Page 5 of Indiana Idealist
He makes it almost all the way to the path before turning back and yelling with more vehemence, “Charlotte!”
The wily pig simply stares at him, clearly unwilling to leave my side.
I give the obviously frustrated man a triumphant grin before saying, “She can stay here with me today. I’ll send her home later.”
“Have her home before dark,” he demands, obviously wanting to have the last word.
I nod my agreement, since I have already won this round.
As he turns to go home, I make sure my voice is loud enough for him to overhear when I lean down and praise his pet, “Who is the best pig in the world? That’s you, sweet Charlotte!”
6
LEO
Islam the door to my cabin shut and finally let the frustrated “Argh” sound emerge from deep in my throat.Damn females.I’m not sure which one of them is worse––the insufferable woman who drives me absolutely crazy or the stubborn pig that is supposed to be loyal to me, but seems to inexplicably prefer Camille.
I’m a peaceful man who keeps to himself and does his best to live a life that does more good than harm for the world. Well, I used to be, anyway. Camille and Charlotte have me so charged up that my tame existence has been overtaken by annoyance teetering on the verge of rage.
No one has ever gotten me this keyed up. Knowing that I need to release some of this excess energy, I decide to go to my longtime friend, Summer’s, yoga studio. It’s been months since I really stretched my limbs or did any deep breath work. Maybe I can attend a hot yoga class and burn off some of this anger.
One of the only benefits of Camille practically stealing my pet is that I don’t have to worry about Charlotte getting into any mischief while I’m gone. If she causes any trouble today, it’s Camille’s problem. The satisfaction of that knowledge has me almost feeling better as I drive into town.
Summer greets me in her typical easy-breezy manner with a big hug. I know the warm gesture is one of friendship and nothing romantic––especially since rumor has it that Summer has fallen in love with a burly biker that she met through some hot, new matchmaking group.
I watch as Summer practically floats to the front of the yoga studio’s large classroom. She is traditionally pretty in an all-natural way and is the most socially conscious person I know. Summer is the type of person Ishouldbe attracted to, rather than my polluting, pig stealing shrew of a neighbor.
Shaking my head, I remind myself that I am not attracted to Camille––at least I don’t want to be.
Summer is leading our class in a flawless sun salutation when a disruption in the back of the room draws everyone’s attention.
I almost can’t believe my eyes as I watch Camille stroll confidently into the room and plop a yoga mat down next to mine. Looking at Summer, she says, “Sorry I’m late––again.”
Unperturbed, Summer says with a chuckle, “It’s okay. We know about Camille Standard Time.”
As Summer eases smoothly back into teaching our class, I hiss at Camille, “Did you leave Charlotte outside alone?”
“Oh, hi,” she seems startled to see me here. When I bug my eyes out at her, silently demanding an answer to my question, she whispers, “No, of course not. She’s at the golf course. My employees are keeping an eye on her. Everyone there loves her.”
“Of course, they do,” I mutter as I angle my body into ‘downward-facing dog’ pose.
I can’t focus on my breathing because I’m too worried about how much fun Charlotte is likely having being the center of attention at Camille’s golf course. My pet will probably never want to come home.
My irritation surges at the realization that it’s no wonder Charlotte prefers spending time with Camille over being alone with me at the tree farm. Needing to vent, I say, “You better hope she doesn’t get hit with a golf ball.”
Camille lets out an unladylike snort at this, and damn if it isn’t adorable. Unfortunately, I choose that moment to look over at her and the sight nearly bowls me over. Her form-fitting yoga pants are hugging her in all the right places as she easily holds the pose, and she’s flexible––very flexible. I can’t stop staring at her perfect ass hoisted in the air.
It isn’t long before my member starts growing firm. The loose gray sweats I’m wearing aren’t going to do much to hide a raging boner pitching a tent in my pants, so I do the only logical thing I can think of. I snatch up my yoga mat and storm out of there in a huff.
7
CAMILLE
Not trusting Charlotte to make it safely home on her own, I trek through the woods on the path to Leo’s with the pig trailing behind me. I’m not sure why he rushed out of our yoga class in such a snit, but I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t escort Charlotte safely to his cabin.
Almost as soon as I rap on his front door, he flings it open. I startle in surprise, but quickly recover. “Hey, here’s Charlotte. She had a great day stealing golf balls and greeting everyone that came to the club.”
He widens the door’s opening to allow the pig to trot inside. She quickly flops down on the rug in front of his fireplace, obviously exhausted from her big day. Leo and I watch her, then share a smile, until he remembers it’s me and purposely masks his.
