Since the yoga class was not till late, Carla and Annabel decided to go out to dinner beforehand. After changing into their yoga clothes they drove to a bar and grill close to the studio where the class would be.
All throughout dinner Carla could feel eyes on them -- several guys at the bar craned their heads rather unsubtly to get a better look. Carla didn't necessarily mind men looking at her; she rather enjoyed knowing that no matter how much they wanted her, they would never, ever have her.
Looking over at Annabel, who appeared oblivious to everything but her steak, Carla began to speculate. Annabel had fallen under the sway of first her father, then herself. Would there be others in the future? Would they be men or women? Or would Annabel finally take charge of her own life? Carla was curious to find out, but not in a hurry. There was plenty of summer still to go.
* * *
After dinner they took a short walk around the neighborhood and then headed to the yoga studio. This was not their usual place and it took them a minute to find the entrance. By the time they did it was almost time for the class to start; they quickly checked in, then climbed a narrow, winding staircase to a large room lit by only by a handful of flickering candles. The atmosphere was warm and soothing, and both Carla and Annabel immediately felt more relaxed just being there.
Asha was already at the front of the room sitting on her mat, golden eyes shining in the candlelight. She nodded at them but didn't say anything; she appeared to be in a meditative, almost dreamy state. She looked astonishingly beautiful in a scarlet bandeau and extremely sheer knee-length pants. Carla got excited at the idea that Asha had dressed with her in mind; it probably wasn't true, but she liked thinking it.
A half-dozen women were scattered around the room, including Dylan, whom Carla had texted during dinner to suggest that she come to the class. Dylan winked at them, then returned her attention to the front of the room as they quietly set up their spaces. Soon after Asha spoke up.