“Don’t worry about her,” she says with a dismissive wave. “Sweat makes her bitchy.”
I heave a sigh. “You didn’t tell me students were threatening to quit.”
“Oh, please. My classes are cheap and her wardrobe’s expensive. She’s not going anywhere.”
Managing a smile, I tilt my head towards the staircase. “Come up for a cuppa?”
Her lips curve as she gives a heartfelt sigh. “Yes, please.”
We make our way upstairs, where I balk at the pile of unpaid bills spread out over the kitchen table. Pushing aside my laptop, I gather them together and shove them into the ancient bread box tucked in a corner of the counter. It was a good enough place for my mother to stuff her wad of unpaid bills. It’s good enough for me. I once promised myself I wouldn’t keep it as full as she did but, truth be told, it’s been a while since it closed with ease.
I put the kettle on while Yolanda takes a seat. “What’s this?” She points to my laptop screen. “It came on when you moved it.”
“It’s nothing,” I say quickly. “Just close it.”
Eyes narrowing, she takes a closer look. “Tristan Whitmore, Business Consultant. He sounds hot.”
“You can’t tell the hotness of someone from their name.”
“Says you,” she mutters.
I take the lid off my teapot and carefully spoon chamomile tea leaves from my depleted cannister into the strainer before adding hot water.
“Do you know this guy, or something?”
“Nope.” She stares at me while I carry the teapot and cups over to the table. “I told you, it’s not important.”
The staring continues while we wait for the tea to brew. And while I pour. And through the first few sips.
“How’s your sister?” I ask.
“Sam!” She throws her hands in the air. “Don’t make me do the pulling teeth thing.”
“Fine.” I put my cup down. “He’s some guy who’s been using my app. He sent me an email a few days ago.”
“You mean theSleep with Meapp?” she drawls seductively.
“Yes, that one, and I never should have let you talk me into such a ridiculous name.” I’d planned to call itMeditations for Better Sleep. Simple, to the point. When I’d told Yolanda, she’d pretended to fall asleep from boredom. I claimed it was a point in favour of the name, considering its intention. She’d disagreed, insisting I needed something sexy. I’d been desperate enough to use her suggestion. It didn’t help. “He suffers from insomnia and wants to learn about my techniques. In exchange, he’d give me an hour of his expert business advice.”
Yolanda frowns. “Sounds like a scam. You didn’t respond, did you?”
“Oh yeah, I responded immediately.” I back the words up with an enthusiastic nod. “And then I forked over my life savings.”
She snorts. “What savings?”
“Back at you, honey.”
“But at least we have each other,” she adds with an affectionate grin. “Why were you looking him up?”
I clear my throat, wishing she hadn’t asked. She’s going to make too big a deal out of this. “His email mentioned one of my students, Alice. I asked her about him after class last night. Apparently, Tristan works with her husband. She’s the one who recommended the app to him.”
Yolanda’s mouth drops open. “You mean the whole thing’s legit?”
Shrugging, I stare into my tea. “Seems so.”
“That’s amazing, Sam. When are you meeting him?”
The second shrug is slower than the first.
