Page 40 of Risk It All
I walked out of the room and checked the list of people who had signed up for today’s class. Once I made sure everyone had made it, I locked the front door and returned to the studio. Leo had ditched his sweatshirt and was now in a black T-shirt. As if he wasn’t distracting enough already.
Great.
“Good morning, everyone,” I greeted. “I’m thrilled you’ve joined me this morning, where for the next sixty minutes, we’ll be rooted in our breath, body, and mind. When you’re ready, join me at the back of your mat. You can have your knees together or open them apart. Then walk your hands forward and lower yourself down. We’ll take the next five breaths in child’s pose,” I instructed while demonstrating the motions.
I ran my classes a little differently depending on the season and who attended. When Golden Falls was a little quieter, most of the people who joined class were regulars, like Lily, Jules, and Donna. With summer right around the corner, there would be new faces joining, whether it was tourists, college students returning home for the next few months, or a local looking to switch up their workout. If it was someone new to my studio, I tried to talk with them before class to get an idea of how comfortable they were with yoga so I’d know whether to give them modifications to make poses easier or more challenging.
I didn’t have a chance to talk with Leo before class started, but I knew Gabe hadn’t done yoga before, so I made sure to offer modifications both that eased some of the poses but also kept itchallenging for my regulars. I wanted my yoga studio to be a safe space for anyone and everyone, and I also tried to offer discounts or free classes when I could, especially for high school kids who needed a place to justbe.
I was always professional in my classes, but right now? There wasn’t anything professional about how I couldn’t keep my eyes off Leo, watching as the muscles in his arms and legs rippled and flexed. How his thigh tattoo peeked out from the bottom of his shorts.
Leo wasstrong. No doubt about it. I had no clue if he’d done yoga before or not, but he was keeping up, carefully following my instructions.
In my defense, I wasn’t the only one staring. I caught Donna distracted and wobbling a few times, and that lady was normally still as a statue. Lily nearly toppled over one time, mouthing asorryto Jules, who giggled.
That made me feel better.
I didn’t think a man who I was seeing ever came to one of my yoga classes or a yoga class in general with me. Colin certainly hadn’t.
But…here was Leo, someone who had nothing to gain by showing up to class.
I tried not to think too much of what that stirred inside of me, shoving it to the back of my mind and trying to follow my own advice of being present in class and not letting my thoughts wander.
We ended class on our backs in savasana, or corpse pose, for the final minutes.
“Start to bring your awareness back to my voice,” I instructed gently. “Wiggle your fingers and toes. Reach your arms overhead, take a deep breath in, and exhale. Hug your knees into your chest and roll onto your side. When you’re ready, join me back in a seated position.” Instead of facing the mirror, I sat so Iwas facing everything, keeping my eyes closed for now. “Rest your hands on your knees and sit up tall. We’ll finish by taking a deep breath in to fully take in the benefits of our practice and an audible exhale out. Open your eyes when you’re ready.” I opened my eyes and paused, letting everyone catch up. “Thank you again for joining me. I can’t think of a better way to start my day than with you.” I smiled at the group, and it always brought me joy to see how relaxed everyone looked. Their jaws unclenched, shoulders at ease, and gentle smiles on their faces. There was something rejuvenating about taking an hour for yourself—no phones, distractions, or worries—and it made me happy to see others feel that too. “Take your time getting up from your mat. I’ll see you at the front desk on your way out.”
I got up from my mat to unlock the front door while giving everyone time to finish their practice. Slowly, they trickled out of the studio with their mats in tow.
“Great job, Donna, as always,” I complimented with a smile. “See you next week?”
“My favorite way to start the morning. See you next week.” She waved on her way out.
Next was Lily, Jules, and Gabe. I expected to see Leo with them, but when I looked over, he was still rolling up his mat.
“I feel like I can do anything after that,” Gabe said on an exhale, handing over the mat he’d borrowed.
I grinned at him. “I take it I’ll see you at another class?”
“Definitely. And next time Lily won’t have to trick?—”
“I didn’t trick you. Iinvitedyou,” Lily interjected.
I playfully narrowed my eyes at her, and she innocently shrugged.
“Don’t forget we have our movie night this week,” Jules reminded us.
“I can’t wait,” I said, with Lily echoing the sentiment. “Have a good day!”
Everyone else had left, which meant it was just Leo and me. He came over to the front desk, setting down the rolled-up mat. “I take it this is one of yours?”
“It is.” I grabbed the mat and placed it behind the desk where I also had the one Gabe used. “So, Lily roped you into coming this morning?”
Leo chuckled as he sat on the bench near the cubbies to put on his socks and sneakers. “I wouldn’t say that. I’ve been meaning to come by for a class. She invited me.”
“Uh-huh. Just like she invited Gabe?” I teased as I rounded the desk, leaning my hip against it.
Leo’s smile slowly spread. “Gabewasroped in. That I’m not denying.”
