I can’t just sit here brooding. I need to take control of the situation, for my sake and for Carlie’s.
The laughter and reminiscing fade into a comfortable silence, and I find myself staring into the depths of my beer, my mind racing with how I’ll do it.
“What’s the plan, Adam?” Dylan’s voice cuts through my thoughts, bringing me back to the present. “I can see the wheels turning in that head of yours.”
I look up, feeling the weight of my decision. It’s not just about making a move—it’s about making therightmove.
Step one—make a statement on IG. Step two—ask her out.
“I don’t know, man,” I admit. “I mean, what would I even say? ‘Hey, sorry I got fired and dragged you into a gym scandal. Want to grab coffee?’” I huff a dry laugh.
Brian chuckles, but his eyes are understanding. “It doesn’t have to be perfect, Adam. Just honest.”
Dylan nods in agreement. “Yeah, and who knows? Maybe she’s waiting for you to make the first move. Girls love that sorta shit. You won’t know until you try. She followed you into partner yoga, after all.”
Their words resonate with me, and a plan starts to form in my mind.
I could call her, but that might be too forward given the circumstances.
A message, perhaps?
Casual, but direct. Something that shows I care without overwhelming her.
Besides, I told her I’d be in touch.
I take a deep breath, a sense of purpose slowly replacing the uncertainty. “You’re right. I need to do this. I’ll send her a message. Keep it simple—see if she’s open to talking.”
Brian slaps me on the back, a broad smile on his face. “There you go. That’s the Adam we know.”
Dylan raises his glass in a toast. “To Adam, stepping out of his comfort zone and with a little luck, into the bed of another redhead.”
I roll my eyes, snickering softly.
When I leave the barI’m a bundle of nerves and anticipation.
The message to Carlie is already forming in my head.
It’s a risk, but Dylan and Brian are right.
It’s time to stop living in the shadow of what-ifs and take a chance on something real. I mean, it can’t get much worse, right?
The cool night air hits me as I step outside, and I pull out my phone.
This is it.
The first step towards hopefully mending things with Carlie, and maybe, just maybe, towards something more.
CHAPTER14
Carlie
Every muscle in my body screams in protest as I try to find a comfortable position at my desk. Yesterday’s fitness test with Jillian has left me feeling like I’ve been hit by a truck.
A very big,very meantruck.
And here I thought I was sore on Wednesday, silly,sillywoman.
I glance at the calendar on my wall—thank goodness it’s Saturday.
