overcompensate.” At Harper’s incredulous look, Charlie said, “I swear, it’s true. And yoga is great to help you work on core strength that’s good for your back and the rest of your overall health. And stretching will help to loosen up your tight muscles. It’s a win-win. And I’m getting close to the end of teacher training, so there’s a class next week that’s free because it’s being taught by all six of us novices. Everyone teaches a different part of the flow that we jointly came up with, and even though only one person will be teaching at any given time, everyone will be walking around giving assists, so it’ll be really nice.”
Harper’s brows furrowed as she stared. “What are assists, and why would I want one?”
“Sometimes it’s when an instructor assists you with a gentletouch to help bring your body into a better alignment for a pose or to remind you to engage certain muscles or even to help maintain your balance, and sometimes it’s a little mini massage during the relaxation part of the class. Both are lovely and helpful. And with a room full of six teachers, there are going to be a lot of assists. Plus, as I already said, it’s free. How can you go wrong? It’ll be an hour and a half of your life if you include commuting and showering after class.” She didn’t want it to seem like she was begging Harper to go, but the more she thought about it, the more she wanted her to. Because she liked spending time with Harper, and it would be really cool to hang out somewhere thatwasn’tHarper’s business.
“I don’t have a yoga mat or anything to wear.” Harper continued to put up roadblocks, but Charlie could feel her starting to soften.
“I’ve seen you going for runs. Leggings and a tank top will be fine for yoga, and you can borrow a mat and blocks and all that other stuff.”
“Okay, fine. If you’re not going to give it a rest,maybeI’ll come. If I’m not already scheduled to work. When is it?” Harper said, finally relenting. At least halfway, anyway.
“It’s next Monday at seven p.m. at Anahata Studio, which is only about five blocks from here. I normally ride my bike, but it’s close enough to walk.” She knew Harper hadn’t fully committed to going, but she didn’t plan to relent on harassing her so Harper wouldn’t be able to claim she forgot. “This is going to be great. I know you’re going to love it.”
“I guess we’re going to find out.”
“Don’t look so glum. I swear, it’s not torture. If you aren’t enjoying it, you can just lie down into savasana and nap through the rest of the class, okay? I don’t think that’s going to happen, but no one will judge you for it.”
“Sounds good. But if I hate it, you owe me a drink for achange. No, no.” Harper paused and looked at the ceiling. “If I hate it, you owe me another dog watching visit.”
“Sure. But I was kind of hoping you might let me hang out with Franky regardless when she’s home alone. She’s so sweet, and snuggling with her just felt good. She’s like a therapy dog.”
Harper chuckled. “Yeah, she probably could be a therapy dog, except I don’t have time to take her to training or work with her at the hospital. But anytime you want to hang out with her, just let me know.”
“How about tonight?”
“Tonight?”
Charlie nodded.
Harper couldn’t believe Charlie wanted to hang out with Franky again so soon. They’d just hung out last night.
Charlie bit the side of her lip when Harper apparently took too long to answer. “I mean, if tonight isn’t good, that’s fine. Whenever you need help works too.”
“No, no, that’s not what I meant. I was just surprised you wanted to hang out with her again. I figured after spending all evening with her last night, you’d have something better to do tonight, you know?” Harper knew she was making this whole thing awkward, but Charlie had thrown her off.
