As I’ve shared before, I’ve really fallen in love with writing flash fiction. Crafting short stories of 1,000 words or less challenges my creativity and helps me start and finish projects that boost my writing momentum. Spark Flash Fiction, the online magazine featuring short and sweet romantic fiction, has become one of my favorite places to read flash fiction stories and to also hone my own writing skills. Their upcoming fall issue’s theme is Love Unleashed, and this edition is a special contest issue. The prompt asked for stories featuring pets helping their owners find love. I was so pumped about this theme! I wrote and submitted a few stories and am thrilled to share that one of my submissions was selected as a semi-finalist and will appear in the fall issue.
Today, I’m sharing one of my submissions that was not chosen. I had so much fun writing this piece and hope you enjoy it!
An Unforgoatable Yoga Session
The resonant tone from the gong I struck signaled class would begin in ten minutes. My heart swelled over the mix of yoga and animal enthusiasts playing with the dozen baby goats frolicking around the barn studio.
One of my regulars, Valentina, charged through the door, towing a darkly handsome man straight toward me. “Lola,” she sang out. “This is Mateo, my brother. I’ve been telling him for months he needed to come with me. He thinks goat yoga is foolishness, so you’ll just need to prove him wrong.”
Momentarily stunned by their entrance and Valentina’s declaration, I stared at Mateo. Mercy, he was attractive, despite his obvious chagrin at being dragged into “foolishness” by his sister. “Valentina, we never want to force anyone to participate in yoga of any kind.” I gave her an admonishing look. “Set up mats for both of you and let us chat a moment.”
My gaze locked onto Mateo’s rich brown eyes. I tried not to ogle the towering man’s chiseled physique, showcased in running shorts and a tech shirt that strained across his muscled torso. “Mateo, I’m Lola. It’s nice to meet you. Have you tried yoga before?” I held out my hand, which he shook after a beat. I tried my most disarming smile despite the tingling in my fingers.
His narrowed eyes roved over me, and I sensed he wasn’t sure what to make of me. Internal sigh. Many men didn’t. Those dark eyes kept returning to my braid. Always the hair. “No, I do Crossfit.” He crossed his arms over his massive chest.
Wow, Brooding Brother needed to relax, perhaps realign his chakras. “Why do you suppose Valentina thinks yoga would be good for you?”
He released a wry laugh. “She says it’ll help me become more flexible. Which I’m not opposed to. But goats?”
My lips tugged up as I struggled not to laugh at this beautiful, intense man. “Goats are wonderful animals. They bring serenity to the practice. Interacting with goats reduces stress and anxiety and boosts cortisol.” Behind Mateo, I spied Valentina giving me an exuberant thumbs-up. “Look, Mateo. How ‘bout just giving it a shot? I’ll help you with the postures if necessary. Will you promise to have an open mind with the goats? They’re really very sweet.”
His skeptical expression softened, and I mentally pumped my fist. Mateo simply nodded then sauntered to the mat next to his sister. As he situated himself, one of my newest babies, blue-eyed, snow-white Gracie Belle, trotted to him, begging for affection. Mateo cut his eyes left and right before reaching a tentative hand to stroke Gracie Belle’s head. Cue the swooning.
Attempting to regain my balance, I inhaled the diffused lavender and peppermint essential oils perfuming the studio. Headset affixed and microphone on? Check and check. I touched the mallet to the gong a final time, the gentle note starting class. My assistant, Blair, launched our ambient electronic playlist and took her spot in front.
“Welcome. We’re thankful you’re here and wish you a peaceful practice.” I made eye contact with each student as I strolled the studio. When my eyes met Mateo’s, my mouth went dry at his unwavering gaze on me. Swallowing hard, I prayed my gulp wasn’t heard through the speakers. I pivoted away from him and fought the urge to fan myself.
“I’ll talk us through our session, offering adjustments while Blair demonstrates the postures and modifications. Be kind and listen to your bodies. The goats are here for your enjoyment. If ever they’re not bringing you joy, please let me know and I’ll redirect them.”
Blair and I led class like a choreographed dance. The goats were on their best behavior, working the room and charming students. But they seemed to give Mateo as much extra attention as most of the students did. He was a sight to behold. He moved his body with masculine grace, and I forced myself to redirect my own attention several times. Gracie Belle was particularly smitten with the striking giant. She never left Mateo’s side, routinely nudging him for his caresses, which he adorably obliged.
The students transitioned to plank. Gracie Belle made her move and jumped onto Mateo’s back. He shifted his hips upward, and I placed my hand on his low back to correct his posture. Heat zoomed from his taut back up my arm, and goosebumps skittered over my body. I felt my face flame and fought to maintain my calm demeanor.
Mercifully, the class ended without further incident. Students enjoyed a few more goat cuddles on their way out the door. I circulated, saying my goodbyes, and noticed Valentina holding a more relaxed-looking Mateo hostage while she spoke with Blair. Despite his initial surly demeanor, I deduced he must be a sweet guy to humor his sister like he did. They were the last students, so I meandered over, drawing on years of yoga to control my breath. Blair left to clean up after the goats as I arrived, and then it was just the three of us.
Valentina’s eyes and mouth suddenly rounded into O’s. “Oh no! Matty, I’m sorry, I just remembered I have a thing. Maybe Lola can run you home?” Her face morphed into a smirk as she darted toward the exit like a jackrabbit.
Mateo’s eyes widened. “What – no. I should’ve driven myself. I’ll grab an Uber.” But she was gone.
Heart pounding, I heard myself say, “Mateo, it’s no trouble. If you’ll help herd my goats into their pens, I’ll happily take you wherever you’d like.” Wait, what?
Mateo stepped closer. He reached down and tugged my braid’s electric blue end, ratcheting up my pulse. “Okay, on two conditions. Bring that tiny goat with us. And let me buy you coffee on the way home. You can tell me why you color half of your platinum blonde hair blue. I love how it matches your eyes.”
A smile crept up my face. “It’s a deal.”