Page 27 of Through the Storm

“Well, fit-adjacent,” I amend.

That gets another reluctant smile out of her. Still, there’s something else there. Confusion. Maybe a flicker of jealousy. It’s subtle, but I see it.

“Or you thought her teachers were cute.”

My voice softens. “It wasn’t like that. I just wanted them to helpher.”

She nods. “Okay.” But she doesn’t quite look convinced.

Before I can say anything else, she steps into the yoga room and immediately freezes.

“Wait.” She grabs my arm. “I need a second.”

“What’s wrong?” I’m already alert.

“It smells.” She swallows. “Too much like incense. My nose is… very pregnant.” She presses a hand to her forehead. “I got a little dizzy.”

I look around. The air is thick with sandalwood and something floral that feels aggressive.

“Why,” I mutter, “do they have these many smells in a room full of pregnant women?”

She laughs weakly. “Right?”

I guide her to a chair. “Sit. Don’t move.”

I turn to the nearest instructor. “Hey. Hi. Is there any way to turn off… all of this?”

She blinks. “Oh! Of course. We usually keep it light, but…”

“It’s not light,” I say. “It’s a lot. It can’t be good for the babies.”

She nods immediately. “Of course.”

“And can we open a few windows?” I ask.

Katy looks at me like she’s not sure whether to laugh or cry.

Within minutes, the incense is gone, and the windows are cracked open. The room feels breathable again.

I crouch in front of her. “Better?”

She inhales slowly. “Much.”

“Good.” I nod. “If you feel dizzy again, we leave. Okay?”

She studies me. “You’re very… intense.”

“I’m just being responsible.” I hold her gaze. “There’s a difference.”

“Thank you. For doing this.”

“Of course,” I squeeze her hands. “I wanted you to feel okay.”

She nods, something soft settling between us, careful and new.

I like that it was me who did that for her.

I can’t remember the last time something felt this important.