Blair
“Who’s a good boy??”
Isla
Hanging out with your hot friend again? The one we’re certain you’re secretly dating but you refuse to tell us?
I bite my lip. She’s right on the money, of course. But Rowan and I have sworn to never tell anyone about our agreement, and so I’ve kept that promise.
Maggie
Archie is the goodest boy.
What are you two up to today?
Blair
Oh, you know…gym owner life…
Even though she sometimes downplays her accomplishments, my friend was the first woman on an NFL roster, and she’s a successful business owner, having just opened a second location for her gym, Embers and Ashes.
Maggie
Ah yes, all that work hard, play harder lifestyle. How’s your NFL boyfriend?
Blair
Ty’s great, thanks for asking. And stop deflecting Isla’s questions. When are you going to admit you and Rowan are a thing?
Maggie
We’re not. It’s complicated.
Look at me, dropping the understatement of the century in the group chat.
Isla
Mhm. Sure babe
I’m doing okay, unpacking now that I moved in with my brother.
Isla recently went through a divorce and cut ties with her ex skating partner. She’s made her way back to Palmer City, her hometown, where she’ll be training with a new partner and hopes to make a comeback. I send off another message, promising to catch up another time.
I pocket my phone and set a jogging pace as Archie dutifully follows, only getting distracted once by a small lizard. When we get to the beach, my phone rings and I pop in my buds to take my sister’s call.
“Hey Andreea,” I say, digging through my small backpack for the frisbee.
“Hey,” she says, followed by silence. I throw the frisbee as far as I can for Archie and when she still doesn’t say anything else, I prod.
“How’s it going, dear sister of mine?” I tease, stretching as I wait for the dog to bring me back the frisbee. He chases a seagull instead and it takes him a minute before remembering to grab the toy.
“Oh, you know. Fine,” she says airily.
“This conversation is riveting, Andreea, I’m truly honored you called,” I joke.
My sister groans on the other end and finally says, “Okay, you’re going to hate me, but I have some big news and I want the whole family there for it, which means I invited mom and dad to the country club next week. I’m in town for work and they’re both flying in.”
I freeze right as I take the frisbee back from Archie and he barks at me, confused why I stopped playing. Fuck, the lastthing I want is to see my parents. Especially in the same room together. My mom only shows up when it benefits her, flying in to see me in tournaments only if I pay for her flights and accommodations. And my dad—well, he doesn’t bother to show up to any of my tournaments. He’s called a few times in the last couple months, today included, but I’ve ignored every single one.
