The studio was quiet when Jen arrived, the morning light soft and golden across the polished floor. She unrolled her mat near the back, as usual, and began stretching, letting the calm settle in before class started.
Amy entered shortly after, greeting the receptionist with her usual warmth. She moved confidently to the mat beside Jen.
"Good morning," Amy said brightly. "I've been looking forward to this."
Jen nodded, smiling politely.
As the instructor led them through the poses, Amy leaned toward Jen in a whisper during a pause. "I can't wait for you to meet my husband. You'd like him—he's funny, patient, everything a person could want. And the twins! I keep telling them we have a new friend coming. They're going to adore you."
Jen managed an easy smile. "I'm sure they're wonderful."
Amy's enthusiasm didn't waver. "And we should have dinner sometime. I insist. I think it would be so nice for all of us to meet properly."
Jen hesitated, fingers tightening slightly on her mat. "I... I have so much to do right now," she said, letting the words sound casual, almost apologetic. In truth, there was nothing pressing—just the quiet rhythm of her own routine.
Amy tilted her head with a soft smile. "Come on. Just one evening. I promise you'll enjoy it. We'll keep it light. No fuss."
Jen considered for a fraction of a second and then nodded. "Alright... if you insist."
Amy beamed, her excitement unmistakable. "Perfect! I'll send you the details soon."
Class ended, and they gathered their mats. Jen followed Amy outside, where the early city hum met them. A small crowd lingered near the studio entrance, chatting, stretching, and waiting for rides.
Jen noticed a subtle tension between Amy and the yoga instructor. Amy's smile faltered, her posture tightening as the instructor spoke in a low voice. Words were lost to Jen, but the tone was unmistakable—Amy seemed displeased. She folded her arms slightly, then nodded once, sharply, and turned toward the street.
Jen stayed back, watching. Amy climbed into her car, closed the door, and drove off without glancing back. Jen waited until the car disappeared before moving, her expression neutral, betraying nothing.
Days later, in Amy's home, the sound of water running in the shower filled the spacious bathroom. She called out from the living room, her voice steady and cheerful despite the early hour.
"Darling, clear your schedule for Friday evening! Dinner with Jen!"
The water stopped abruptly. "Wait—what?"he exclaimed stepping out of the shower in absolute nudity
"I invited Jen over for dinner. I insisted," Amy said with an easy laugh, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I called your assistant to clear your schedule and make sure you are done with all meetings before 6pm . So, you can get back on time and get ready. I've planned it. You don't need to worry honey."
There was a pause, then a resigned sigh. "Alright. Friday it is," he said, getting back into the shower .