Year of Living Blonde (Sweet Life in Seattle, Book 1) by Andrea Simonne Read Free Book Online Page B

of them talk about the boxing gym Lindsay goes to, Natalie thinks more about what she plans to say to Lena. She needs to hear how she’s destroying my family.

    They park across from the yoga studio and case the joint. Like a lot of the buildings on the street, it’s in a small house that was once someone’s home. The outside is painted lavender with light blue trim and there is gold trim around the door. Herbs are growing neatly in the front yard and an elaborate wind chime hangs near the entrance. The sign is written in what looks like both English and Sanskrit. The studio is called “Lotus Flower Yoga.”
    “I can’t believe Lena works in a yoga studio,” Blair says. “I’ve done yoga off and on for years to help me stay focused. It’s hard to believe someone into yoga would be a home wrecker.”
    “Oh, she’s focused, all right. The problem is where she’s focused.” Natalie leans back in her seat, trying to stay calm.
    She continues to study the small house and notices a green flower hand painted on the front door. It looks like it was done with care. She thinks about how ironic it is that both she and Lena are small business owners. The thought helps calm Natalie. Maybe I can reach her somehow. Get her to go away and leave Peter alone. Then somehow we can put the pieces of our family back together.
    “All right.” Natalie lets out a deep breath. “It’s now or never.”
    The three of them get out of the car and make their way up the sidewalk to the studio. Natalie is in the middle with Blair and Lindsay on each side. She suddenly imagines them walking in slow motion together like an old western movie—the gunslinger and her posse.
    Natalie opens the door to the studio and is immediately assaulted by the smell of incense. It’s overwhelming. She thinks of how La Dolce Vita always smells like delicious things—fresh cakes, butter, and espresso. There’s no comparison.
    A young woman in tight yoga clothes is standing near a wooden counter. The front room looks like it was once a living room, but has been converted to a small shop. There are clothes for sale along one wall, along with books, candles, and more incense.
    “Can I help you?” the woman asks.
    “Yes.” Natalie clears her throat. “I’m looking for Lena?”
    “Oh, are you guys signing up for her new class? Because it’s starting in just a few minutes.” She motions to the next room and Natalie can see a sheer curtain separating the two rooms. There are a number of people sitting on mats.
    “No. I just need to speak with her. It won’t take long.”
    “I think she’s upstairs in the office. I’ll get her.”
    The young woman leaves and Natalie starts to feel nervous again. She can’t believe this is what her life has come to. Standing in some hippie den, gagging on incense as she waits to confront the hussy who’s cheating with her husband.
    Blair gives her a supportive smile. “You’re doing the right thing. We’re with you all the way.”
    Lindsay waves her hand in front of her face. “Jeez, I can’t believe how much it stinks in here. Are they trying to hide the smell of B.O. or something?”
    Natalie laughs nervously. “I know. It’s hard to even breathe.”
    She hears footsteps and when she looks up an attractive blonde woman walks toward her with a sexy sway to her hips. She’s wearing the same kind of tight yoga clothes the younger woman at the desk was wearing.
    It’s Lena.
    And for Natalie, it’s as if time has stopped. She feels sweat break out on her forehead. Dear God, please don’t let me faint or make a fool of myself.
    Lena stops in front of the three of them expectantly. “Can I help you?”
    Up close, Natalie can see that Lena has an air of command. Her toned body looks like she’s in permanent boot camp. She’s definitely in her forties, too. She looks older than she did from a distance. That hair is something else, though. Natalie has to admit that Lena’s long blonde hair is striking and