The washer’s buzzer sounded, and she stepped to the laundry and removed the sheets, placing them in the dryer. She started the dryer then turned to grab the electric mop in the corner, but something caught her eye.
What was that?
Elowen stepped closer to the window, squinting at the object. It looked like an animal figurine. What the hell?
A knock at her door drew her attention. She glanced back at the figurine. Who had put that there? Was that some kind of a joke object one of the guys who’d helped her build the place had left? How long had it been there?
The knock sounded again, and she grabbed the mop then hurried over to the door, pulling it open, finding Danika and Nichole on her porch.
“Sorry to bug you, but we were wondering if you wanted to do yoga with us in the morning.”
Laughter bubbled up. “Yoga. I don’t think I’ve ever done yoga before.”
Nichole shrugged. “It’s not so much about the yoga, it’s about getting together to bitch about how much the positions hurt and to make jokes and laugh together.”
She looked from Nichole to Danika. “Wow, you all are so nice. No women ever include me in stuff like that. I’m not sure how good I am at hanging out with other women.”
Danika snorted. “We’re all awkward. We’d love for you to join us in our awkward yoga.”
“Do you think Griz would be unhappy with me joining you?”
“They’re going fishing in the morning and it’s not his call what you do.”
She nodded. “I like you all. Sure, I’ll join you for yoga.”
“Cool. We plan on starting at nine. And trust me when I say we’re awkward. We aren’t smooth yoga babes.”
Nichole laughed. “We’re more like stumbling cows.”
Elowen chuckled. “I doubt anyone ever described any of you as cows.”
“You’d be surprised at how cruel women are. Maybe not. I’m sure you’ve heard some good or well, I guess bad ones.”
Elowen nodded. “Thank you so much. I’m looking forward to spending more time with you all.”
“Good. Because we like you a lot. We also like how Griz is with you.”
“Is he different?”
Danika nodded. “He seems peaceful and happier. He was whistling and humming after he came back from walking you home.”
She couldn’t help the smile that spread. “I like him.”
“Good. He needs this.”
The women said goodbye and Elowen turned, leaning against the door. She hadn’t ever felt giddy like this. Well, back in high school, right after Griz had kissed her the first time. Then his dad had beaten him and she’d never seen him again.
After cleaning the floor, she made the bed and checked her wine bottles, pulling out a good red from Spain. Maybe they wouldn’t open a bottle, but she wanted Griz to know she thought he was special.
After eating a simple dinner, she settled in front of the TV, knowing she had to take up time or she would go crazy with anticipation. She was in the middle of a show she honestly couldn’t describe when she heard whistling and then a knock.
She paused the show and jumped up, heading to the door. When she pulled it open, Griz greeted her with a smile.
“You’re here!” she squealed.
“I am. Are you excited to see me?”
“So excited. Get in here.”
