She smiled. Shewasdoing that thing.
Angeni stood, wrapped her arms around his middle. He craned his neck down to kiss the top of her head.
“Thank you,” she said.
Aurora called for them from the living room: “Five minutes till showtime!”
“Come on,” Erik said, putting his hands around Angeni’s waist, lifting her off the ground and into his arms. “Let’s do this thing.”
When the Wellest team had contacted Angeni, she’d asked them if they wanted just her on the episode, or if they wanted her and Erik. They said they’d love to have the two of them, which was just fine with Angeni. He was a calming influence for her. If she got nervous or tongue tied, he stepped in. He kept things light. He was good at making jokes at appropriate times, changing subjects when necessary, all to protect her.
The hosts were Michael Hsu and Adriene Aguilera, thirtysomethings who had built a respectable fan base in a relatively short period of time—more than a half million subscribers. Angeni couldn’t say no to these types of opportunities. These were the opportunities that would amplify her voice and expand her reach beyond what she could do on her own.
Aurora had set up a special circular light in front of Angeni and Erik, making them look bright faced despite the gray day outside their windows. Jer and Matt were manning the audiovisual equipment.
“You might not even need these, but let’s attach in case,” Matt said, affixing tiny mics to the collars of Erik’s shirt and Angeni’s blouse.
“You guys look great,” Aurora said.
Jer positioned the screen, and Michael and Adriene appeared, sitting side by side at a desk, like news anchors. They were wearing matching smiles, bright-white teeth gleaming.
“Oh my god, Angeni Luna, hi!” Adriene said with a level of enthusiasm that overwhelmed Angeni.
“And Erik!” Michael said with an equal amount of enthusiasm.
Angeni and Erik were sitting on the living room couch. Erik took her hand, squeezed it. He could probably feel the energy humming through her body.
“We’re just going to start the recording on our end if that’s cool?” Adriene said.
“Sounds great,” Erik said while Angeni cleared her throat.
“Okay, all set,” Adriene said. “Hi, everyone! We’re here today with two very special guests that we’ve been wanting to get on an episode for months.”
“Years, actually,” Michael said, and they all laughed.
“Angeni Luna is the creator of the Conscious Couples Instagram account, as well as the Mother Nurture Instagram account, which each have a following of more than two million people. Just incredible,” Adriene said. “Her husband, Erik, is her partner in crime, and they recently welcomed a little girl to the world—”
“She is the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen,” Michael interjected.
“Legit the most beautiful,” Adriene said. “And Angeni, for our followers who don’t already know, why don’t you share your recent news?”
“The recent news is that I’m writing a book,” Angeni said.
Adriene did a little squeal, and Michael clapped his hands twice.
“As you can tell, we are a little excited about this,” Adriene said. “Can you tell us about the book?”
Angeni felt heat rising in her chest. She shifted on the couch, and Erik moved his hand from her hand to her thigh. He was attempting to ground her.
“Well, it’s just taking shape as I get into a rhythm with the writing,” Angeni said. “But what’s close to my heart is helping other women become the mothers they want to be, helping them establish a deep and rich connection with their children, starting in pregnancy.”
“So beautiful,” Adriene said.
“We’re hoping you also continue to share the magic of the relationship you two have, especially as new parents,” Michael said.
Angeni and Erik turned toward each other and couldn’t help but laugh nervously.
“What do you think, babe? Is it magic?” Erik said to Angeni, giving her thigh a squeeze. This was their schtick, and they knew it well.
