Page 16 of The Last Knight (The Cursed Kingdom #5)
Chapter Twelve
A ubrey stood just inside the yoga studio, the subtle scent of fresh paint mingling with lavender and citrus from the sachets she’d carefully tucked into a display basket.
She faced the reception area, taking in the space with a contented sigh.
On one end of the sleek wooden counter, a glowing salt lamp bathed the surface in a warm amber hue.
On the other, a delicate flower arrangement of orchids and eucalyptus brought a touch of elegance and life.
Centered on the counter a flat-screen tablet gleamed, ready for clients to book classes, schedule treatments, or sign up for memberships with a simple tap.
She turned to admire the cozy nook to the right.
Two plush chairs, upholstered in calming shades of sage and ivory, framed a small table stacked with neatly arranged handouts.
Business cards fanned out beside sachets tied with twine, their scent crisp and inviting.
That bright burst of lavender and citrus seemed to breathe energy into the air.
Soft, ambient music of flutes and trickling water played from hidden speakers, weaving a tranquil feel to the space.
Across the front windows stood a long table, soon to be draped with linens and adorned with a vibrant spread of finger foods.
Just inside the entrance, space had been cleared for a small bar wine, herbal teas, perhaps a celebratory cocktail or two.
In just a couple of hours, guests would arrive for the grand opening. And judging by the steady stream of RSVP messages and social media buzz, it was going to be more than just well-attended. It would be a celebration of her new beginning.
Erin burst through the door holding a huge bouquet of flowers. Behind her, Padriag entered carrying bags overflowing with small decorative boxes.
“I finished them!” Erin announced as she took one of the boxes from the bags. “See-through window so they can see the chocolate.” She held it up proudly, adorned with a tiny bouquet that had to have taken forever to put together. “I made fifty.”
Aubrey’s mouth fell open. “You must have spent the entire day on it. They are absolutely lovely.” Indeed they were, the guests would be delighted with them.
Her cousin shrugged. “Mum and Leti covered the classes today while I worked on them. It went rather smoothly.”
“Can I put them down somewhere,” Padriag asked lifting the bags and pretending they were too heavy.
“The three-tiered stand on the side table will hold them nicely.” Aubrey took one of the bags showing Padriag where to put the other one.
Erin shooed her away. “I am sure you have plenty to do, Padriag and I will work on this display.”
Two hours later, dressed in a breezy floral dress and strappy sandals, Aubrey stood by the entrance of BreYea Yoga, welcoming guests, giddy with nerves and excitement.
The studio buzzed with laughter and conversation, the energy vibrant and affirming. Just as she’d hoped, the turnout was fantastic, especially after Gwen and Tammie arrived bringing along a group of friends from Culross.
Liam, one of the men who’d escaped the other realm, arrived with his partner John, who often attended classes at the Edinburgh studio.
The couple was handsome, dressed in what looked to be perfectly tailored slacks, John in a polo shirt and Liam in a fitted long-sleeve shirt.
No polos for Liam, not yet anyway. Aubrey suspected the Brit would soften as he spent more time in the casual surroundings of Scotland.
“It’s beautiful,” Gwen breathed, turning in a slow circle to take in the softly lit studio. “So serene. Peaceful, even with all these people here.”
Aubrey’s heart swelled at the praise, her fingers absently brushing the edge of a nearby table. “That’s exactly what I hoped for,” she said, her voice warm. “A sanctuary. A little haven from the chaos.”
“That’s exactly what it feels like,” came a familiar voice. John approached, holding a glass of wine in one hand. “And you, my friend, look stunning tonight.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek just as her gaze shifted toward the front door.
She froze.
Marcus stood just inside the threshold with a bouquet of flowers, a self-assured stance and soft curve to his lips.
“Oh, no.”
Gwen and John instinctively followed her line of sight.
“Who’s that?” Gwen asked, her eyes moving back and forth.
“My ex,” Aubrey said tightly. “Marcus. Believe it or not, he owns the space two doors down.”
“Ah,” Gwen said carefully. “So…not a welcome surprise?”
“Not even a little,” Aubrey muttered, just as Marcus began weaving his way through the crowd toward them. John moved as if to intercept him, but Aubrey caught his arm.
“Let me,” she whispered.
“Marcus,” she said when he reached them, keeping her tone neutral. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
His eyes flicked briefly to where her hand rested on John’s arm, but his smile didn’t budge. That was Marcus, always polished, always unreadable. Too smooth for his own good.
“I wouldn’t miss the chance to wish you luck,” he said, offering her the bouquet. “Best of luck with your little endeavor.”
There it was. That subtle condescension wrapped in charm that she’d ignored while they were dating. How had she stayed with him for so long?
The statement made her blood boil; heat rose to her face. Of course he would make a condescending comment. But she hoped to keep her composure. Before she could speak, John spoke up.
“Expanding an enterprise is never a small feat. As a business owner myself, I am quite proud of Aubrey’s courage to open a second storefront. Given the success of the first, all her friends expect this studio to be a triumph.”
Marcus’ mask fell. He’d expected the Aubrey he’d dated to give her usual response, explaining how she’d work hard and hope for the best.
But she didn’t feel intimidated. Instead, she was surer than ever of her upcoming venture.
She released John’s hand and smiled broadly at Marcus.
“If membership continues to grow as it has begun, I may need to buy you out soon.” She laughed as if it was a joke, but in truth, it wasn’t a bad plan to expand for additional classes at the same class time.
“What is your business?” John asked as Liam came to stand next to him.
He dug a card from his coat pocket and passed it to John. “Archer Physical Therapy. It is much needed here.”
“Hmm,” Liam said, studying the card John held. “There is already a therapy clinic near here. Are you aware? It may be a struggle to take patients away from an existing trusted practice.”
“We shall see,” Marcus replied curtly and then turned his attention to Aubrey, ignoring the men.
Whether he was aware of the other practice or not, Marcus didn’t bother with a reply. Instead, he met Aubrey’s gaze. The flowers brushed her hands as her ex held them out. “These are for you.” He smiled in the way he always did after upsetting her. It had perhaps worked in the past, but not now.
Aubrey took the flowers while wondering why, when they dated, she’d not noticed how Marcus had found it easy to dish out criticism but rarely took it well. Then realization struck that he belittled others to make himself feel better.
Thankfully Marcus didn’t linger around her for long. When Zina and Jeffrey arrived, he went to chat with them.
The evening was a success, and by the time it ended, the membership was much higher than she’d hoped for.
Apparently, the woman who’d taught yoga at the local community center had just retired, and those not wishing to exercise in the park were glad for the comfort of an indoor studio. They had gladly jumped at the opportunity to join using the grand opening discount.
“That went well,” Erin said, returning from putting the leftover wine and snacks into her car.
Aubrey turned in a circle, arms extended. “I am so incredibly happy and excited and nervous and…did I say happy?”
“Yes you did, but you are allowed to say it twice,” Erin replied with a wide grin. “The studio will do great. I have little doubt.”
“I open in a couple days. Still have to hire an additional instructor. Already have a receptionist.”
Erin gave her a hug. “I will be here for the first week to help out with training. Just let me know the times.”
“You are the best,” Aubrey said meaning it. “Now scoot. I am going to lock up and head home.”
The next day, taking advantage of the two days off, Aubrey made her way around the cellar.
The air smelled damp despite a pair of slender windows being propped open.
John and Gwen had organized things and left her a note listing boxes they thought she should go through.
So far they claimed to not have found anything of interest.
A lone bulb hung from the ceiling, reminding Aubrey of old scary movies.
It seemed that in every basement or cellar scene where victims were locked in, a lone bulb hung from the ceiling.
To dispel her imagination getting away from her, she played cheery music from her phone and switched on an old lamp Gwen or John had set up atop what looked to be an antique table.
The additional light and music made the space less scary as she opened a box and found figurines wrapped in bubble wrap. She needed to call her parents and make a case for taking most of the things in the cellar to a charity shop.
Sounds of steel drums and island sounds filled the space. Aubrey jumped to her feet, and began dancing, swaying her hips to the rhythm of the music and waving her hand over her head. “Jamin’ Jamin’ Jamin’ to the music,” she sang.
She turned in a full circle, pretending to be on a sandy beach in the Caribbean, the salty air in her hair and bright sun on her face.
“Jam—” when she went for a second turn, the realization that she wasn’t alone stopped her mid-word and Aubrey let out a wild scream. She picked up the nearest item, a house figurine and hurled it at the man.