Page 17 of An Unlikely Knight

“Namaste,” Erin finished the class glancing to the back of the room as Aubrey got to her feet and smiled widely, a sign she’d enjoyed Erin’s teaching.

Jane and Terra rolled their mats, making plans for coffee. “I have exactly an hour before having to pick up the girls from the school,” Jane said glancing at her watch.

“Perfect,” Terra confirmed. “My facial appointment is in town in two hours, just enough time for us to relax a bit more.” The woman shoved the expensive mat into a matching bag, not noticing the longing and perhaps a bit of jealousy in Evalyn’s expression.

After a pointed look from Erin to Evalyn, Joe then strode to exit, stopping to greet Aubrey before leaving.

Struggling to come up with a way to approach the subject of Evalyn’s lack of regard for others when smoking, Erin looked on as the woman fumbled in her bag for her cigarettes.

“Evalyn, have you considered cutting back on the smoking? I worry about your health,” Erin asked as the woman pulled out the pack followed by a lighter.

The woman gave her a droll look. “I have, but why deny myself the one thing I enjoy?” Evalyn coughed and tried to cover it up by clearing her throat. “I’m fit as a fiddle.”

“Surely you enjoy other things,” Aubrey interjected.

The woman shrugged noncommittally. “I supposed I like holding seances, and I enjoy time with my men. I do have several lovers.

Erin fought not to imagine the thin, gray-haired woman naked. It was doubtful that the woman had a number of lovers, but one never knew. “Glad to hear it.”

Evalyn narrowed her eyes. “I know they complain. Obviously, no one cares of I develop a carcinoma.”

“What?” Aubrey wasn’t aware of Evalyn’s complaint about the awning.

“The sun,” Evalyn said with pointing to the ceiling. “I require shade.”

The three remained silent, Erin unable to come up with anything to say.

“Maybe we can put an umbrella outside the door for you,” Aubrey said with a triumphant wide smile. “You can have shade, and the others won’t be subjected to cigarette smoke.”

Erin braced for Evalyn’s reaction. The woman stalked and leaned forward her nose a hair’s breadth from Aubrey’s. “And how, pray tell, am I to light my cigarette with both hands occupied. I am insulted by that suggestion.”

Before Aubrey could reply, Evalyn gave a snort of satisfaction and glanced at Erin. “I will return this afternoon for Lauren’s class,” she informed, referring to Erin’s mother.

“See you then,” Erin replied with a sigh as, once again, Evalyn refused to listen to reason.

“Oh my word,” Evalyn exclaimed glancing at the clock on the wall. “I best hurry or the bakery will be out of baguettes.”

“I suddenly feel like a loser,” Aubrey said frowning toward the doorway. “She has several lovers. I haven’t had sex in almost a year.”

Erin laughed. “I think I have you beat. I think she exaggerates. According to Terra, who has attended Evalyn’s seances, there is usually one man, with a beak-like nose, lingering about. By the way he refers to Evalyn as “dear” he is probably the only one.”

Promptly at three in the afternoon, the door swung open with its familiar chime, and in breezed Lauren Maguire, a whirlwind of floral fabric, gold bangles, and confidence. She paused just inside, scanning Erin with a practiced eye, her perfectly arched brow lifting.

“You should wear makeup,” she announced, as if bestowing great wisdom. “You never know when Mr. Right will walk through that door.” She held a hand toward the entrance, as though Prince Charming would materialize on cue.

Unlike Erin, who had barely run a brush through her hair, Lauren was immaculately styled. Her auburn locks swept into an elaborate twist, the kind that looked effortless but undoubtedly required time and skill. Her mother’s sleeveless blouse, a soft coral shade, and her flowing floral skirt would have fit in better at a music festival than a yoga studio. But since her mother technically taught stretching classes, Erin had long since given up on suggesting a wardrobe change.

“Men don’t grow on trees, you know,” Lauren continued, launching into the same well-worn lecture. “A woman must always be presentable.”

“If my future husband strolls through that door, I’ll slap on some lip gloss,” Erin replied, rounding the counter to press a quick kiss to her mother’s cheek.

Lauren narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Erin like a jeweler inspecting a jewel. Then her expression shifted, her lips parting in sudden revelation. “There’s something different about you.” Her eyes widened. “Have you met someone?”

“I have not,” Erin said, a little too quickly. A man trapped in another realm probably didn’t count. And even if Padraig was rescued, what were the odds some great love affair would come of it?

Before her mother could pry further, Aubrey emerged from the office, her smile bright. “Aunt Lauren! How lovely to see you.”

Lauren turned, her gaze sweeping over Aubrey with the same appraising intensity. “Yes, dear, lovely to see you as well.” Then, with a wag of her manicured finger, she added, “You should wear some makeup. You never know.”