It’s kind of our thing
Done with another ice pack? I could throw it away for you
OMG
FOCUS
Right. You want to go on another date with Garrett so you can hide in the bathroom
The ambiance is unreal. Tampon dispenser 10/10
Can’t wait to see the wedding invitations. Garrett and the shell of Alecia invite you to share their special day
Stop! I can’t breathe!
How do you recommend this works? I annoy you, too
You make me uncomfortable.
And that’s different how?
Very different
Opposite actually
Does annoyed have an opposite?
Calder
I don’t think I’ve met anyone like you
Alecia
Ugh. See? That’s the problem though. People like what they’re used to
They like safe bets. No risk, no reward
That’s a nice thing to say, Frederick
Not a nice guy, remember, Mabel?
You said you never lie
If it were me, I’d suffer through dinner. Then head over to Smash Point after to blow off some steam
Might not be home until past nine. Is it open that late?
For you it is
sixteen
I sitin my car for a full minute staring at the neon Smash Point Social sign while my stomach does a small trapeze act. I debated staying home after Barolo. Spending another hour at the table post text conversation with Calder used every mental muscle I had to act the way Garrett wanted me to. I was tempted to wipe off the makeup, hang up the dress, make chamomile tea, and chill.
But Calder’s text was still sitting on my phone. That won out.
Now, I get out of the car, grab my bag, and walk to the door, fully expecting it to be locked, but it swings open easily. Inside, two courts are still going. A couple on court one locked in hand battles, and a young woman with someone who looks to be her coach. I smile to myself. Nothing like a late-night drill sesh.
There’s nobody at the front desk to check in with, so I walk toward Calder, stretching on court two. He glances up as I step through the gate, and the way his eyes do that quick head-to-toe inventory makes my heart skip.
