“I…” Nervous energy courses through my veins and I flex my fingers at my sides. “I wanted to see if I could transfer to another class.”
Preferably one without Brady Vaughn in it.
“Transfer?” She frowns. “I’m sorry, but all of my other classes are full.”
Damn.
I knew it was a long shot, but I’d hoped…
Disappointment must show on my face because Mai’s brow creases, a wrinkle marring her smooth forehead. “You’ve been in the Sunday morning class for two years. Why the change now?” She narrows her eyes and her frown deepens. “Is Brady harassing you? Because I don’t tolerate that kind of behavior in my studio.”
This is it. My out.
All I have to do is say yes and Mai will cancel his membership.
Guilt gnaws at my conscience like a rabid dog, the bite sharp and unexpected.
It was your class long before it was his.
Facts. He only signed up because of me. He probably doesn’t even like pole.
“Piper?” Mai touches my arm and her fingertips are featherlight against my skin. “This is a safe space. Whatever is bothering you, you can tell me.”
I really can’t. And I can’t trash Brady’s reputation, either. I won’t be a person who throws out accusations for personal gain.
“No, it’s nothing like that.” I force a bright smile. “I was just thinking of changing my schedule ahead of student teaching next semester.”
Mai’s features relax, her relief clear. “I’ll let you know if anything opens up, but I’m glad to hear there are no issues. Brady seems like one of the good ones and he brings a unique energy to the class.”
That’s one way of putting it.
We say our goodbyes and when I arrive at the Wildcat’s Den ten minutes later, the bar is packed with Waverly fans decked out in blue and white fan gear. It’s so loud I can barely hear myself think, the hum of too many competing voices and wall-to-wall televisions reverberating through the large space. I squeeze through the crush of warm bodies, trying not to breathe too deeply, as I search for Jenna.
I spot her at a booth in the back, and my stomach dips when I realize her roommates are seated across the table.
Why did I ever let her talk me into this?
Because she’s a good friend and it won’t kill you to spend a few hours watching football.
No, but it will put a dent in my weekly earnings. Saturday nights are prime time for live streaming. There are plenty of lonely guys stuck at home looking to make a connection and they’re willing to pay top dollar.
But since I still owe Jenna for the botched birthday celebration, football it is.
“Over here!” she shouts, waving when she spots me in the crowd.
I make my way over to the booth and slide in next to her.
“You’re just in time.” She grabs an empty glass from the end of the table and fills it from the pitcher in the middle. “The game is about to start.”
Kylie—or maybe it’s Rylee—flashes a simpering smile. “It’s been a while.”
And yet, it still hasn’t been long enough.
I nod in acknowledgement and take a sip of my beer.
“Okay, ladies. We need to catch Piper up because she hasn’t been following the team.”
Jenna’s other roommate, Alexis, trails a bored finger through the condensation on the side of her glass. “Where’s your school spirit? We’re having such a great season.”
