Chapter 39
THIRTY-NINE
Danika
I scan the empty gym as the early morning sun rises casting a bright hue inside. My nerves get the best of me, but I tuck them away because this is mine. A treasure I get to hold close to my heart. Something that I can call my own.
Stepping forward, I tie my long hair into a high ponytail, letting the rest cascade down my shoulder blades.
Holy freakin’ shit. I’m happy. A smile crosses my face, and it’s genuine joy. Everything is aligning.
Liem.
Our future together.
The gym.
For the first time I’m not scared because even though I’m doing this myself, I’m not alone. I have a family. I’ll never be alone again. I have a good man who loves me deeply for who I am and that alone makes my heart full.
The door to the gym opens and Tequila walks in with a smile as big as mine. “Hey! You ready?”
I take a deep breath, slowly letting it out. “No. But yes.” I throw a smirk her way. “But I am nervous. It’s been a really long time since I’ve taught a class.”
She throws an arm around my shoulders. “You’re gonna kill it, I know you will.”
“Thanks for everything.” I look toward the woman I consider a great friend, a sister in some ways, and her eyes gloss over.
“You and your club accepted me with open arms, and for that, I will never know how to say thank you, except by saying thank you.” I chuckle and she sniffs, wiping a single fallen tear away.
“Shit. You’re making me cry.”
I smile but hold her stare. “I’m going to miss seeing you all the time.”
Even though I’ll be teaching yoga class once a week, it won’t be the same as popping in every day or every other. While we believe we’ll be staying locally, me and Liem don’t know for sure what the plan will be.
Tequila huffs. “I’m really happy for you both. But I am going to miss you a lot. You guys better come and visit us.”
“Well, duh. And I’ll be here once a week.”
“It’s not enough!”
We both laugh, and Angel struts in. “Let’s do this! I’ve been dying to try out this yoga thing for years. Tried convincing my ol’ man to come with me. Told him it would chill him the fuck out, but he gave me the look.” Angel sets her jacket and bag down, her long side braid falling to her front.
“Oh my god. I’d seriously pay to see Venom in a yoga class.” Tequila snorts.
“I think we all would,” I agree, leading all three of us in a hysterical laughing fit.
It’s as if time slows down and I’m taking in their pure joy and laughter. I am forever grateful for their friendships.
“You ready?” Tequila wraps her arms around my waist, and I return the embrace, laying my head on her shoulder.
“Hell yeah.”
Six months later
They say being in love is like when the sun shines and you feel the warmth on your skin.
It’s like waking up with a smile on your face every day.
The pure jubilation pouring out from you.
It’s crazy how so much of that is true. It’s a love you’ll only get to appreciate if you experience it for yourself.
Liem catches me, lifting me up off the driveway and into his arms. My car is still parked with the door wide open as he spins me, then kisses me hungrily. “I missed you.”
I get goosebumps just hearing his voice. The deep gruffness of it makes my body hum. “It’s only been a couple of hours.”
He smiles, not letting me go. “How was the studio?”
“Great. Laura’s taking over for me while we spontaneously take this road trip you won’t tell me anything about.”
We touch foreheads and his breath teases my cheek. “I thought it’s been long enough, and that we’d go home.”
I grin ear to ear and let out the loudest squeal. Liem laughs.
Sure. A few months don’t seem too long, but I miss Tequila, Angel, Mags. Chloe and her big hugs. The guys. I miss them all and I know Liem does too.
I rented out a dance studio in Oregon and teach yoga five days a week. Laura helps and teaches hip hop and free style. I loved teaching back at the Steel Valley Chain’s, but something, for the both of us, told us to come back to Oregon.
Liem decided to continue painting and he runs his own shop now. While this is where we live, Ohio will always be home.
Where our family is.
And I wouldn’t change a thing.