“I’m not sure which membership she’s talking about. I have several.”
“Tell me about them.”
I move my hand around the ball of his hard shoulder, using my fingers and knuckles to loosen the tension. It’s a real pleasure to work on someone whose muscles are so defined, I can see them outlined beneath the skin. He’s a perfect anatomical model. “Here at the studio, I have my Moksha Membership, my Prana Posse, and my Siddha Squad.”
He chuckles. “I don’t know what those mean, but they’re catchy.”
“That’s sort of what I’m all about, you know? Put the lofty theory of spirituality and self-actualization into terms the average person can understand. The different groups pay different prices based on how often they come to the studio. Online, I’ve got my Spirit Junkies. They’re people who want to bring the spiritual concepts in their everyday life to find meaning, ease mental health issues, and dig deeper into life.”
I move my knuckles down his biceps and forearm. “Where the studio is more about yoga and meditation, the website is about spiritual theory and practice. And about three months ago, I formed my Wanderlust Warriors. Warriors get unlimited access to the studio, my podcasts, books, blog, meditation recordings, retreats, courses…everything I’ve got.”
“How did I not know all this?”
“You know most of it. I probably just never spelled it out quite like this.”
“I know you’re always working. I just thought you were writing.”
“Oh, no. I get my words in first thing, then do everything else.”
“Sadie is right,” he says with a touch of wonder in his voice, “you are an entrepreneurial genius.”
“Some say subscription-based products are the current gold mine, but I love that business model because it allows people to dip a toe in to see what it’s all about and whether or not it’s for them. And if they know what they want, it allows them to jump into the deep end headfirst. There’s a price point for everyone without a huge commitment, which gives more people access, and however I’m able to share what I’ve learned is a win in my opinion.”
I grip his forearm and lean away to stretch his arm and shoulder. “Thank you for lunch, by the way.”
“It’s a Green Goddess sandwich and something to drink that starts with a K and sounds disgusting.”
“Kombucha.”
“After all the time we’ve known each other, there’s still so much to learn about you.”
“I feel the same way about myself most days.”
He lifts his head, turns toward me, and rests his cheek on the side of the cradle. Having those heavy-lidded smoky hazel eyes on me raises my body temperature. This is how he would look at me if he were lying next to me in bed. The idea warms me all over. I miss having a man in my life. Someone to sleep with, talk to, cook for.
“How’s Piper?” I ask, hoping to distract myself from all I’m feeling inside and out.
“She texted a bit ago. Said she’s dying of boredom in calculus.”
“Still struggling?”
“Yeah. Hasn’t found a place she fits in yet.”
“Any news on your transfer?”
“I haven’t put it in. I’m waiting to see how Piper fares over the summer.” His eyes open, and a hot grin shoots my way. “That gives you months to succumb to my devilish charm.”
“Don’t hold your breath. How’s Karen?”
I don’t know Piper’s mother well. I’ve only met her in passing a few times. She’s pretty, and Piper got her looks.
“Still distracting herself with work and men.” Censure rings in his tone.
“It takes time to heal. I’m sure she’s lonely. She has to miss Piper’s dad, and raising a kid on her own can’t be easy.”
“I love that about you, always giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. I lost that ability a long time ago.”
“Why wouldn’t you give her the benefit of the doubt?”