Page 110 of Crystal Iris
“Do you think she’s ever coming back?”
“I don’t know… I stopped hoping she would. I feel like I lost both of my siblings.”
“I’m sorry, Hoyt. I’m sure it’s been really hard.”
He looks away but nods. He turns on the radio, and I let myself wonder what it would be like to stick around… to make him feel less lonely. I let myself ponder if he could do the same for me.
Twenty-Four
“Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you’re passionate about something, then you’re more willing to take risks.” – Yo-Yo Ma
Acouple of weeks pass. I stay busy with the horses in the morning, getting more attached to them every day. I’m almost ready to ask for riding lessons.
After my chores, I often walk or do yoga. My body is getting stronger with my new routine, even though I barely make it to the gym.
My afternoons are filled with books and helping Hoyt with paperwork in his study. Things are moving naturally; I’m starting to feel… at home. I even started helping Hoyt with dinner, even though all he lets me do is chop and stir. We can’t hide it anymore—we want to be around each other as much as possible.
Living surrounded by nature is also doing wonders for my mental health. I’ve never felt so calm, so…in control of my feelings.
I’m done with Broc and his tasks when I notice how perfectly the blue sky looks. It’s the ideal day to bring my mat outside. I quickly change into my yoga clothes and head outdoors for a flow. I unroll my mat on the grass and start moving through my salutations. I’m a little sore, and it feels great to stretch my hamstrings and back muscles.
I begin repeating the routine when I notice Hoyt watching me.I think about stopping, but something inside me insists I keep going. I make sure to hold certain positions longer,just for fun. He doesn’t move or say anything. When I finish, I cross my legs and take a sip of water.
“There’s a better view of the lake on the other side of the house,” I say to him.
“I’m pretty sure this is the best view there is.” He starts to walk away but looks back to say, “I didn’t know you were that flexible.”
“You have no idea how…flexibleI can be.”
I hear him mumble a curse as he walks away.
I enjoy teasing him. I still think about his hands on me, every night, like clockwork. The more we talk about real things, the more I learn about him, the more I know that taking things slow was the right call.
“Can I take your truck to town today, if you’re not using it? I need clothes,” I ask Hoyt at breakfast.
“Sure. Do you want me to go with you?”
“Are you offering to come shopping with me?”
“Why not?”
“Because I thought men hate shopping.”
“I’m not particularly fond of it. But I am of you.”
“Are you free?” I ask.
“There have got to be some positive sides to having this kind of money. Let’s go.”
“Now?”
“Why not? Aren’t you done with the horses?”
“Yeah.”
He stands up from the table. He made me pancakes again—this time, only the one kind I mentioned was my favorite from the previous batches.
“What kind of clothes do you need?” he asks me on the way to Whitefish.
