Rhonan
Yoga Manipulation
“The new cart is a machine.” My dad stands proudly next to the popcorn cart that Fletcher got him last fall to replace the old one my mother bought when we first started Hart Winery events. “I didn’t realize the new state-of-the-art technology that was available in things like these.”
“Glad it’s working well, Dad.”
I can feel his eyes on me as I survey the grounds of the winery, thinking about what else can be done before the event starts tonight. Normally, my father only brings out the popcorn cart for movie nights, but Ellis begged him to have it available every time there’s an event, and Elodie agreed the idea was spectacular because both of them are obsessed with popcorn.
“Daddy! Watch me go down the slide!”
I turn my attention back to Ellis as I watch her slide down the twisted slide on the playground at Hart Winery for what feels like the hundredth time.
Spoiler alert—it looks the same each time.
“You’re a professional,” I call back to her before directing my gaze back to Henley, who’s holding his daughter in his arms.
“Is this what I have to look forward to?” he asks.
“Yup.” I reach out and play with one of Remy’s short pigtails. “Sometimes I miss this age because Ellis spoke far less.”
Henley chuckles. “Yeah, she doesn’t ever seem to stop talking now, does she?”
“Ms. Lewis!” Ellis shouts, jumping from the swing and running over to where Vienna is standing.
And fuck me sideways.
She’s wearing a hunter green spandex outfit that should be illegal.
Well, she’s here for yoga, so what did you expect her to be wearing, Rhonan? A muumuu?
Ellis wraps her arms around Vienna’s legs the second she reaches her. “Hey, sweet girl.” Vienna squeezes her back. “Long time, no see.”
Ellis peers up at her. “I just saw you at school.”
Vienna bops her on the nose. “I know, it’s a joke.”
“Oh.” Ellis shrugs and then races back to the playground. “Ms. Lewis, watch me go down the slide!”
Vienna starts heading in my direction, but her eyes remain locked on my daughter. “I’m watching.” She waits for Ellis to traverse the entire slide before clapping. “Amazing! You’re the best slider ever!”
Ellis takes a bow. “I know!”
Laughing, Vienna approaches me, meeting my eyes finally. “Hey there, neighbor.”
I have no control over how my eyes dip up and down her body before I finally find some words. “Hello.”
She moves her gaze up and down my body now. “Is that what you wore to do yoga?”
“I already told you, Vienna. I don’t do yoga.”
She tsks. “Such a shame. You’re missing out.”
Henley nods. “She’s right, man. Once Carol gets here, I can hand off Remy and I’m ready to get my sweat on.”
Joanne walks up to us, reaching out for Remy. “If you need me to, I can watch her too.”
Remy reaches out for Joanne, landing safely in her arms. “I appreciate that, thank you,” Henley says.
