AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Do you live around here?” Jasmine tucked a black tendril of hair behind her ear.
“Yes, just moved in yesterday.”
“Oh, where are you from?”
“California. I needed a change of pace but I wanted to be by the ocean, so New Hampshire it was.” Mia gave her the carefully practiced answer that stayed as close to the truth as possible while omitting the important details.
“That’s a long way from home. What do you do for work?” Jasmine asked.
“I’m opening a yoga studio.”
“Yoga? Sounds interesting, but I don’t think it’s really my thing.”
“Well, when the studio opens, you’ll have to come check it out. I’d be happy to teach you. I’d love to have company in the meantime. Free sessions until the studio opens. It’s a great way to ground yourself. It’s helped me deal with stressful life moments.” She hoped she wasn’t giving too much of herself away, but this was the reason she taught yoga in the first place.
Jasmine seemed thoughtful. “Maybe.”
Mia smiled. She felt a pull towards this woman for some reason. Maybe she and Jasmine had something in common.
“Do you have any family in the area?” Jasmine asked.
“No. It’s uh . . . just me.”
“Mine are gone too,” Jasmine said as their gazes met.
“You said you had a brother?” Mia asked, turning onto Main Street.
Jasmine nodded. “Yeah, two actually. Mikel is married to Remy. She owns the Stardust Café—right here on the left. You can park anywhere. And Bently is the oldest.”
Mia did as she directed.
“What about you? Any siblings?” Jasmine asked, unbuckling herself and gathering the diaper bag.
“Nope. Just me.”
“I don’t know what I’d do without my brothers. Especially Bently, the oldest. He basically raised me, and then he jumped in to help me when I found out I was pregnant.”
“Oh. Zoey’s dad isn’t in the picture?” Mia asked.
Jasmine hesitated and drew in a breath. “No.”
There was a story there. Mia reached out her hand instinctively to comfort her. “I was raised by a single mom, and though I always missed my dad, she gave me enough love for the both of them.” Mia smiled, trying to lighten the mood. “I liked hearing about you and your family. I’d be happy to be a listening ear if you ever need to talk.”
“Let’s exchange numbers.” Jasmine offered, pulling out her phone.
Mia helped Jasmine carry the car seat into the Stardust Café. The smell of fresh coffee and sugary treats instantly enveloped her. A sign in bold lettering made it clear that all of the offerings were gluten-free. She hoped they didn’t taste it.
“Hey, Jasmine. What happened?” a beautiful woman in a flowery sundress asked from behind the counter.
Jasmine nodded for Mia to follow her through the back to the kitchen.
“Long story. Mia here was kind enough to be my heroine. Mia, this is Remy, my sister-in-law.”
Remy took baby Zoey from Jasmine and gave her cheek a kiss before she reached out to shake Mia’s hand. Mia set the car seat on the floor.
“Mia, it’s nice to meet you. Are you new in town?” Remy asked as Zoey wrapped her chubby fist around and pulled one of her braids.
“Yes, I just moved from California.”
