“Trust me, I want her to take the job. But Lucy’s right; she’s going through a lot at the moment and trying to find herself again. I promise I’ll talk to her. And I’ll let her know that Lucy cares. She’ll be happy to know there’s more people that do.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” I stare awkwardly, not really knowing what to say next with this being the only conversation we’ve ever had. “You know, I always thought our first interaction would involve you yelling at me about something.”
Wes frowns. “Why? Do I have that reputation?”
“No, not at all.Ido.”
“Right.” Wes laughs. “I do recall that I’m supposed to be telling you to make up your weight session or you’ll be sitting out during the next game.”
“‘Might’be sitting out. I’m pretty sure he said ‘might.’”
“Right again. Well, since you heard him and you know what’s at stake, you better do as he asked.”
“I will.” I nod, jumping up as Wes picks up his phone, our conversation seemingly over.
With an incredulous laugh under my breath, I head to the door, only turning back at the last second. “Please tell your wife I said thank you. It means a lot to me.”
“I will,” he repeats my words back to me, hitting me with a smile before he resumes his work. And I’ve got to say, I didnotsee this conversation coming. But I’m kind of glad that it did.
Our weight room is clearing out when I arrive for my recovery session, and I’m met with a sea of sweaty teammates as I make my way inside. After talking to Coach Pierce and Wes, I’m now so late the guys are moving onto their cooldowns, and yet, Luke and Reed are still hovering near the bench press.
“Shouldn’t you be heading across the hall?” I point to Luke. “You’ll miss out on all the good treadmills. And you.” I turn to Reed. “Shouldn’t you be at home?”
Reed grins while Luke rolls his eyes. “They’ve got me on light workouts now,” Reed tells me. “And I saw you coming, so we thought we’d keep you company.”
Great.
“How did it go with yourfriend?” Luke asks, his lips pulled into a smirk as he raises a brow.
“Which friend?” Reed’s quick to ask, until realization hits him. “The one that needed a job.”
“That’s the one. And it was good.” I try to keep my expression schooled but I must do something because Luke fakes a gasp.
“I knew it! You like her.”
“Fuck off.”
“That response doesn’t change my mind.”
“It’s none of your goddamn business.”
“He’s right, Luke,” Reed finally cuts in. “He’ll tell us he’s in love with his friend when he’s good and ready.”
The fuck. Thanks, Reed.
I throw my towel at Reed’s face and he laughs out loud. “I’m kidding. But even if you do have a thing for her, what does it matter?Wecan’t exactly talk.”
“He’s not wrong.”
“Okay. Are you done with your little gossip session? I’d like to start my workout before I get cut from the next game.”
“I could keep going,” Luke begins but Reed follows my lead, throwing my towel athisface.
“How can we help?”
“I don’t need your help. It’s just a recovery session. I’ll be fine.”
