Sadie hands me her phone and I plug my number inbefore shooting myself a text so I can program her number in as soon as she leaves.
“Text me when you get home.” I hand back her phone and she nods at me.
She takes off with Hunter out the door, but not without one last glance over her shoulder. Our eyes meet for the briefest moment, and my heart thumps in my chest anticipating her message later tonight.
I wake up to the smell of coffee and thoughts of Niko still on my mind. Last night was incredible. I wasn’t expecting any of it, but am so glad I got to spend part of my night with him.
He’s surprisingly an amazing dancer. Our bodies molded together effortlessly, moving in tune with one another on the dance floor. It was so much fun. My aura was humming the entire night. And it’s all because of Niko. There’s something about him that calls to me, and I’m dying to be near him again to see if the same energy is present.
I reach over to my nightstand and grab my phone to reread his last text one more time.
Niko
I can’t remember the last time I had that much fun. Sweet dreams, Sadie.
And here I go, smiling like an idiot again.
I can’t recall the last time I smiled this much, especially over a man.
Shaking myself out of it, I hop out of bed and prepare for my morning meditation. I open Spotify on my phone and turn on my sunrise playlist. Skipping over to the window, I slideopen my curtains to allow the morning sun to shine through. Pausing for a moment, I take a second to admire the golden light reflecting off the Fox River. I’ve lived in a multitude of places, many of them more picturesque than Green Bay, but there’s something about the calming effect of still water appearing glassy and untouched. It brings me peace and it’s the perfect backdrop to my meditation session every morning.
Music. Natural light. A beautiful view. All that’s missing is a calming scent. I open the drawer of my nightstand and pull out my basket of essential oils. I head to the bathroom to fill the tank of my diffuser.
As I walk back to my room, I notice Ellie and Lincoln sitting at the breakfast nook canoodling. Those two are sickly in love, and I really need to find my own place soon.
One thing at a time, Sadie.
Once I get my diffuser going, I grab my meditation cushion and get settled in front of the window. Taking a seat, I inhale a deep breath and begin my simple morning meditation routine.
Some people start their mornings with a cup of coffee or immediately scroll on their phone. I, on the other hand, choose meditation. There are so many benefits to starting your day with a quick and simple meditation session. Not only can it help reduce stress and anxiety, but it also improves your emotional well-being, can increase your energy, and promotes better sleep at night.
My morning routine consists of deep breathing, a body scan, and daily gratitude and affirmations. It only takes about ten minutes before I’m repeating my final affirmation.
“I am worthy of love, respect, and happiness.”
Feeling worthy is something I struggle with. I come from a family of lawyers and doctors. While I’m proud of my siblings for joining my mom’s law firm or working in medicine like my father, I wish they could say the same for me. They just don’t understand me and they don’t even bother trying anymore. Itwasn’t easy being the black sheep of the family, but I love what I do and that’s what matters. I wish that’s all that mattered to my parents.
One more deep breath and I’m officially ready for the day.
Hopping up off the floor, I grab my phone before heading out to the kitchen with the lovebirds. I find Ellie practically sitting in Lincoln’s lap, and he’s whispering something in her ear causing her to giggle like a fool.
“Morning, Mom and Dad,” I sing-song to them as I open the fridge.
Ellie jumps off Lincoln and he smooths down the front of his shirt. I laugh at their embarrassment, but it also doesn’t go unnoticed that they do their best to make me feel comfortable, even if they are stupidly in love.
“Morning, Sades.” Ellie stands from her chair and walks over to give me a hug. “How’d you sleep?”
Oh, you know…I had multiple dreams about the charming captain of your team.But I think I’ll keep that little tidbit to myself for now.
“Like a baby. We closed down the bar last night.”
Lincoln chuckles before turning and resting his arm over the back of his chair. “Sorry we snuck out of there early. I don’t usually like to hang around the team at bars like that. They see enough of me at the rink. They deserve to blow off some steam without their head coach hanging around.”
Grabbing a yogurt, I close the fridge and sit down across from him at the table. “I’msurethat’s the only reason you two left early.”
Ellie groans at my joke but Lincoln doesn’t miss a beat. “You’re right. We wanted to come back here and?—”
“Nope!” I cut him off. “Do not go there.”
