“Good, because I just closed on your ranch on Coverly. You can begin your renovations in two weeks.”
I shrieked and jumped into his arms. I wrapped my legs around him and peppered him with kisses. He laughed and held me firmly under my butt. Our lips met then I showered him with even more kisses all over his face.
“Let that man breathe, girl,” Chardonnay said as she pulled me from Armond.
“Nay, mind your business. I’ll never get enough of those lips on me,” Armond said with a smile. She nudged him and left the room to call out to Arlando. He shouted back and I couldn’t help but laugh. He was literally her twin flame and I saw why they connected so well.
“Quit all that yelling,” Mommy said as she walked by with Valencia.
“Sorry, ma’am,” Chardonnay said as she stepped back in.
“We’re going out back if you need us,” Mommy replied.
“I’m glad my mother has made a friend. Arlando has been a lot happier since your mother arrived.”
“Seems like your mother is happier too,” I said.
“She is. See, y’all were worried for what?”
“Naw, I don’t wanna hear that. Y’all fancy asses had me ’bout to have a damn heart attack and heat stroke behind this. Got me picking out daisies and charcuterie boards and shit. Bye,” Chardonnay mumbled as she stepped out of the room. “Mama, I’m coming too.”
“The afternoon is free, honeybee. What would you like to do?” Armond asked as he wrapped his arms around me.
“Sleep, honestly. Eat eventually.”
“Sounds good. You want to sleep in here or would you like to go back to the loft for a beat?”
“Ugh, no more driving, Armond. I get queasy too easily. I’m over it.” I groaned at the thought.
He chuckled then led me right back to where we were just sitting and pulled out the comforter. He helped me climb in then kicked off his shoes and got in behind me. He wrapped his arm around me then kissed my head.
“You comfortable, honeybee?”
“I’m always comfy and safest with you.”
THIRTY-ONE
Brandy Noel
“DEEP BREATH AND HOLD… two, three, four… and exhale,” I coached. “Once more, deep breath, hold it… exhale. Good job ladies. Remember to center your breathing, get full, expansive, to-the-root, core deep. It’ll help alleviate that stress and tension in your shoulders and back of your neck. Yes… good job, Stella. Now, roll your shoulders forward, not too fast… Marsha, girl.” I giggled. “Now roll them back slowly. Good job.”
I was back in Dallas and it felt good to be home. My class was surprised when they saw me stroll in. I hadn’t led a class in over a month with preparations for the new location and my little getaway. I was thrilled to see their smiling faces.
I was impressed by the praise they gave my substitute, Mary, and knew leaving the place under her care was a great decision. I just hated that I was about to offer her the position to fully take over this location just like I did back in South Carolina.
I knew eventually I was going to move on but with my new location here and my next one in Colton, it was time to speed up the process. I only hoped Mary would be okay with taking on the responsibility. If not, I’d be planning interviews and taking more time than I wanted to be here to get things situated.
I was grateful for Armond. Grateful my retreat led me to him. My love for yoga helped me meet the man who would free me from my daily troubles. I couldn’t ask for anything more, but that undying love I got in the process was icing on my cake.
I fought the urge to be with him, got in my head, almost lost him, but he stuck around. He let me know he wasn’t going anywhere and I was grateful to have that sense of security in my life. Having that brought me back to this moment and I felt myself getting worked up. I had to keep it together.
“Alright y’all, I usually don’t do this but clap it up for yourselves!” I said.
I pulled off my headset then centered myself in the room. I had a big crowd today and wanted everyone to hear me without the mic. I watched as they clapped, all smiles and sweaty. I pulled my girls Marsha and Stella into a group hug and said, “I’m pregnant with twins.”
They screeched and I couldn’t help but laugh. They had us jumping around in a circle and close to making me nauseous.
“Chill, chill,” I said.
