The last few things in the basket are three daisy-shaped bath bombs.
“Yeah, I didn’t know this place only had a shower when I bought those, Mads. Sorry about that. You can always come over to our place and take a bath. I have that huge garden tub.” He’s so sincere, so I don’t tell him that going to their place is the opposite of relaxing, because... boys.
“Liam, this is so sweet. Thank you so much for the thoughtful gifts.” I give him another big thank-you hug. Definitely not an ‘I can’t resist huffing your cologne and feeling up your absurdly muscular pecs’ hug.
I don’t feel too guilty though because he hugs me back just as hard, and I’m almost positive he just sniffed my neck. Which is weirdly hot.
Yup, my crush is back with a vengeance.
Madison
Despite being exhausted as I trudge up the stairs to my new home after my last class of the day, I’m loving the ease of my new commute. I’m looking forward to a stress-free night with my newest romance novel and an early bedtime.
Last night wasn’t my best night’s sleep. Being in a new place with the din of traffic, both vehicles, and people, was disconcerting after the silence at Kenji’s place. The incessant clamor lasted for most of the night. I’ll get used to it eventually, but last night, I woke up at every little sound.
I need some spicy chicken Pad Thai in my life, so takeout is the way to go tonight. Just the thought of cooking has me opening my food delivery app. Self-care is knowing your limits. I put in my order, then change into my comfy sweats and a worn, soft t-shirt. It’s one of my brother’s old college shirts. I always steal them from him, but they’re only good if they’re broken in. The big yellow University of Michigan ‘M’ on the front is faded, but I don’t care. It’s super comfortable.
I deliberately ignore the flare of resentment I get every time I think about Walker getting to go to the University of Michiganwhile I was stuck with Metro State, our local community college. I still haven’t finished my business degree.
Our parents’ death was the nail in the coffin of my finishing my degree. My parents were never good at organization, and they left quite a mess behind. Someone had to handle everything. All the debt, selling the house, and so much damn paperwork. It took months for me to work through it all and get the house in shape to be sold. I ended up quitting school because I couldn’t do both. Walker was in college at the time and had already been drafted. I wasn’t about to ruin that for him, so I just took it all on myself.
My inability to finish school is still a nagging thing in the back of my head. I was angry with Walker, even though it wasn’t his fault. Terrible things happen sometimes. I’ve tried to accept that, but I have to admit that I’ve always carried around this piece of resentment. Not just at him, although he gets the brunt of it, like he did with our fight, but towards my parents as well.
Sometimes I’m just so sick of being the responsible one. Why me? Why couldn’t someone else just take the reins for a little while so I could relax?
Because life isn’t fair.. Also, there was literally no one else. You were the oldest.
My food arrives and interrupts my little pity party, so it’s a welcome distraction. Add in an episode of Bridgerton, and my evening is looking up. I sink down on my couch with my delicious noodles and let the TV take me away to Regency England.
Two hours later, satiated and happy, I drag myself to the bathroom to prepare for bed. While doing my nightly skincare routine, I mentally walk myself through my day tomorrow. I need to be at the arena at least half an hour before my first team yoga practice. I can’t deny that I’m looking forward to this opportunity to bring a whole new group of people into yoga.Sharing all the wonderful things I’ve learned over the years is why I teach. For so many, it has the chance to be life-changing. At the very least, it will improve their overall physical health. For a professional athlete, even a minor change could give them an edge, and I get to play a small part in that transformation. It’s humbling.
I have to admit, it will be nice for Walker and Liam to see what I do for a living. Maybe then my brother won’t be so quick to dismiss it. As far as I know, neither he nor Liam had ever taken a yoga class before. That alone will be worth the entertainment.
Something jolts me awake hours later. Heavy with sleep, I struggle to wrap my head around the noises I’m hearing. Bang! It sounds as if someone is hitting my front door. No one I know would be banging on my door in the middle of the night. I grab my phone off the bedside table, ready to dial 911 if needed. I shuffle to the door to check the peephole. Bang! The door shakes from the force of the blow. What the actual fuck! I’m seriously going to hurt someone. This better not be Walker.
I almost fling the door open, but at the last minute, I decide to check the peephole first.
Oh, God! Shit shit shit!
There’s a random guy outside my door. Head to toe dark clothes, the hood of his sweatshirt covering his face. I think it’s a man. He looks huge through the tiny lens. I almost scream when a powerful kick hits the door again and the whole thing shakes, but I can’t seem to make my voice work. I back away automatically, fumbling with my phone.
Oh, fuck! They’re trying to get in here. What the fuck do I do?? Shit shit shit! My hands are shaking so hard I can barelydial 911. My breath is coming in panicky pants as the phone rings twice.
“Hello, 911. What is your emergency?”
“Someone is trying to break into my apartment! They’re kicking my door. Oh God, what do I do?” My voice is high and breathy. I force my shaky hands to clutch the phone tightly as I hit the speaker button. I can’t seem to hold it against my ear properly.
“What’s your address?” How can she be so calm?
“It’s 330 Sycamore Drive. I live in the apartment on top of the yoga studio, The Bending Willow Yoga Studio. My studio. The entrance is in the back of the building.” I babble, fear gripping me tightly. I’m shaking so hard now, it’s hard to hold the phone.
“We’ve got a unit dispatched to your location. Stay with me and stay calm. I’ll stay on the line with you until they get there.”
“Okay,” my voice is small and scared. “What if he gets in? What do I do?”
What if they don’t get here in time? I fight the urge to look out the peephole again. Wait! I haven’t heard a bang since I called the police. Maybe he’s gone? I’m cautious as I edge towards the door to look through the peephole. The small landing at the top of the stairs to my apartment is empty. My knees sag as I sink to the floor with relief.
“I think they left.” I say to the dispatcher. “Maybe they heard me call you guys.”
