Waiting for Willa (Big Sky, #3)(20)

“Sorry. It’s hard not to think about it. But, no sex with him yet.”

“Or ever,” Jenna says, scowling.

“On your backs,” Fallon says, “and into the happy baby pose.”

We grab our feet and let our legs fall wide.

“Now, I can’t stop thinking about sex and yoga poses,” Maisey says. “Is it just me, or is this very sexual?”

“Yoga helps with sex,” Fallon offers with a smile. “Being more flexible and open to feelings makes intimacy incredible.”

“I’m coming to yoga every day,” Brooke says, making us giggle.

“Fallon, you’re the best,” I say as I stretch my legs out and lay flat on my back. “Most instructors would yell at us for being immature during class.”

“You’re all fun,” she replies happily. “This is a space for acceptance and rejuvenation. If you reach that by being a little silly with your friends, who am I to say that’s wrong? Take a deep breath, now, and sit up into meditation pose, legs crossed.”

We breathe some more, and are finally quiet for a few moments.

“That’s class for today,” Fallon says cheerfully. “Have a wonderful Saturday. Namaste, friends.”

“Namaste.”

“Good luck, Willa,” Jillian says with a smile. “Not that you need it. Max has been gone over you for years.”

“He looks at you like you’re a new computer,” Lauren agrees. “And that’s pretty great, because he loves his computers.”

Jenna and I laugh, waving goodbye to the others, and gather our things to head out.

“What’s on tap now?” she asks me.

“I have to go pick up Alex from my mom’s, then take him home and get ready for his party. He invited eight little boys to come over, and they’re going to build snow forts.”

“Fun,” she says with a smile. “Your property is perfect for it.”

“It really is. I’ll have a hot chocolate bar set up for them because that’s one of Alex’s favorite things, and cake, of course.”

“Max is excited to come,” she says with a wink.

“He’ll have a rude awakening when he has to watch me wrangle nine little boys.” I shrug. “I guess he has to see the not-so-sexy sides of my life too, huh?”

“I don’t think he’ll find you being a good mom unattractive,” Jenna replies. “I know that he admires you very much for being a good mother.”

“He said that last night,” I agree with a sigh. “And then I was stupid and cried over it because it surprised me.”

“I’m sure he didn’t think it was stupid.”

“He looked mildly terrified,” I admit and shrug. “He never knew what to do with me when I cried.”

“No, Max isn’t good with tears. So, he’s coming to the party today, but do you know when you’ll get to have more one-on-one time with him?”

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “That’s the tough thing, Jenna. I have a kiddo, and I like spending time with him. I’m not willing to farm him out to my mom all the time because I want to go on dates.”

“I don’t think it needs to be that extreme,” she says with a frown. “Max likes Alex. But maybe you could farm him out a couple of evenings a month so you can have an adult dinner with a handsome guy.”

“True. Last night was fun, and if I’m honest, I needed it. Not having to worry about someone spilling their soda or wiping their mouth was a nice break.”

“Max rarely spills his soda,” Jenna agrees. “And if he ever has an issue with spending time with both you and Alex, well, he’s not the guy for you.”

“You’re right.” I nod, feeling better. “You’re absolutely right. So, time will tell. Because Alex is wonderful in small doses, but when real life hits? Fevers and exhaustion, and not getting his way? They’re not often, but they do happen, and it’s not fun.”

“Like you said, time will tell,” she says. “I’m just happy to see you dropping your walls with him.”

“I’m not doing that,” I insist. “I can’t do that, Jenna. The walls are there for a reason. If he wants to get inside of them, he has to make the effort, and I will admit that he’s doing a good job of making an effort. I’ve done my share of resisting.”

“Are you going to keep resisting?”

“It’s hard not to. It’s just been me for so long.”

“I know. I reminded him of that, too. Just remember, if Max offers to help you in any way, it’s because he wants to. He doesn’t do much that he doesn’t want to do.”

“I’m slowly remembering that.” I take a deep breath and pull Jenna in for a hug. “Thank you, for being an amazing best friend, despite the fact that I make drama with your brother.”

“Oh, honey, this isn’t drama. Have you seen The Bachelor? That’s drama. I love you. Tell Alex I’ll bring him his present in a couple of days.”

“Will do. See you later.”

***

“We made the best fort!” Alex exclaims as he runs into the house, followed by three of his friends. Their cheeks are rosy, and their eyes are shining in excitement.