Page 14 of Puck Sweat Love

Not for one more fucking second.

“Focus, LiBassi,” I mutter, stepping out of the shower and wrapping a towel around my waist. “Eyes on the prize.”

My phone buzzes on the bathroom counter. It’s Stone.

Good.

I clearly need a reminder not to shit where I eat. He knows Stephanie, too, after all. And he’ll be there beside me in her classes once practice starts.

From the texts of Tank LiBassi

and Tyler Stone

Stone: Hey, so if you hear anything about me being an asshole to the kids yesterday at camp, it’s not true. It was tough love, but it was love, I swear. I just refuse to tolerate players on their phones while I’m trying to share my hard-earned knowledge.

Tank: I don’t blame you. I crack that whip, too, man. I see a phone out and that player’s on the bench for five minutes.

Stone: Oh good! Coach Swindle was looking at me like I was some kind of bully bent on child abuse.

Tank: Nah. That’s just his face. You’re fine. Are you still good to take next Friday, too? Or do you want me to add that back to my schedule?

Stone: Nah, I’m good. I won’t stress now that I know Swindle doesn’t have it out for me.

Tank: Cool, then I’ll sign up for the Friday afternoon yoga class again. Last night’s class was good.

Stone: No way, you went? Already?

Tank: Yeah. Doctor’s orders.

Stone: I know, but I expected you to put it off and grouch about it more. How was it? Torture?

Tank: No, it was good. I actually feel better already. My shoulder is looser this morning than it’s been in a while.

Stone: Sweet! That’s solid, man. Have you considered trying the hot yoga? It’s supposed to be great for flexibility and detoxing or whatever, but I almost passed out the one time I tried it.

Me: Wimp.

Stone: Yep. I’m a delicate flower. Speaking of flowers, I gotta run. I’m taking a floral arranging class before brunch with some old friends.

Me: Are you a geriatric gay man?

Stone: *smiley face emoji* Yes. And loving it. Life is so much more peaceful now that I’ve sworn off dating. I think I might get a dog and an elaborate gaming set-up and settle into singledom forever.

Me: Sounds like the life.

Stone: Right? Who needs emotional connection or human touch? Have a good weekend and catch you later.

I like his last message and toss the phone on my bed before pulling on a pair of worn jeans. It’s Saturday, so I have the entire morning free before my private coaching sessions this afternoon. I should probably use the time to catch up on the cardio I didn’t get at yoga class last night, or maybe hit the ice for some extra conditioning.

Instead, I find myself staring at the business card on my dresser.

Love Lotus Yoga Studio

…it reads in simple, elegant type below an illustration of a peach lotus flower. And below that?—

Stephanie Love:

Owner, Yogi, Proud Ally to the Light

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