Is there anything I can do to help?Dakota texted when I told him I was too swamped with assignments to spend the afternoon driving to the game.
Nope! I have it all under control. Good luck at the game!
I chewed on my cheek after sending the text, wishing I could take it back. Deep down, I knew both things could be true: Dakota could be wonderful, and I could need more time to figure myself out.
Instead of sulking, I pushed myself to go to the greenhouse. One of my interviewees messaged me to inform me they were available for the weekend. I packed all my gear and set up the space myself. The interview went by in the blink of an eye. Lucia Mason ended her interview on a hopeful note and gave me a hug before leaving.
“I needed someone to know,” she told me when we finished our hug. “I didn’t realize how much until now.”
I smiled, doing my best to talk while my throat tightened when I saw tears in the corner of her eyes. “I appreciate you sharing. And take this in case you want to talk some more.”
She took the student counseling center card I handed to her. I knew creating art and being a part of said creation was therapy in itself. But I wasn’t arrogant enough to believe my film only would be a cure to someone’s pain. I hoped I’d at least be a catalyst for better health.
Once I finished packing up, I texted Yara on a whim. Going back to an empty house this early in the day made my heart sink. The football game was starting soon, and I didn’t want to be tempted to turn on the TV to watch and wish I’d gone.
We’re going to yoga. You should definitely join us!
I smiled at Yara’s response and typed back, asking for the location. The yoga studio was only a ten-minute drive off-campus. When I pulled into the parking lot, Yara and Covee were getting out of the car.
“Oh, hi!” Covee smiled when she saw me. She looked happy to see me, like we were friends who didn’t talk but still thought about each other every now and again.
“Hey.” I grinned back. “Sorry for crashing this.”
“Crash?” Yara shook her head. “I should have invited you ages ago. You remember Covee, right? We finally got her to not spend a weekend at her boyfriend’s.”
Covee sighed but looked amused. “Weston’s busy during the week so weekends are our happy place.”
“You don’t need to defend yourself.” Yara wrapped her arm around her friend’s shoulder. “I’m only teasing you. If I had a man, I’d be at his place as much as possible too.”
We started towards the studio. Once we walked through the front door, we were ambushed with puffs from oil diffusers and the faint sound of a rainstorm. The warm, brown couches and pale green wallpaper made my shoulders relax. Yara signed us in while Covee led me towards a changing area.
“They have free shorts and tops for people just dropping in,” Covee explained as she gestured toward a set of drawers. “They’re soft and surprisingly good quality.”
I raised a brow when I grabbed a set of clothes for myself and witnessed firsthand what she meant. “Is this what true peace feels like?”
Covee laughed as she shed her jacket and shoes. She stuffed them into a locker before saying, “That was my exact thought when Ari first invited us here. If anyone could find a slice of heaven on earth, it’s Ari.”
I began removing my clothes to change into what felt like clouds. “How long have you all been friends?”
“Ari and I have known each other since we were teenagers.” Covee pulled her braids into a high bun as she spoke. “I met Yara last year when I helped create some posters for BWDC.”
“I’ve seen some of them.” I nodded, recalling the purple and black posters on the walls of the meeting room. “That typography was amazing. What font was it? I’m tried looking for it but couldn’t find anything online.”
“Thanks. Actually, I made it myself,” she shared with a shrug like it was no biggie.
“Serious?” I paused for a moment. “No way. Do you have it up on Creative Market or something? I’d love to buy it for a film I’m shooting. I think it’d go perfect with the poster I have in mind.”
Covee’s eyes widened with surprise. “Really? I’m not selling anything right now, but maybe I should. I’d be more than willing to give you the font for free in the meantime.”
I shook my head. “No, I’d pay. Us creatives gotta stick together and support one another in any way we can.”
“Thank you.” Her smile was wide and she asked for my number. Yara hurried in as we were exchanging details.
“Ari’s already setting up the class, and she’s going to be annoyed if we slip in late and in the back,” Yara explained as she rushed to tug on her pants. “I’m not a back-row person, so I’ll see you guys out there.”
Covee and I laughed as Yara left the room as swiftly as she came. We finished securing our belongings and went back outside to where the class would be held.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Covee whispered to me as we work our way through the rows of people already set up. “You seem like a back-row person. Correct me if I’m wrong.”
