Andrew was 8 when his father decided to leave their family. Before departing, he chose to say goodbye in person.
— Son, you’re a big boy now, all grown up. Your mom and I are just too different. I’ve found someone else who makes me happy.
— So you won’t live with us anymore? — little Andrew asked, bewildered.
— No, I won’t. But you can call me anytime. I’ll visit you sometimes.
— Dad… — the boy whimpered, running to his father and burying his face in his knees.
That was the last time Andrew saw his father. Soon after, his father moved to another city. He called occasionally and sent money, but he never returned. Years passed, and Andrew grew up.
— If your dad saw you now, he probably wouldn’t recognize you, — his mother said.
— I wouldn’t want him to see me. He’s got someone else to look at, — Andrew shot back sarcastically.
By then, he was 28. He hadn’t had any serious relationships, but he had a job he loved and a passion for sports. He was so consumed by fitness that it practically defined his life.
— You’ve gone completely crazy with that sports obsession of yours. You should focus on your personal life. I’ll die before I ever see grandkids, — his mother nagged.
— Mom, how many times do we have to go over this? I don’t want to ruin anyone’s life. I’m not planning to get married. And who’d put up with a husband who’s always at the gym? — Andrew cut the conversation short, grabbed his gym bag, and headed out to the fitness club.
At the gym, he spotted his friends lounging on a couch, engrossed in something on a phone.
— What are you guys looking at? — Andrew asked, tossing his bag onto the couch.
— Just admiring the grace of our new yoga instructor. Check out what she can do.
— New girl? Let me see, — Andrew peered at the phone screen. — She’s cute.
— Cute? Are you kidding? Her figure’s a masterpiece. The flexibility, the walk. Total knockout, — one of the jacked guys chimed in.
— Then go for her. What’s stopping you? — Andrew said, starting to walk away but pausing.
The new instructor everyone was talking about walked by.
— Did you see that? Wow, what a woman. So proud. Didn’t even glance at us.
— Acting all untouchable.
— Guys, how about a bet? — one of the athletes proposed. — A year’s gym membership and a stash of protein supplements to whoever hooks up with her first.
— I’m in. Andrew, you joining?
— Nah, it’s a stupid bet.
— He’s just scared he’ll lose. She’s mine, — one of the guys boasted, letting out a Tarzan-like yell.
— Me? Scared? No, it’s just dumb, — Andrew replied.
— Suit yourself. Who’s with me? — the same jock asked.
Andrew smirked, turned, and headed to the locker room. In the gym, he ran into his coach, Victor.
— Hey! Andrew, competitions are coming up. I was going to nominate you, but you won’t be ready in time.
— What do you mean? Victor, I’m in great shape.
— Sure, but you’re too bulky. Watch other athletes’ performances. You can barely move. You’re stiff, like a robot. You need to work on your flexibility, — Victor said, clapping him on the shoulder.
— Flexibility’s not my thing. Weights are my life. I stretch a little, but how do I even start? I don’t know how.
— We’ve got a fantastic new yoga instructor, Mila. Let me introduce you. She’s lovely and knows her stuff. Don’t worry, no one’s turning you into a gymnast, — Victor winked and gestured for the instructor to come over.
— Mila, this is Andrew. One of the athletes I told you about.
— Nice to meet you, — Mila said, smiling as she sized Andrew up.
— I’d love for you to work with him and a few other guys. Teach them some smooth movements, help them loosen up. They’re good guys, but they look clunky compared to others.
— Of course, Victor. I’ll do what I can. Excuse me, I have a class now, — Mila said, gliding away with a light step.
Andrew and Victor stood in awe.
— What a woman, — Victor muttered.
— You too, Victor? — Andrew sighed.
— What’s that supposed to mean?
Andrew waved it off and headed to his beloved weights. After his workout, he changed and started toward the exit.
— Let me give you a ride. It’s late, — one of Andrew’s friends offered to Mila, who was standing outside.
— No, hop in my car, — another guy insisted.
— Thanks, guys, but I’ll manage, — Mila replied, brushing off the persistent group.
Just then, a car pulled up. A good-looking young man leaned out the window, got out, kissed Mila on the cheek, and helped her into the car.
— What?! No fair! Who was that? — the jock grumbled.
— Probably her husband or boyfriend, — another guessed.
— How do we win the bet if she’s taken? — a third asked.
— No woman’s ever said no to me, — a fourth bragged.
— We’ll see about that, — the jock shot back.
Overhearing the exchange, Andrew just smiled quietly. At home, he opened his laptop and searched for Mila on social media. Finding her profile, he let out an excited squeal: — She’s 35, huh. Looks amazing. So flexible and feminine. Wonder who that guy was she left with? — he thought, sprawling on the couch.
— Hey, son, — his father’s voice interrupted, startling Andrew as he jumped up.
— What are you doing here?
— Andrew, calm down. Your dad’s visiting. Things didn’t work out for him, so he’s back, — his mother explained.
She’d never remarried after the divorce, always waiting for him. And now, he was back.
— Get out of my room, — Andrew snapped.
— How dare you? — his father started, but his mother’s gentle hand stopped him.
— Don’t push him. He’ll come around. He’ll forgive you. I did. Let’s go, leave him be.
Andrew flopped back onto the couch, closed his eyes, and fell asleep almost instantly. The next evening, he returned to the gym after work.
— Andrew, head to the aerobics room. They’re waiting for you, — Victor said, rubbing his sweaty palms.
— Huh? Alright.
Andrew entered the room. Six of his friends were already there, grimacing as they sat in unfamiliar positions on yoga mats.
— Andrew, come in. Try not to be late next time. We’ve already started, — Mila said, pointing to a mat.
— Andrew, the yoga superstar, — the jock teased, and everyone laughed.
— Please, keep it down, — Mila scolded. — Yoga requires silence. How can you relax and focus with all this noise?
Andrew didn’t respond but shot the jock a mock glare.
The class began. Mila gracefully demonstrated exercises, pausing to adjust the men’s arms and legs into proper positions.
— Ow, ow! — the jock yelped.
— I can’t twist like that! I’ll fall! When’s the ‘snoring guy’ pose? I’m beat, — he complained.
Laughter erupted again, growing louder when the jock wobbled on one leg and crashed to the floor. Mila rushed over.
— Nick, are you okay? — The jock reached for her, puckering his lips.
— I need CPR, stat.
— What is this, a circus? Nick, please leave the room. Come back when you can behave, — Mila said, pointing to the door.
The others stood, laughing hysterically.
— Enough! — Mila snapped. — Nick and anyone else who thinks this is funny, leave now.
Nick stormed out, followed by two other grinning athletes.
— Alright, let’s continue, — Mila said, scanning the group.
— Strict, — Andrew thought, — but fair.
After class, Andrew lingered, asking Mila to show him a few simple moves. She happily agreed.
— Feel free to ask if anything’s unclear, — she said, packing her bag.
— Sure, thanks.
Outside, Andrew saw Mila surrounded by his gym buddies again. Nick was closest, showering her with red roses, apologizing for disrupting the class. Touched, Mila stood quietly, twirling the flowers and shyly glancing at her admirers.
— Wonder if Nick’ll get her in his car, — Andrew thought, sticking around to watch.
But it was simpler than that. Mila declined their offers, and as the disappointed guys drove off, she walked down the street alone. Andrew followed in his car.
— Rejected everyone and walking home alone? — he asked, smiling.
— Rude, but yeah, — Mila replied, continuing to walk as Andrew drove slowly beside her.
— Your boyfriend or husband didn’t pick you up today?
— You mean Val? No, he’s not my husband. He’s my brother. He was at some party and forgot to get me. No buses are running now, just taxis. But it’s not far. I’ll walk.
— Want a ride?
— Nah, — Mila smiled, — but I don’t mind if you keep driving alongside like this.
They reached her building. Mila thanked Andrew for the company, said goodbye, and disappeared around the corner of a tall apartment complex. Andrew waited a few minutes before driving home, where his father was waiting.
— We need to talk, — his father began.
Andrew waved him off and retreated to his room. The next evening, he returned to the gym. Mila wasn’t there yet, but the others were.
— Guys, let’s snoop in her drawer, — Nick said, pulling out candles and incense.
He found red lipstick, drew a dot on his forehead, then draped a decorative elephant-patterned cloth over his head.
— I’m Mila, the strict yoga instructor. Nice to meet you, — he mocked, prancing around.
Unseen, Mila entered. The room erupted in laughter. Nick turned, saw her, and froze.
— The strict yoga instructor asks you to leave. Goodbye, — Mila said.
Nick whipped off the cloth, grabbed her in a bear hug, and said, — Stop playing hard to get, babe. I know you’re into me.
Mila struggled but couldn’t break free. Andrew stepped in, prying Nick’s arms apart. Mila grabbed a glass of water and splashed it in Nick’s face.
— This is outrageous, — Nick muttered, wiping his face. — Let’s go, guys.
The group followed Nick out, with him shooting Andrew a threatening look, promising payback.
— You okay? — Andrew asked Mila as they were left alone.
— Yeah. Thanks.
— Here, take my water. I’ve got an extra bottle, — Andrew offered.
Mila took it, smiling sweetly. After class, Val picked her up, and Andrew watched them drive off. The next day, he eagerly went to yoga. The session went smoothly. Afterward, Andrew rushed to his car, hoping to drive Mila home.
Instead, he saw Nick and two other big guys dragging Mila toward a car.
— What are you doing? Let her go! — Andrew shouted, running over.
The men grumbled but released her.
— What is going on? Do I need a bodyguard? — Mila fumed.
— Can I be your bodyguard for a while? — Andrew asked, grinning.
— You’re like a superhero, always saving the day, — Mila laughed. — Thanks.
— Your brother late again?
— I had to run some errands, so he left me on my own today.
— Want me to walk you home? — Mila nodded.
— But let’s walk. My head’s spinning from all this.
Mila looped her arm through Andrew’s strong one, and they strolled down the street. She was a great conversationalist, well-traveled, fluent in three languages, and a decent singer.
— Well, here we are, — Mila stopped at the same tall building she’d vanished behind before. — Thanks for another rescue and a great evening.
She looked at Andrew, and they kissed.
The next week, Andrew courted Mila, spending time with the delicate woman who’d turned his world upside down. He felt like the happiest man alive. One evening, she even stayed over. They arrived at the gym together, splitting off to different rooms. Nick watched from afar. As they left, a group of athletes, led by Nick, confronted them.
— So, you won over our untouchable instructor? — Nick taunted.
— What’s he talking about? — Mila asked, confused.
— Here’s your year’s membership and a gift card for supplements. You won the bet, — Nick said, spilling the details of the wager.
Mila slapped Andrew and stormed off. Nick added that Mila was the daughter of a tycoon who’d caused Andrew’s father’s second wife to leave him.
— So my dad set this up? To get revenge by breaking her heart? — Andrew clutched his head.
— Yup. Mission accomplished. Your lady won’t forgive you. Oh, and we got paid well for it.
— Move, — Andrew jumped in his car, floored it, and sped to Mila’s.
— You! — Mila’s father barked. — She’s not here. I sent her to London to clear her head. You broke her heart. Get lost.
Andrew slumped against his car, covering his face in despair. Tires screeched.
— Hop in, son. We can still make it, — his father said from the driver’s seat.
Realizing his plan had hurt his son too, he wanted to fix it. Andrew jumped in, and they raced to the airport. His emotions churned—anger and gratitude toward his father, desperation to explain to Mila. They arrived too late. Her plane had left.
Dejected, Andrew shuffled toward the exit.
— Not meant to be, — a familiar voice said. He looked up—Mila.
She’d missed her flight too. Overjoyed, he ran to her, pulling her into a hug. After a brief struggle, she melted into his arms. No one was flying anywhere anymore…
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