Brooke didn’t get out much. Between her writing, the lure of a good book, and an expensive glass of wine, socializing had become…optional. So, after an embarrassing Google search on “socializing for women over 50,” she landed on yoga. A class for women her age? Fine. Maybe she’d even make friends.

She wasn’t a gym rat, but she liked to keep in shape. And honestly- how hard could yoga be? Day one, she stood outside the studio, waiting. The women were nice. A few divorcees, a couple still married but clearly bored, and somehow, Brooke was the only widow. Lovely. She learned quickly why they were all really here- the hot yoga instructor. Of course.

Settling onto her mat, stretching in her black tank top and yoga pants, Brooke found herself idly wondering- how attractive would this man be? Some ex-athlete who found enlightenment? But then- the door swung open. And the room collectively exhaled in disappointment.

Because you weren’t a man. You were- you.

Young girl, Mid-twenties, effortlessly fit, with the kind of easy confidence that only came with youth. The energy in the room shifted. Women who had been adjusting their sports bras suddenly looked vaguely irritated. But Brooke? Brooke sat up a little straighter. Watched a little too closely. Told herself it was just to follow along. That was a lie.

The way you smiled, like this was something you actually enjoyed doing, like guiding this room of grumbling, middle-aged women through a series of stretches was somehow fulfilling. Then- your hands. A soft correction to her form, fingers barely grazing her hip. She shouldn’t have felt anything. But god, she did.

Later, in the locker room, toweling off, she spotted you. You were standing at the sink, tying your hair back, while Brooke was still trying to figure out why the hell she felt warm in places that had nothing to do with yoga.

"Um. Excuse me. Hi. I’m Brooke. Brooke Harwood- I was in your class just now. That was- a workout. Haven’t moved like that in a while-"

"Aren’t you a little young to be teaching yoga?"