I nod. “It’s an option, but it’s a half-hour commute even on off-hours.” I’ve looked into spaces for Tally, but I’m keeping it to myself until I have it locked down.
“The commute eats into study hours,” Tally explains.
“I’d offer the Hockey Academy yoga studio, but you’d run into the same commute issue,” Roman says.
“I really appreciate it, though. I’m trying to be mindful of Charles and Arya’s financial constraints since they’re both on scholarship.” Tally’s phone buzzes again. “It’s my sister. I’ll be right back.”
“The spare bedroom is down the hall on your left, if you need privacy,” Rix calls.
“Thanks. I shouldn’t be long.” Tally disappears down the hall.
“She seems stressed,” Hemi says once we hear the door close.
“Her plate is pretty full these days, but I’m working on a solution for the studio.” I drop my voice. “I’ve narrowed it down to two places. One is substantially closer to her apartment.”
“You’re blocking time for her at a studio?” Dred asks.
“Short-term rental, actually, then her troupe doesn’t have to worry about planning around open slots,” I explain.
Hemi quiet claps.
Dallas holds out his fist. “That’s a top-tier boyfriend move.”
Connor starts to open his mouth, and Dred covers it with her palm. “Dallas is right.”
“We all know you’d buy Dred the whole strip mall,” Roman ribs him good-naturedly.
“It’s true.” Connor kisses Dred’s palm. “I was going to say you’ve come a long way from fucking a T-shirt.”
That gets a few snort-laughs and an eye roll from me.
“Are things okay with Tally’s brother and sister?” Rix tugs on the end of her ponytail. “It can’t be easy with Vander Zee having moved out.”
“Tally was like a second parent before she went to university,” Hammer says. “When Tally and I were interning and we’dgo away with the team, she fielded lots of video calls from them.”
“Yeah, I remember that,” Hemi confirms.
“I think it’s a little like your situation, Tris,” I explain. “Vander Zee is a workaholic, so he’s not around much, and there are gaps between all three of them like there are between you and Brodes and Nate.”
“I know this relationship comes with risks, but you’re really showing up for her in ways that count,” Rix says.
“Super swoony boyfriend vibes,” Dred adds.
“She’s right. I’m super proud of you,” Hemi chimes in.
“Same,” Tristan says.
“Thanks. I appreciate your votes of confidence.” And until this moment, I didn’t realize how much I needed them.
Tally returns, and I push back my chair and stand, meeting her halfway across the room. She slips her hand into mine. “Fenna okay?”
“She’s stressing about her upcoming cello performance. She’ll be okay, though, she just needed to talk it through.” I guide her back to the table and tuck her into her seat.
She picks up her margarita and frowns when she realizes it’s empty.
“I have a pitcher in the fridge!” Rix starts to stand.
“I got it.” I motion for her to stay where she is and grab the fresh pitcher of margaritas, topping up anyone whose glass is low.
