Page 98 of Game Changer

So instead, he’d taken Mike up on his offer to teach AJ yoga. It was not something he’d ever given much thought to, a little slow for his speed-demon taste, but after the first sixty seconds of his first class, he realized that he’d really under-estimated yoga.

That shit is way harder than it looks.

He’d been working on meditation, breathing techniques and daily stretches and poses to strengthen his weakened muscles. He was surprised to learn that, as a matter of fact, you can, and oftendosweat during yoga.

He’d not yet managed to convince Lisa to try yoga in Ireland, but he thought it was something that could definitely help her slow down and practice a little more mindfulness. She’d laughed when he had suggested it to her and couldn’t believe that he’d even considered it, let alone tried it himself.

She wasn’t wrong.

Jeremy had decided to join AJ on his trip to Ireland, it surprised him to have brought some comfort at not going alone. The closer the date got, the more excitement – and trepidation – built up inside of him. As much as he enjoyed bantering with her over text, and seeing her in video chats he missed her sparkling eyes, her smile, and hearing her laugh up close. He missed standing in front of her and making fun of her accent, the way she bit her lip when she was nervous and knowing exactly what she was feeling in any given moment – or at least being able to ask her as much, without a few thousand miles and a screen between them. He mostly hated not being able to kiss her any time the notion struck.

Jeremy: You packed?

AJ: Only for the last month or so.

Jeremy: I figured it was a dumb question.

Jeremy: Need anything from Target? Last minute treats for Lisa? Snacks for the plane?

AJ: I’m good, thanks.

AJ: Actually – can you grab some hot tamales? And if there’s any Russell Stover mallowy things, she loves those too.

Jeremy: Forgot your girlfriend treats, didn’t ya?

AJ: No.

AJ: Kinda.

AJ: I may have eaten what I bought for her last week.

Jeremy: You’re a terrible boyfriend.

I know, I’ve been telling myself this since she left!

Jeremy: Anything else?

AJ: Sour patch kids?

Jeremy: Want me to just pack the whole candy aisle?

AJ: Couldn’t hurt.

Jeremy: You ready to see her again?

AJ: I can’t friggin’ wait.

Jeremy: See you in the morning.

***

Lisa: Are you here yet?

AJ: Good morning to you, too.

Lisa: Good morning. Are you here yet?

AJ: Soon, babe. Just getting ready to head to the airport shortly. Jeremy’s been here since 5.30 am bouncing around like a kid at Christmas. Is it ok to spike your friend’s Rice Krispies with Benadryl?

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