Everything came out in big, ugly sobs that wracked my body and expelled every last drop of self-doubt, worry, and grief. And when there was nothing left, when the well of my emotions had been tapped dry, I let out a final, pained sigh.
Dazed and dizzy, I sat up and worked to catch my breath, my body aching from the emotional release. I grabbed a tissue, wiped my eyes, and blew my nose. I drained the glass of water on my nightstand and let out a long, shuddering breath.
A quiet peace descended upon me, a grounded calm after an emotional storm, and with it came clarity. I had a plan. Everything else was noise.
I glanced at my phone. Six o’clock. Perfect. I picked it up and made the call.
“Yoga Star Charleston. This is Candace. How can I help you?”
“Hey, Candy. It’s Lena.”
“Hey, girl. It’s early. Everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine. I just wanted to see how things were going and run something by you. Do you have a minute?”
“The six a.m. just started so, yeah, I have the next hour and a half free.”
“Great.” Might as well get right to it. “How would you feel about managing Yoga Star Charleston?”
“I already manage Yoga Star Charleston.”
“No. I mean, by yourself.” I paused. “Like, without me there.”
Silence.
“Uh… Lena? What are you talking about?”
“I want to expand the business. I want to open Yoga Star Hilton Head.” My body buzzed with anticipation.
A loud thunk traveled across the line followed by a high-pitched squeal. I held the phone away from my ear until the piercing noise stopped.
“Candy?”
“Sorry! Sorry, I dropped my phone, because I am So! Freaking! Excited!”
She squealed again, and I held the phone away, laughing at her enthusiasm. “Yeah?”
“Are you kidding?”
“It’s going to be a lot of work, especially while I’m busy getting the new studio ready—I’ll be refurbishing an existing space.”
After resolving to stay on the island and expand my business, I’d spoken with Harry about buying Hot Yoga Hilton Head. I had a nest egg from selling the house in Charleston, enough to cover a down-payment and repairs, and knew I could breathe new life and a fresh energy into the space. When I’d offered to buy the studio, his eyes flooded with tears, and he lifted me off the ground in a giant bear hug. The entire arrangement seemed fated and brought with it a renewed sense of purpose. Nothing could deter me from this plan, not even my revelations about Elias.
“I know I can handle the extra responsibility,” she said. “I want to handle it.”
“I have no doubt, Candy. I trust you. You’re… family.”
“Aww! Don’t make me cry!”
I let out a nervous chuckle, my own eyes welling with tears.
“This is a good move for you, Lena. You need this.” The sincerity in Candy’s voice threatened to push me over the edge. “You’ve sounded so much happier over the past couple weeks. Happier than you’ve been in months. You needed the change of scenery, especially after the asshole.” A beat passed, caught on her last word. “Sorry. It’s just… he really is an asshole.” I laughed, and the tears spilled over. “Anyway, this is an opportunity for a fresh start. A new beginning for both of us!” More squealing. “I’m so excited!”
What a relief. I swiped at the happy tears trailing down my cheeks. “Me too.”
And that was the truth. I really was excited. Excited to walk out of the past and into the future. Excited to build a new community—a new family—here on the island. Excited to call this place home.
Chapter Thirteen
