Dammit, I never expected to come to this conclusion when I decided to see her today.
The lightheartedness flooding me is almost foreign as I knock twice on the doorframe.
6
you’re not joking
RILEY
I could’ve putmusic on, and usually, I do. But today, I’m craving silence. Too many thoughts have coiled inside my head, making it difficult to focus on anything for too long. Thank God I made it through my morning class without too much difficulty. They’re the hardest group I’ve ever had. The eight-year-olds are mischief personified, and I’ve never met children with so much attitude. Luckily, they love me. If only they could all get along. It would save me from having to put out so many fires.
I swear, I wasn’t like that at their age.
The moment the thought pops into my head, I freeze. What the hell? I sound like my mom! Goodness, I need to snap out of it.
With a deep breath, I recenter myself and focus on my stretch again.
The knock on the door startles me. When a way too familiar voice says, “Hi, Ry baby. I hope I’m not interrupting,” I genuinely consider my mostly sleepless night is causing me to hallucinate. Because…why would he be here?
I look up and find Hayden in the mirror. He looks infuriatingly gorgeous, especially for a man who looked like he was barely surviving last night. He’s in a black tee, dark blue jeans, and black sneakers. His bleached hair is naturally messy, the sides short, and he looks boyishnow that the scruff on his face is gone, though the tattoos covering his neck and arms give him an edgier look. My mouth goes dry as I drink him in.
What is he doing here? And with coffee?
“Ry?”
Only when he says my name do I realize I’m staring. Oh my fucking God! I sit up too fast and nearly pull my hamstring.Real graceful, Riley.
“Hi, Hade,” I say in a high-pitched voice, my cheeks heating. The whole situation gets worse with each second. Clearing my throat, I force back my embarrassment and stand. “What are you doing here?”
Grinning, he saunters in and holds out the plastic cup. “A thank-you for looking out for me. And also an apology for being a pain in the ass last night.”
I take the cup and slowly press it to my lips. The moment the flavor hits my tongue, I turn into a gooey mess. “This is my favorite.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He threads his fingers through his hair. “Though I have to give Nastya all the credit. I ran into her at the coffee shop.”
Oh.
A weird flicker of disappointment flashes in my head.Silly Riley. Did you really think he’d remember such a small detail about you?
Stop this. I mentally scold myself even as I plaster on a smile. “Thanks. It’s perfect.”
“Don’t tell your best friend, but she’s scary. I was afraid to argue when she told me my initial order was wrong and I had to buy another drink for you.”
I let out a laugh. “Sounds like Nastya all right.” I bring my drink to my lips, giving myself an excuse to look at him over the rim.
He’s quiet, taking in the space—the mirrors, the barre, the soft scuffs on the floors, the little desk in the corner.
He looks…lighter today. Not quite as free of burdens as he used to be, but better.
The shadows under his eyes are gone, the grief subdued.
When he catches me staring, he raises an eyebrow. “What?”
“Nothing.” My heart clenches. “You just look…more alive than you did yesterday. I like it.”
“Took a shower like you suggested. I cleaned up the apartment and went to bed early. Even made fried eggs for breakfast this morning. I’ve got a long way to go, but I call it progress.”
A hint of relief threads its way through me. “Good to hear. But what are you doing here? I’m not buying into this whole Good Samaritan thing. It’s not you.”
