My breathing becomes heavier as my heart beats faster, and it’s not just the jogging causing it. I push through, keeping up a consistent pace as sweat mists my skin. “I Want You to Know” by Zedd and Selena Gomez is next, and I can’t deal. I pull my earbuds out and slam them down on the stand by my water bottle.
I turn the pace up again until I’m running. I focus on my stride, running in sync with the treadmill. My lungs burn, and I’m dripping with sweat. I push myself further and keep going until I can’t anymore. I turn the pace down while heaving, trying to draw in air.
When the pace turns into a slow walk, I grab the towel and wipe my face. I sense a presence beside me. It’s a man. He’s smiling at me. He’s tall, with bulging muscles. I don’t recognize him. “Can I help you?” I ask while pressing the Stop button.
“You did well.” His eyes drag the length of me slowly. “You’re fit. I know I’m being forward here, but I wanted to see if I could take you out sometime.”
I stare at him. Is he serious? He’s hitting on me while I’m sure I look like a drowned rat. My eyes drift over him. His arms are crossed, and his arms and traps are bulging. If I’d never met Viper, I’d most likely take him up on his offer. I could use a distraction, but I feel ill at the thought of another man’s hands on me. A twinge of pain spikes my chest.
I lift my hand, giving him a tight smile. “I’m married.” Though I don’t know for how long.
He chuckles. “That means nothing to me.”
Yuck! I hate sly people like that. “No, thanks,” I reply curtly, grab my things and leave.
Once I get home, I walk inside, put my bag by the kitchen counter, and take a seat.
Piper walks out and gives me a small smile. She points. “There’s mail for you.”
I grab the envelope, open it, and pull out the piece of paper.
Dear Sophie,
I understand why you’re doing this.
Please know that I love you and I’ll always be waiting for you.
Love always,
Brayden
P.S. I’m not signing any divorce papers until you bring your sexy ass back to Crown Village.
I chuckle as tears fall on the piece of paper, blurring the ink.
Piper’s arms come around me. “I’ve never seen you so upset before. You love Viper, I can tell.”
“I do,” I reply and sniffle. It doesn’t matter what I do or where I go. The memories of Viper are engraved inside my mind.
My phone rings in my bag. Piper lets go of me and grabs my bag off the floor, placing it in front of me. I unzip it to see my father’s name flash on the screen. My teeth grind as burning anger pushes through the sadness.
I answer it. “Stop calling me!”
“Sophie, you can’t keep ignoring me forever. It’s very childish.”
“You can’t force me to talk to you. After what you’ve done to me, our relationship is rocky at best.”
“You weren’t with him for long, so I don’t know why you’re blowing it out of proportion.”
My eyes open wide. “I love him, Dad, and you ruined that for me.”
He’s quiet.
“Don’t call me again. I mean it… Unless you’re going to fix the damage you’ve caused, I don’t want to hear what you’ve got to say.”
“You can’t be serious!”
“Try me… I am your daughter. I’ve learned from the best in how to get my own way. Bye, Dad!” Anger sears me. It’s never-ending with him when it comes to Viper. I was always so concerned with not making waves between me and him. He’s the only parent I have left, but this wasn’t my fault. He’s gone too far this time, and I’m going to make sure he knows it.
