Kitten:
It’s about a three-block walk. June and I are sharing a room, so it’s probably best if we meet there. Wear something warm and a hat if you have one. See you in thirty minutes?
Thirty minutes.Christ above. That’s nowhere near enough time to get myself together.
Me:
I’ll be there, lass.
I toss the phone on the bed and stare at the open suitcase like it might suddenly grow something decent to wear. All I’ve packed is training gear. Track pants, kits, things made for sweat, not her eyes. After a bit of rummaging, I settle on the only thing that passes for normal: black sweats, black T-shirt, black hoodie. Simple, safe, grand.
No hat, though. Brilliant, Gallagher.
Me:
You’ve a hat I can borrow?
Thiago answers quick as ever.
Thiago:
Yeah, do you need it? I can swing by. I’m heading out to lunch with a few of the guys.
Me:
Room 823.
Thiago:
See you in ten, champ.
I head into the bathroom and crank the water till it stings. Steam fogs the mirror while I scrub like a madman, as if I can wash the nerves off. What in God’s name is she planning? A walk? Coffee? A talk I’m not ready for? I’ve faced full stadiums screaming my name and never felt this kind of flutter in my gut.
By the time I step out, towel slung low on my hips, there’s a knock at the door.
“Hold on,” I mutter, tightening the towel before opening up.
Thiago stands there grinning, baseball cap in hand. One look at me and he bursts out laughing.
“Hermano, you answer the door like that on purpose? Trying to start rumors?”
“Feck off,” I say, grabbing the hat. “Cheers.”
Before I can shut the door, he glances down the hall and lights up.
“Catalina! You going out, girl?”
My stomach drops.
She’s right there, coming down the corridor, dressed casual but radiant all the same. Her eyes widen when she spots me half naked, color blooming high on her cheeks.Sweet Jaysus.
Thiago, oblivious as ever, keeps chatting. “We’re heading to lunch. You two wanna join?”
“I've plans,” I say, too quick.
“Same here,” she adds, still looking at me with that shy, guilty little smile. “But I’ll see you guys later.”
She waves and keeps walking, and I watch till she turns the corner.
