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It’s a few blocks from the beach.
And as I pass through the gates, I can hear monkeys in the trees.
Real monkeys.
This warms my heart.
Where my old apartment was in the city, I always felt so separated from nature. But here, it’s like I’m integrated into it.
There’s a pool on the side of the two story building.
A woman with graying brown hair opens the door of the first story building as I tentatively approach.
“You must be Amelia.”
“That’s me,” I smile. “How did you know?”
“Welcome! I’m Josefina, your co-hostess.” She hugs me and kisses me on the cheek. “I knew because everyone else has already checked in this morning.”
“Sorry I’m late. I slept through my alarm.”
“No worries, Amelia. Put your things down and come upstairs to the studio. We’re doing our first class right now.”
Once I pass through the upstairs and into the yoga studio, I find a sea of eyes looking back at me.
There are at least twenty or so other yogis…
Here for enlightenment.
A man whom I recognize from the website as being Josefina’s cohost and husband sits in a lotus position, in front of the class some students are standing, and others are seated.
He stands up when I enter. “You must be Amelia! You missed part one of the orientation where we say everyone’s names, but never fear. It’s a friendly group! Class, everyone say, ‘hi, Amelia!’”
“Hi, Amelia!” everyone says in unison.
“Hi,” I offer a wave back.
I walk in front of the class, suddenly feeling nerves like I’m a freshman in high school and know no one here. Brad and Kate sit in the back of class and wave at me.
“My name is Chester. Nice to meet you, Amelia.”
He shakes my hand, bows a little, and then kisses both of my cheeks, a rather unorthodox greeting but I suppose I’ll get used to the closeness with this yoga stuff.
“Okay, why don’t you head to the back. Your partner has a mat set up for you back there. You’re just in time--we’re taking a short break and we’ll start the rules orientation shortly. The only stuff you missed were ice breakers.”
“Thank you, Chester,” I say and start heading that way. The eyes of smiling strangers watch me as I step between their mats. Kate and Brad are off to the side, and they both wave to me as I walk by.
When I arrive to the only available mat, my heart stops.
The color runs out of my face.
Because in the back corner, seated in the lotus position, is the arrogant, pompous man that I’ve been both incredibly intrigued by, and should be trying to get away from.
“Hello, Amelia.” The man’s voice is low, guttural, and--I hate to admit--effin sexy. And I already detest him.
I hate to admit that wearing only a tank top and shorts, Jack looks incredible.
He offers that pompous, half smile of his.
