Loving Again

7

Maya

I woke up this morning feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The sun streamed through my bedroom window, illuminating the small space I had turned into a sanctuary since moving to LA. Today was about productivity, and I was determined to make the most of it.

After a quick breakfast, I headed to a yoga class with Jordan. I had wanted to get out more, to find ways to connect with my new environment, and she was always up for an adventure. We arrived at the studio, the air filled with calming scents and gentle music.

"Ready to stretch it out?" Jordan asked, her enthusiasm contagious.

"More like ready to embarrass myself," I replied, a nervous laugh escaping my lips.

"You'll be fine! Just breathe and let it flow," she reassured me as we took our mats and settled in.

The class was a mixture of poses that challenged both my flexibility and my focus. With every stretch and deep breath, I could feel the tension from my recent thoughts melting away. I didn't want to think about Marcus or DeAndre today; I just wanted to be present.

As we transitioned into downward dog, I caught a glimpse of Jordan beside me, her concentration evident. "You know," she said between breaths, "you should totally invest in a yoga mat with a design that reflects your style. It would be like a mini art piece."

"Good idea! I've been meaning to get more vibrant colors into my life." I smiled, imagining how much I'd enjoy picking out a new mat.

By the time the class ended, I felt invigorated. "See? You're already a pro," Jordan teased, throwing an arm around my shoulders as we walked out of the studio.

"I'd settle for 'less of a disaster,'" I joked back.

After yoga, we spent the day wandering through boutiques and coffee shops, soaking in the city's energy. It felt liberating to be out, engaging with the world, even if only for a few hours.

Later, when we returned to my apartment, I plopped down on the couch, exhausted but happy. Just as I was about to unwind, my phone buzzed. It was a call from Jasmine.

"Hey, girl!" I answered, my voice brightening at the sound of her familiar tone.

"Maya! I've been meaning to check in. How's LA treating you?"

"Honestly, it's been a whirlwind," I replied. "I'm trying to get my footing in this new city. I went to yoga today, and it was surprisingly fun."

"Yoga? Look at you, branching out! Are you going to become a yoga guru now?" She laughed, and I could picture her mischievous smile from a thousand miles away.

"Not quite. But I'm working on it! I went with Jordan, my friend from the makeup event. She's been a great support."

"Nice! You need that. And how's your love life? Any interesting developments?"

I hesitated, thoughts of Marcus and DeAndre surfacing again. "You know, I'm just focusing on myself right now. I'm still figuring things out post-divorce. I don't want to rush into anything."

"That's smart, Maya. You deserve to take your time. But don't forget to enjoy life! It's not all about work and healing."

"I know, I know," I said, rolling my eyes playfully. "But seriously, I just want to get settled first."

"Okay, but promise me you'll at least keep your heart open. You never know what or who might come along," she urged.

"I promise," I said, knowing deep down that I was trying, but it was still a struggle.

After our conversation, I decided to focus on dinner. Cooking had always been my way of unwinding, and tonight I planned on making a simple pasta dish with fresh vegetables. As I chopped garlic and onions, the comforting aroma filled my small kitchen, and I began to relax.

Suddenly, my laptop pinged with a new email notification. Wiping my hands on a towel, I leaned over to check. My heart raced when I saw the subject line: Job Offer: Interior Design Project.

I clicked it open and scanned the message. They needed someone to design a series of houses to showcase in a new development. My excitement bubbled over as I read the details. The project would start tomorrow.

"Oh my God!" I squealed, nearly dropping my phone. This was exactly what I needed—a fresh start in my new city. I quickly wiped off my hands and began typing a response, my fingers flying across the keyboard.

"Dear Aragon Realtor Company Inc., I am thrilled to accept the position for the interior design project..." I continued typing, my heart racing. This was my moment.

Once I hit send, I jumped up, doing a little happy dance in the middle of my kitchen. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" I cheered, unable to contain my excitement.

I couldn't believe it. This was a real job offer! A chance to showcase my skills and finally establish myself as an interior designer in LA. I took a moment to breathe, letting the reality sink in.

As the pasta simmered on the stove, my phone buzzed again. It was a message from Jordan.

Jordan: Did you get my text about dinner plans tonight?*

I smiled, quickly typing back.

Maya: Just got an exciting job offer! Can't talk much but let's celebrate later!*

Jordan: Omg! That's amazing! You'll tell me everything over dinner. See you soon!*

I could hardly contain my excitement as I finished preparing dinner. It felt like a turning point, a sign that I was on the right path.

After I set the table, I pulled out my phone and took a moment to scroll through the pictures I had taken since moving here. My heart warmed at the memories—the beach, the sunsets, the new friends I was making.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow through my kitchen window, I reflected on how far I had come. Yes, there were still shadows of my past—the memories of Kendrick and the weight of my divorce—but I was ready to face the future.

When Jordan arrived, I greeted her with a hug and a wide grin. "You won't believe what just happened!"

"Tell me everything!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

I filled her in on the job offer as we sat down to eat, and I could feel the excitement radiating off her. "This is your time, Maya! You're going to knock it out of the park," she said, raising her glass for a toast.

"Here's to new beginnings!" I said, clinking my glass against hers.

As we celebrated, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Yes, I was still figuring things out, but this was just the beginning.