“I’m good,” I mumble as I grab my bag and stuff my phone into my hoodie pocket.
I duck past him, brushing against his arm with my shoulder. He’s solid, smells like the outdoors, and musky… manly, sparking a fire in my belly. But my feet keep moving.
“Sorry,” I mumble, eyes locked on the floor as I escape into the night air. I don’t stop moving until I’m in my car, door locked, and my heart pounding like I’ve just outrun the law.
The paperwork sits untouched in the passenger seat. I barely escaped getting caught. But as I start the engine, I can’t shake the feeling that something about that place—and that video—wasn’t a coincidence at all.
Grey
I watch as the person hurries from the building, a woman I presume based on the voice and softness of her form. She never looks back, never looks up as she passes through the pool area and out the gate into the parking lot.
I drop my bag on the bench and pause. Her scent lingers in the air. Something soft, almost sweet. Familiar in a way that makes my chest tighten. The smell is reminiscent of Darby’s bedroom after any sleepover she and Kari had. They were always painting their nails and faces to the point they were almost unrecognizable, covering up their natural features.
A fondness for the past, for Kari, tugs at my heart. But I’m being ridiculous. My brain’s playing tricks on me from seeing Kari’s profile the other day. I allowed myself to linger longer than I should at her photos, especially the ones of her and Darby making silly faces, clowning around.
I shake it off. Memory has a way of turning nothing into something. The longer I let it percolate under my skin, the harder it will be for me to keep the past where it should be. Behind me.
I set up the camera and angle it the way I always do. Chest down, no face, highlighting proper movement. Anonymous by design. Nothing flashy, just putting in the hard work to get the results I want for myself and for my subscribers.
When I go live, it’s quiet. A few usernames I recognize pop up, sending hearts and the occasional peach and eggplant emojis. That’s nothing out of the ordinary. I know most of my subscribers think this is all about the thirst trap, maybe even an ego thing on my part. I get it.
But being eye candy was never the goal. If I can help someone learn proper form, avoid an injury, and feel stronger in their own skin, that’s what matters.
And the fast cash helps too.
Still if Vance, Wade and the guys found out about it, I’d never hear the end of it. It’s not like I’m selling my bathwater or sweaty socks or doing anything I’d be ashamed to explain.
But what would Justice, my boss, think? Would he replace me knowing I don’t have any intention of sticking around once I get my gym going?
I’m not stupid. I just didn’t take the same path as everyone else. I didn’t study as hard as I maybe could have in high school. College was out of the question. I wasn’t interested in following someone else’s idea of what my future should look like. I’m not built like my sister or Kari for that matter.
Darby and Kari are fearless. Always have been. Even when we were kids, nothing scared them. Not scraped knees, strangers, or the thought of leaving our hometown behind.
I stuck around longer than I should have. Told myself it was to keep an eye on Darby. On Kari. Truth is, they never needed me. They needed each other and the bond they shared in wanting something beyond this town.
My phone buzzes, interrupting the camera feed. I pause and glance at the screen.
Hey, bro. Homesick. -Darby
I smile, not because I think it’s funny, but because it makes me feel needed. Darby will always be my little sister, and I’ll always be her big brother.
Didn’t think you’d have time to get homesick. You and Kari been catching up?- Grey
A beat passes before three dots start dancing.
Yeah. But no. I’m just… the internship isn’t what I thought it’d be.-Darby
That’s why it’s called work.-Grey
Haha. Very funny. I’m a glorified errand girl. Mostly my job is memorizing everyone’s coffee and donut order. Not sure how long I can take this.-Darby
I lean back against the bench, sweat cooling on my skin. It isn’t like Darby to let things get to her. She was so excited to take the internship near Kari. I imagine the ear-piercing squeals, flailing arms, and jumping up and down they did when Darby got to town.
Have you talked to Kari about it? Maybe she can get you an interview where she works.-Grey
Not that the world could handle both women working in the same building. Nothing but antics would ensue.
Kari’s back home. Something about her douchebag boss and the FBI.-Darby
