Chapter 2: Building Tension
At the end of class, Jenny nudged Claire slightly. Claire understood what Jenny was implying, but mouthed "No" feeling like it was pointless to even entertain the thought that someone like Jason would be interested in her.
Knowing her friend was reluctant to pursue this possibility on her own, Sarah said with just enough enthusiasm to sound genuine, " Hey Jason. We usually get coffee after class. Would you care to join us?" It was a fiction; they get coffee before class, but it served the immediate purpose. Her pitch perfect tone seemed to work its magic because the hesitation on Jason's face was short-lived.
" Sure, why not?" said Jason, " Let me grab my stuff. Meet you outside?"
It wasn't surprising that Claire found her pulse racing again upon hearing those words. Even though she tried hard to control it, she knew her heart wouldn't let her forget how attractive Jason was.
As they stepped outside onto the sidewalk, where sunlight played gently with dust particles, the cool wind rushed past, carrying the aroma of the nearby bakery. Claire noticed how her hands were trembling slightly, which only fueled her anxiety, as they headed to the bakery.
The scent of freshly ground coffee beans wafted through the air, enticing them inside the cozy coffee shop that stood nestled amidst the bustling neighborhood. Upon entering, they were enveloped in the familiar warmth of ambient chatter and laughter, punctuated by the comforting clinking of ceramic mugs against saucers.
"So, Jason, tell us about yourself," Claire ventured, her voice betraying the nervousness that pulsed under her skin. "I mean, apart from being a yoga master," she added, flashing a playful grin.
Jason chuckled softly, his sapphire eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well, I grew up in San Francisco, but I moved here five years ago to explore different styles of yoga. My dad runs a software company, but I never had the passion for tech. I guess you can say I'm a bit of a free spirit."
Claire nodded, listening intently to every word that left Jason's lips. There was something captivating about his honesty and self-assurance.