Page 37 of Wag More Bark Less

“They’re my best friends,” Alyssa said. “We grew up together.”

“The same best friends you haven’t told that your visit home isn’t temporary?” I challenged.

“Well, I was going to tell them today.”

She unzipped her jacket, stripping out of it and stuffing it in a tote bag she reassured me we could safely leave on shore. Her bright orange sports bra matched her leggings. I shivered just looking at her.

The sun was out, at least for now. But a couple of hours ago, I was bundled in layers walking Ellie. I wasn’t ready to lose my long-sleeve T-shirt just yet, despite the handful of other yogis following Alyssa’s lead.

“Why is it a big deal if you’ve moved back?”

“It’s . . . complicated.”

Complicated, I understood, so I didn’t push.

“I wish this was my hometown. I’d move back in a heartbeat.”

Then I wouldn’t have to figure out what came next with my life. Starting next month, I’d be in Lansing for the foreseeable future. While I did look forward to spending quality time with my family, it wouldn’t stick long term. There was no permanence there.

“Where are you from again?”

“I don’t think I said,” I answered, but I was smiling. I liked Alyssa. I wasn’t certain if I trusted her yet, but I liked her.

“Are you hiding from someone?” she asked, her bright expression turning serious.

“I’m not in any danger,” I answered. It touched me that this woman who was basically a stranger seemed to genuinely care for my wellbeing.

“Promise me you’re telling the truth?”

The only person I’m really hiding from is Luke. But I hardly wanted to admit I was battling unwanted attraction for Officer McGrumpy to myself, let alone someone who probably knew him. I might not have a lot of experience with small towns, but I didn’t need to be an expert to recognize some things were safer left unsaid.

“I promise.” I kicked off my flip-flops and stuffed them in my tote. “The only people I’m dodging are my own family, and they know where to find me. My mom has offered to fly out here no less than five times since I showed up—that was three days ago.”

“She’s worried about you,” Alyssa said, as though chewing on that. I didn’t know what to make of the way she blankly stared ahead at the water, and I wasn’t sure she’d be willing to tell me anyway.

“Are you in danger?” I asked.

“No.” She let out a laugh. “Can’t say the same for the other guy, though.”

“Other guy?”

“If you want me to divulge another secret, it’ll cost you one of your own.” The earlier twinkle returned to her eyes.

“Touché.”

Several yogis were pushing paddleboards toward the water, and I knelt to attach the anchor to my board so I wouldn’t be left behind.

“Is a hundred feet of rope really necessary?” I asked.

The area reserved for Yoga on the Water was roped off from the rest of the larger Glimmerstone Lake. It was also designated as the local swimming area. I highly doubted our part of the lake was deep enough to warrant an excessively long rope if kids were allowed to swim here.

“They just want to make sure your rope’s not too short, or you’ll drift anyway.” She grabbed her board by the middle strap and carried it to the water. “Don’t drag the board,” she called back to me.

I stayed on my knees to paddle, following Alyssa to a spot in back of the group, near the rope.

The view was breathtaking, and more than once I nearly collided with a fellow paddler because I was distracted by the radiant fall colors just coming in on the smaller mountains on the other side of the lake. It was as though someone used paintbrush strokes to add pops of gold, burnt orange, and maroon against the otherwise dark green backdrop. I loved that I’d be here to see autumn fully take over this town.

“You really grew up with this?” I asked, sitting back on my folded legs and taking in the town from this perspective.