“If I’m going to listen to anyone, it’s you. Only, I have a mountain of paperwork to get through and I want to catch the end of practice.”
“No rest for the wicked.”
“Never.” He winks. “Enjoy your day.”
“Thanks. You too.”
Headphones on, I’m listening to music that’s been specifically curated for deep concentration when a notification pops up on my screen, immediately pulling my attention from work.
Mom’s neurology appointment – 9 a.m.
My heart pounds in my chest as all my other priorities instantly drift away. I set this notification months ago, after her last appointment, and pushed it from my mind. Mom’s been doing well. She stutters occasionally, and has had a few falls over the past couple of months, but she’s happy and she’s living her life to the fullest.
This reminder is like a kick in the gut, because while she’s good now, no one can tell us how quickly her muscles will deteriorate. MND is so variable there’s no way to give it a timeline and it sucks.
I clear the notification and try to keep working, but it’s pointless. I am well and truly distracted, and I need something to take my mind off the real world. Something I haven’t done in a while.
After checking the time, I grab my yoga mat from the closet in my office and make a run for it, determined to get to the studio for the next class in seventeen minutes.
It’s been months since I took time out of my day to practice yoga. Hell, it’s been months since I took time out of my day for anything. I deserve the break, and yoga always helps get me out of my head. It’s one of the only things that ever works to help me escape. That and the beach.
With yoga, I can lose my mind to the moment. If they tell me I’m in a forest, I’m there. Poolside, I’ve got my sun hat on, ready to go.
It’s always helped me to completely unwind, and I don’t do it enough.
If I’m out for drinks with friends, I’m undoubtedly thinking of work. Watching a movie, thinking of work. Having sex, you bet your ass I’m thinking of work. Not that I’ve had sex in a while. Hell, I can’t remember the last time I orgasmed without my own fingers doing the work.
The point is, work takes priority, and even when I’m not there, it’s never far from my mind.
But yoga. That’s always been my thing.
I wonder if sex after a yoga session would?—
The elevator doors open in the underground parking lot and I move to rush out, jumping when Sal appears in front of me. “Jesus.” My hand flies to my chest.
“Are you okay?” He grabs my elbow to steady me, and I laugh at the concern in his expression.
“I’m fine. I was just trying to sneak away, and I clearly got caught.”
“You’re sneaking away?” His eyes drop to the mat in my hand and he grins knowingly. “Ah. You’re off for a moment of Zen.”
“I am. It’s needed.”
“Understandable. It’s been a busy week. I won’t hold you up.”
“Thank you.”
He holds the doors open and gestures for me to walk through, waiting until I’ve reached my car before letting the doors close, waving as they shut.
I smile as I get in, laughing over his constant need to make sure everyone’s safe, and it’s not until I’m halfway to the yoga studio that I realize I haven’t thought about my stresses once.
Maybe just the idea of yoga does the trick. Either way, I’m feeling better already.
Chapter Two
SALVATORE
The room buzzes as the morning rush moves around me. The rich smell of coffee tickles my nose, and I fight the urge to have another cup. I’ve already had three and it’s only nine a.m. If I have another one before I get to the office, I’ll be bouncing off the walls.
