Styled For Love

Chapter Two

I awoke the next morning, my mind replaying the most wonderful night of my life. The city outside my window buzzed with energy, a reminder that I was finally here, ready to embrace it all. I slipped out of bed, excitement tingling in my fingertips as I dressed for the day. My agenda was packed: job applications, a queer Pilates class, and the promise of new connections.

I didn't want to pressure Joey, my only friend in the city, into hanging out just because I felt lonely. He had a job and a life, and I needed to carve my own path. So, off I went, determined to find my tribe.

Arriving at the Pilates studio, I stepped into an oasis of calm amid the city's chaos. The room was filled with sleek reformers and soft ambient lighting. I checked in with the friendly woman at the desk, who informed me we had five minutes until class started. I slipped off my shoes and stowed my bag in a cubby, feeling the buzz of anticipation in the air. I chose a reformer at the back, away from the more seasoned practitioners.

As I settled in, I noticed a girl next to me—a striking presence with brown eyes and a slicked-back ponytail, dressed in head-to-toe Lululemon. She was tapping furiously on her iPhone, her focus intense. With my own phone safely tucked away, I let my gaze drift around the room, taking in the eclectic mix of people, each radiating their own unique energy.

Suddenly, she looked over, her dark eyes locking onto mine. "Is this your first class? I've never seen you here before."

"Yes, it is!" I replied, feeling a flutter of nerves. "I'm Kiersten." I extended my hand, and she took it, her grip firm.

"I'm Franchesca," she said, a playful smile breaking across her face. "So, I take it this isn't your first rodeo?"

"Not exactly. I've taken Pilates before, but this studio is new for me. How long have you been coming here?"

"About a year now. I was at another place, but when this studio opened up exclusively for the queer community, I jumped ship. Figured it was a great way to find new prospects." She winked, her confidence palpable.

"Any luck yet?" I asked, genuinely curious.

She looked at me, her lips curving into a playful smirk that sent a shiver down my spine. "I'm working on it right now," she replied, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Before I could respond, the instructor entered, radiating positivity and energy. As the class began, I found myself swept up in the rhythm of the movements, the music pulsing softly in the background. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was exactly where I was meant to be, surrounded by people just as vibrant and ambitious as I was.

Throughout the class, I caught glimpses of Franchesca's effortless grace as she flowed through the exercises, her laughter mingling with the instructor's encouragement. After an intense hour, we finally finished, the air thick with shared endorphins and the promise of new friendships.

As we rolled up our mats, I turned to Franchesca. "So, do you always find your 'prospects' in Pilates, or is it just a happy coincidence?"

She laughed, a melodic sound that made my heart race. "Oh, there's a bit of everything in this city. But there's something about the energy in a room full of people working on themselves—it's like an unspoken invitation."

I smiled, feeling a spark of connection. "Maybe we should celebrate our post-Pilates glow over drinks sometime?"

"I'd love that," she said, her eyes twinkling. "How about tonight?"

"Tonight sounds perfect"

As we exchanged numbers, I couldn't help but feel that the city was opening up to me, each interaction a thread weaving into the tapestry of my new life. New York had a way of surprising you, and I was ready to dive in headfirst.