“You are?”
“Yeah, he’s been … well you know the last couple of years haven’t been great, but I know things are already improving with him, and I know it’s all because of you.”
“I wouldn’t say it’s all me,” she replied. “But you’re right. There is something different about him.” Gone was the sullen, cold man she’d first met. Sure, he was still the same disciplined, responsible, and organized boss at work, but he seemed more approachable now.
“But I am mad at him for hogging you. I miss you so much,” J.D. said. “What’re you planning to do now?”
“Maybe head to Main Street for some shopping?” The envelope that Catherine handed her after the class was another reason to celebrate—finally some extra cash so she could purchase some luxury items. “And then meet up with Damon at Rosie’s.”
“Why don’t we head to South Blackstone instead?” J.D. suggested. “They have more shops nowadays, and we can look at some space for you.”
“Space?” she asked, puzzled.
“Duh, for your fitness studio.”
She laughed. “Oh goodness, I’ve only taught one class.”
“It’s not a bad idea, though, right?” J.D. elbowed her. “You’re not going to sign up for a lease right this moment, but we can at least imagine it, right?”
Did she dare think about it? This morning’s class had her fired up. It was like she hadn’t known she’d wanted to do this, but now, she was excited, and it would be nice to have something of her own—kinda like J.D. had with her garage. “All right, let’s go.”
Chapter Eleven
Anna Victoria followed J.D. in her car all the way to South Blackstone, a new high-end development just on the outskirts of the main town center. It was obvious that Blackstone was growing and prospering, and she was glad they decided to expand instead of replacing the older parts of town. She rather liked the quaint area around Main Street, but South Blackstone did have more shops, cafes, and restaurants that were hipper and more international.
They browsed through the different shops, and J.D. convinced her to stop and look at spaces that had a For Rent sign outside, and imagined which place would be most suitable, and how a studio could be set up. Starting her own business wasn’t something she was planning on doing right this moment, but it was nice to dream.
She was exhausted by the time they finished and drove to Rosie’s. The temperature had dropped considerably by then and so she was eager to get some dinner and go back to Damon’s place before it got too bad. However, J.D. had invited herself, and since she hadn’t seen Gabriel in a while, asked him to come, too. He was already there by the time they entered.
“Hello, ladies,” Rosie greeted from where she stood at the hostess station. “And, Gabriel,” she added with a nod. “Back again?”
“You know I love it here,” he said.
“This is the fourth time this week,” she noted, then looked at Anna Victoria. “Damon joining you?”
I guess everyone knows about us, she mused. “Yes, he should be here any—oh.”
On cue, Damon appeared at the entrance, his face drawn into a frown. Anna Victoria tensed, sensing his apprehension at being inside the restaurant, even if it was early and only half occupied.
“You made it,” she said as she walked to him and took his hand, giving it a squeeze.
His face immediately changed, and those mesmerizing jade eyes fixed on her. “Of course I did. How was class?”
“It was great!” She proceeded to tell him the short version about her successful first ever real stint as a yoga teacher. “But, I can tell you more later. C’mon, let’s sit down. I’m starving.” She cocked her head at her two companions. “J.D. kinda invited herself and Gabriel. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all, I haven’t seen J.D. in a while.” He greeted his two friends, and Rosie led them to a booth.
“Okay, kids,” Rosie began. “You know the drill. However, our new flavors for today are truffle cheese, spicy samosa, and Earl Grey cream.” She turned to Gabriel. “You’ll want one each of those, I suppose?”
He nodded. “Yes, please.”
Damon raised a brow, but didn’t comment on Gabriel’s order. “I’ll have the dinner special, Rosie.”
“Me too,” Anna Victoria said. “I’ll let you know what dessert I want later, if that’s okay?”
“Me three,” J.D. added. “Though I want to try that Earl Grey one, and I know Gabriel won’t give me even one bite.”
“You bet,” Gabriel said smugly. “Keep your hands off my dessert, McNamara.”
Rosie chuckled. “All right, kids, sit tight. I’ll have those to ya soon.”
“Can’t wait,” Gabriel called out. “Truffle cheese … samosa … Earl Grey,” he said, with a dreamy look on his face. “I already know it’s going to be good.”
“Do you even know what a samosa is?” J.D. asked.
“Of course I do,” Gabriel said, miffed. “I’m not an uncultured swine, you know.”
Anna Victoria laughed. “Maybe I should have tried it too. I haven’t had Indian food in a long time.”
“I know a place in Verona Mills,” Damon suggested as he linked his fingers through hers under the table. “We can go there for dinner tomorrow if you’d like.”
“That would be nice,” she said. One of the things she’d bought was a nice dress—on sale, of course—and it would be perfect for a date night.
Anna Victoria enjoyed herself immensely during the rest of dinner. Obviously, the three had a dynamic that was built on years of friendship, but they never made her feel like an outsider or excluded. They explained all their private jokes, and told embarrassing stories about Damon, much to his chagrin. Truly, it was the perfect day. Blackstone was not just growing on her, but she was starting to really feel at home here. Great friends, great job, great guy—what more could she want?
“Everything good?” Rosie asked as she stopped by to
