Free

Chapter 50

FIFTY

Charlie

The faint scent of the ocean still clings to my skin as I step inside The Hut after one of my most popular yoga classes—a meditative flow at sunrise on the beach. Today’s session was a good one, full of energy, with a few new faces that seemed to leave glowing by the end. Teaching here has become my favorite part of the week, a chance to share something meaningful in a place I’ve grown to love.

“Charlie,” Angela’s voice calls from the hallway behind me, and I turn to see her striding toward me in her signature business heels. As always, she’s flawlessly put together, her emerald green blouse tucked into tailored black slacks. It’s been delightful working with her, getting to know the business savvy side of my sunshiney friend.

“Hey, Angela,” I greet, smiling. “Great timing. I was just about to head out.”

“Before you go,” she replies, gesturing toward her office with a tilt of her head, “I need a few minutes of your time. Won’t take long, I promise.”

Curiosity flickers in my chest as I follow her down the polished hallway and into her office, a bright space overlooking the ocean. She waves me into one of the sleek leather chairs in front of her desk and settles into her own seat across from me.

Angela leans back in her chair with a smile. “How’d class go?”

“It was great,” I say. “The energy today was amazing. I think the guests are really enjoying the new flow we introduced.”

She nods, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “They are. Actually, they’re more than enjoying it. They’re raving about it.”

I blink, caught off guard by her sudden shift in tone. “That’s good to hear.”

“It’s better than good,” Angela continues, leaning forward slightly, her hands clasped on the desk. “We’ve been reviewing the numbers, and attendance has skyrocketed since you started teaching. Guests are requesting more classes, more options, even the locals have been asking for an option to join in. You’ve become one of the top draws at The Hut.”

“That’s… wow,” I say, feeling a swell of pride. “I had no idea it was that popular.”

“It is,” Angela confirms, her tone growing more serious. “And we want to take it to the next level. We’d like to expand the program, add more classes, bring on additional instructors, maybe even offer private sessions. But here’s the kicker.” She pauses, letting her words sink in. “We want you to run it.”

I stare at her, unsure I heard right. “Run it?”

“Full-time,” Angela says, her expression earnest now. “You’d oversee everything, the schedule, hiring, the curriculum. We’d give you the resources to make it your own. Marketing support, online booking, whatever you need to grow the program.”

The weight of her words sinks in, and I grip the arms of the chair. This is everything I’ve dreamed about, a chance to do something meaningful, to build something from the ground up. But it’s also a lot. A big leap. A responsibility I’m not sure I’m ready for.

Angela seems to read my hesitation. “Look, Charlie,” she says gently, “I know this is a big step. But you’ve already proven you can do it. You’ve taken this program from a single class to one of our most sought-after amenities. The guests love you. The staff loves you. This is your chance to really make it yours.”

Her confidence in me is both exhilarating and terrifying. I lean back, letting out a slow breath. “I need to think about it,” I admit. “This would change a lot, for me, for Nick. It’s not a decision I can make lightly.”

“Of course,” Angela says, sitting back as well. “Take your time. But just know, we believe in you. I believe in you.”

Her words settle in my chest, a warm spark of encouragement. I nod, my voice soft. “Thanks, Angela. That means a lot.”

She smiles, standing and gathering her clipboard. “Let me know when you’re ready to talk specifics. And Charlie, don’t let the ‘what ifs’ scare you off. You’ve got this.”

As she walks me to the door, I glance out at the view of the ocean stretching endlessly beyond the window. The possibilities ahead feel just as vast…

And just as thrilling.

When I get home Nick is waiting for me in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed. His face lights up when he sees me, and I can’t help but smile back, the knot of uncertainty in my chest easing just a little.

“What’s got you all serious?” he asks, handing me a plate of scrambled eggs and toast.

“Angela wants me to expand the yoga program at The Hut,” I say, sliding onto a stool at the island. “She wants me to run it.”

Nick’s brows lift, his expression thoughtful. “Wow. That’s a big deal.”

“Yeah,” I say, picking at my toast. “It’s a huge opportunity, but it’s also… a lot. More responsibility, more time…”

Nick sets his own plate down and takes the stool beside me, his knee brushing mine. “And more chance to build something that’s yours,” he says gently.

I glance at him, my heart squeezing at the quiet encouragement in his eyes. “Do you think I should do it?”

“I think,” he says, taking my hand, “that you’re amazing at what you do. And if this is what you want, you should absolutely go for it.”

His confidence in me feels like a warm hug, and I grip his hand tighter. “Thanks, Nick. That means a lot.”

“What about you?” I ask, nudging him with my elbow. “What’s next for the great Nick Hutton?”

He chuckles, leaning back slightly. “Funny you should ask. Your brother and I have been talking about me stepping into a bigger role at The Hut. Something that’s a little more hands-on, but not quite the crazy pace I used to live at. We’re working out the details, but it feels right. Like I’m finally finding my place here.”

“You mean I won’t have to worry about you running off to save the world anymore?” I tease, though my voice is softer than I intend.

Nick grins, his hand sliding to the back of my neck as he pulls me closer. “The only world I care about saving is the one I’ve got with you.”

“Okay, Cheddar,” I say, rolling my eyes even as I lean into him.

Nick groans, burying his face in my hair. “It’s a good thing I love you, because that nickname’s a lot.”

“It is a good thing,” I whisper. “A very good thing, indeed.”

And as we sit there, planning our futures and dreaming our dreams, I realize this is what happiness feels like—building something together, one step at a time.