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"Weren't you just sick the other day? Should you really do that?"
"I had yesterday to recover and I feel fine today. Otherwise, I wouldn't be doing it. Yoga is all about pushing yourself, but also knowing your limits," I explain, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. "And speaking of limits, how's your basketball season going? Are you ready for the big game today?"
"Definitely! Coach has been pushing us really hard lately, but I think it's paying off." Damien's excitement is contagious, and I can't help but smile.
"That's nice. And how's it going with school these days? Is everything cool with the other kids now?"
"School's fine, nothing too exciting happening there," Damien replies, shrugging his shoulders. "We still hang out with the older guys. The ones in our class are still a pest, but not, you know, bullying us or anything."
"Good, good." I nod, sipping my coffee and handing Damien his smoothie. "Just remember, you can always talk to me if anything is bothering you, OK?"
"Of course, Mads," he says and slurps his smoothie. "Wow, this is good."
"I did the raspberry mango one today. A sweet weekend treat. Then we will have an omelet for lunch, so we get something solid before we exercise. And I've already bought some bars and stuff for the game for you."
"Thanks. Now teach me how to make coffee."
I laugh as Damien gets up from the table and walks over to the coffee machine. "You must have taken a liking to the lattes you were being served."
Damien shrugs his shoulders but looks expectantly at the coffee machine. "They had us try different blends. We got these tiny cups. And it was really cool, you know? I always thought coffee was just coffee, but different coffees taste different."
"You know, I buy a blend at Trader Joe's that I like, and I've never much thought about it beyond that. I'm sure Roland will tell me I'm terrible one of the days. But the coffee Gina, his chef, makes is divine. I guess it's made from his beans."
We set about making coffee–which turned out to be delicious–then got dressed to go shop for clothes. I look longingly in some women’s stores but know I can't afford anything new. While my new job is paying well, I support Damien on my own, and I've only managed to scrape together enough for my course at Columbia. If I get to keep the new job, things will get easier, and I can start to save, but still, I can't spend money that isn't in my pocket yet.
I wonder what kind of date night Roland would enjoy, just as he texts me telling me about his morning with Carmen, which makes me smile. Still, I can imagine him wanting to go to some fancy restaurant and me showing up in a dress that's three years old. Still, if he likes me, I guess that doesn't matter. After all, I've never sucked up to people with money before, and I'm not going to start now.
Damien and I spend the rest of our morning together shopping and chatting about everything and nothing, enjoying each other's company. Soon enough, though, it's time for lunch, and then we go in different directions on the subway.
“Break a leg,” I tell him and give him a quick hug before his game.
“That’s for actors, Mads, not basketball players.”
“Whatever, enjoy the game–I’ll be watching from the sidelines with Norah and Jacob.”
“Later,” he says and waves. “Enjoy yoga,” he calls as he walks off.
“Thanks, I will,” I call after him.
Entering the studio, I take a deep breath, feeling energized by the serene atmosphere. The room quickly fills with eager yogis, and I take my place at the front of the class.
"All right, everyone, let's begin with a few sun salutations to warm up," I say, demonstrating the pose as I speak. "It's important to remember to breathe, that's what carries you through. What's more, breathing exercises can change your mood. Now, let's do this together."
My students follow along, their movements are fluid and graceful for the most part–this is a pretty advanced class.
As we move through the poses, I am constantly aware of my students' progress and needs, adjusting my instructions accordingly. Throughout the class, I am fully present, focused on guiding my students toward a deeper understanding of their bodies and their practice. And for just a little while, thoughts of Roland are blissfully absent from my mind.
By the time I leave the yoga studio, I feel happy and rejuvenated. I enjoy my life. It's been a lot of work and no play, but yoga is my passion and I'm grateful I've gotten as far as I have with it. I'm teaching classes after all, which was only a dream a couple of years ago.
I pull my phone out of my pocket to check for messages and there are none. I'm guessing Norah and Jacob are already making their way to the game. I haven't had a chance to talk to them this week. I was about to tell them of my meeting with Roland in the café and then finding out he's my boss the next day, but I've been so tired at night I haven't gotten around to it. And then things took another turn when I slept with Roland...
I'm guessing that drinks tonight will be... interesting.
The gym buzzes with energy as I enter and immediately spot Norah and Jacob, waiting for me at the entrance.
"Yay, the gang's all here," Norah squeals. She's a very tall green-eyed marvel with an athletic body and long, light brown hair that in some light appears almost blonde. Being so tall, she's always loved basketball and other sports that make her feel strong, not just... tall.
"It’s about time," Jacob says, checking his watch. "It's been an age since we last saw you, but now we have to get snacks, or we'll miss the game."
