“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.”
I shook my hand at her like there was an insect in front of me. “Don’t. Please don’t. I can’t take the pity voice. Especially not from you. I’ll just start spiraling.”
“No pity voice. Got it.” She nodded and returned her attention to steaming my milk.
“I’ve been taking swimming lessons.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I’ve had two so far, but I’m already more comfortable in the water.”
“Your grandma hated the water, but I always thought she should’ve gotten you lessons.”
“No time like the present. And focusing on something new has been helping me stay positive.” But it wasn’t just the swimming that had lifted my mood. It was Elias. His positive attitude was infectious, and his lighthearted outlook had softened the impending sense of doom that gripped my insides anytime I considered my future.
“That’s wonderful!”
She handed me the paper cup with a plastic lid, and I blew on the little spout as I brought the divine goodness to my lips. I closed my eyes and sipped. “Mmm. Liquid perfection. Thanks, Sonia.”
“You’re welcome, hun. Just glad you’re here.”
My phone vibrated. Who could be calling this early?
I fished my phone out of my purse, hoping nothing was wrong with the studio, but it wasn’t Candy. I didn’t recognize the number, but it had a Hilton Head area code, so I answered.
“Hello?”
“Lena?”
“Speaking.”
“This is Harry. From Hot Yoga Hilton Head? We spoke last week?”
“Oh, yes! Harry! Hello.”
I’d introduced myself to Harry after class earlier in the week and discovered the reasons behind the state of the studio. Two instructors had moved off the island the previous year, and he hadn’t been able to find replacements. Membership had dwindled with the new, limited schedule, and maintenance became an expense he couldn’t afford. He desperately wanted to retire but felt he owed it to the community to stay open.
I empathized with his situation—I would have done the same—so, I’d given him my number and told him if he needed help while I was in town, I’d be happy to oblige. Apparently, he needed help.
“I hate to ask on such short notice, but can you cover my 8:30? I need to take my dog to the vet, and I can’t get ahold of my other teachers. I’m really worried. She’s never not gotten up for her morning walk, and?—”
“Stop right there, Harry. I’ll take care of it, no problem.”
He let out a tremendous sigh. “I owe you big time. I’m taking her in now. I’ll leave a set of keys in the mailbox. The HVAC controls are behind the front desk, and the room takes a while to heat up so?—”
“Don’t worry. I’ll figure it out. You go take care of your dog.”
“Thank you so much, Lena.”
“No problem.”
I ended the call and checked the time—ten after seven. If I was going to make it to Coligny in time to prepare the practice room before class, I needed to move. But first I needed to text Elias.
Hey. I just got a call from the yoga studio. They need a sub for the 8:30, so I won’t make our swim lesson. Sorry for the short notice.
I tucked my phone back in my purse. “Sorry, Sonia. That was the yoga studio in Coligny. They need a teacher at 8:30.”
“Go, go. I know how much you love teaching. Just promise you’ll come back and see me soon?”
