Austin’s eyes grow bigger, as though the thought of me missing his brother’s party is unimaginable. But Casey chuckles. “I don’t think parties are Sage’s thing,” he says. “She gets a little grumpy at them.”
Remembering his insults that night, I pierce a piece of roast with my fork and smile. “You know nothing about me.”
Austin, sensing the tension between us, passes Casey the wine. “Sage is actually a lot of fun.”
“Mmm. Is she?”
“Yeah. Even her yoga classes are fun, and I hate yoga.”
“You do yoga?” Casey asks Austin and doesn’t hide the mocking tone in his voice. “Have they closed down the gym?”
“No. Not at all,” says Austin. “I just like to get a good stretch every once in a while.”
“Yoga can be a very vigorous workout,” I say, bringing another forkful of roast beef to my mouth and then biting it off slowly.
Casey stares at my mouth and I narrow my eyes. “You should give it a try sometime. If you think you can handle it.”
“Oh. I can handle it.”
“Perfect. Ten o’clock tomorrow morning at the community center.” I smile and then lick my lips.
Casey takes a sip of his wine and holds my gaze.
“Is that what happens in Vegas?” asks Anthony, looking between us. “Yoga?”
Austin covers a laugh with his hand, and Jane shakes her head. “I said eat your peas, Anthony.”
*
After lighting the soy candles by the community center windows, I open an app on my phone and soft music plays through the overhead speakers. I inhale deeply and exhale slowly as I prepare for my gentle hatha yoga class.
I’m not sure about the new playlist. I’m worried the soft trickle of the river may induce the urge to pee. But when Mrs. Green walks in, I forget about the music and smile. “Good morning, Mrs. Green. How are you today?”
“Great, dear.”
“Is that a new headband you’re wearing? I like how it matches your purple sweatshirt and tights.”
She pats the satin accessory and grins. “Oh, yes. I got it at Mrs. Elleroy’s shop. A new shipment came in last week and I just couldn’t help myself.”
“Well, it looks fabulous on you.”
She primps her hair, and I grab one of the foam blocks and place it in front of her. “Just in case you need it for some of the poses today.”
“You’re so sweet. Always thinking of me.”
Just then, Mrs. Gibbons walks in. She covers her mouth and looks behind her before blurting out. “Oh my goodness, did you know he was coming?”
I blink, looking behind her, but the hallway is empty. “Who's coming?”
She looks back again. “You know…him.”
When neither Mrs. Green nor I respond and we both have blank looks on our faces, she throws her hands up and shouts, “Casey Tucker!”
“Oh,” I say, annoyed.
“Oh, my!” Mrs. Green says, covering her mouth now. “Are you sure? I’m not dressed for it. I was hoping to wear my new blouse the first time I saw him, not this old sweatshirt.”
“You look lovely, Mrs. Green,” I say, and then to Mrs. Gibbons, I ask, “Are you sure it was Casey?”
