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shiny happy
This morning started the same way most weekday mornings have started for as long as I can remember, which makes it sound boring, but there’s something to be said for predictability. It was an early winter Tuesday, which meant thirty chilly laps in the Icebergs pool, followed immediately by a 7 am yoga class on the deck to warm up, while Daniel worked out whatever demons he needed to work out on a nearby squash court.
I know it’s odd talking about demons when my husband is you know who – but anybody who plays any kind of racquet sport will tell you it’s saved them a mint in therapy. Besides, being responsible for the moral compass of an entire congregation is not without its stresses.
I’d sealed my yoga practice with my hands to prayer and a deep exhale, face upturned to the sun as the instructor brought the class to a close. Rolling my mat up, I’d glanced to my left. Lucinda hadn’t even broken a sweat, but I guess that’s to be expected when you’re barely forty.
‘How are you as fresh as a daisy after that many downward dogs when I look like a tomato?’
Lucinda had stood, deftly wrapping her hair into a topknot. ‘Stop it. You always look immaculate.’ We’d fallen into step, heading for the exit. ‘Speaking of immaculate, are you wearing something fabulous tonight? I can’t believe the concert’s being televised. Are you nervous?’
‘I’m not the one who has to deliver a sermon to potentially hundreds of thousands of people.’ I’d shrugged. ‘I’ve been too busy with the conference program to think about clothes, to be honest.’ That’s a lie. ‘Nobody’ll be looking at me anyway.’ Also a lie. ‘I’m focused on making sure everything runs smoothly for Daniel – no hiccups.’ I must have seemed worried because she’d peered at me, squeezing my arm.
‘If it runs anything like this week has, I’ve no doubt it’ll be perfect, Grace. You two are like a…
so cool