Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
She focused on being mindful and in the moment. She kept her breathing deep and even, her attention anchored on the sensation of taking in each cleansing breath and exhaling long and slow. When class ended, they rolled up their yoga mats and cleaned up their spaces.
Once they had their cold drinks in hand, they headed to the seating area. They paused by two women who were cleaning up and leaving their table and claimed the now empty seats.
“I saw you grinning during Savasana,” Amy said, nudging Brooke’s foot. “Does that mean you’ve slept with your boss?” she asked with a smirk only a girlfriend could manage.
Brooke had just taken a sip of her shake and nearly choked on the liquid. Hand on her chest, she swallowed and looked around.
No one was nearby, so she didn’t think anyone overheard Amy, but she narrowed her eyes at her friend. “Could you be a little more discreet?”
“Sorry, but I had to ask.” Amy fluttered her eyelashes, all innocent looking.
Brooke rolled her eyes at her friend. She and Amy texted a couple of times a week, so the other woman was well-versed in what was going on between Brooke and Aiden. Amy also knew, despite the date with Mark, Brooke had been weakening toward him.
“Can we say yes, I did, and leave it at that?” Brooked asked.
Amy pursed her lips and shook her head. “As if I’d settle for that after all these years. So how are things between you two now?”
“We… agreed to try dating.”
Amy’s eyebrows rose high. “Well, that’s progress.” She took a sip of her shake and met Brooke’s gaze. “I’m really proud of you. I know it can’t be easy to let him in again, but you’ve loved him forever. I’m so glad you aren’t slamming that door shut tight.”
Brooke was glad too. She didn’t know what the future held, but at least now she could admit that maybe there was one.
They sipped their drinks in silence, Brooke’s thoughts going to her night with Aiden. It had been everything she’d hoped for and yet she couldn’t deny the anxiety still plaguing her.
“What’s wrong?” Amy asked.
Brooked wrapped one hand around the shake and immediately released her fingers. Too cold to use as a prop for her nerves. She met her friend’s steady gaze. “I just don’t want to be heartbroken again,” she admitted, her voice a whisper.
Amy nodded in understanding. “Of course you don’t. But what if that doesn’t happen? What if you give Aiden another chance and you wind up getting everything you ever wanted?”
That was the real question, wasn’t it?
Chapter Twenty
Brooke sat at a café near the office, waiting for company. At her invitation, Fallon had agreed to come into the city for lunch. Noah had taken the day off to work from home, so he was going to take care of the baby.
It was time Brooke leveled with her best friend.
Fallon arrived ten minutes late, rushing into the restaurant, a harried look on her face. She wore one of her staple long, pleated skirts and a top that fell a drop below the waist. Brooke understood her friend’s desire to cover her still swollen belly, but Fallon would be back to her cropped tops in no time. Or not. She looked amazing no matter what she wore.
Brooke waved and her friend walked over to the table, taking the seat across from her. “I’m so sorry. I missed the train I planned on taking because it took me forever to leave Gabbi and—”
Reaching across the table, she clasped Fallon’s hand. “I’m sorry I asked you to come into the city. I should have visited you after work.” She released her grip, wishing she’d thought more about Fallon before asking her to come.
“No! I wanted to see you. Don’t forget I’m going back to work at the gallery after my three months are up. I need to get used to leaving Gabbi.”
Fallon co-owned the art gallery with Clara Morganville, an older woman who’d taken Fallon under her wing. Also a talented artist, Fallon worked from home on her pop art paintings and sold them for a hefty sum. But she’d taken three months off from any kind of work to bond with her daughter and spend time with the twins.
“Well, I appreciate it.” Brooke shook her napkin onto her lap and Fallon did the same. “How is the little munchkin?”
Fallon let out a long moan. “Exhausting. But also exhilarating. I won’t lie though. I can’t wait until she sleeps through the night.”
Before Brooke could reply, a server walked over to their table, a young woman with pink tips at the ends of her hair, and smiled. “Can I get either of you something to drink?”
“Just ice water for me,” Fallon said.
“A club soda with lime, please.” Brooke loved a bubbly drink.