“I would never fall for that.”
She levels me with a stare through the phone screen. “I was talking about it from Taylor’s point of view.”
A cackle forces its way out of my chest. It sounds almost bitter to my ears. “Anyway, it’s fine. We’re going to have a good trip, and it won’t be ridiculous. “
“You’re rooming together?” she asks and I nod.
“Cheaper.”
“You’re going to be in close proximity with the woman who sometimes hates you and you’re in love with?”
My ears burn at the thought, and I nod before the words reach my brain. “Wait! No, of course not! She doesn’t hate me, and I’m definitely not in love with her; it’s just a crush, and I’m getting over her.”
“I think the lady doth protest too much,” she teases, the sing-songy tone grating my nerves just slightly. “But if you’re getting over her, let’s go clubbing when you’re in town.”
I groan. “Kenz, it’s a short trip. “
“On a weekend. You’ll have time to get your obligatory photos in and some practice.” She raises an eyebrow. “And you know, we can count dancing in heels as a part of ankle strength training.”
Smacking the palm of my hand to my forehead, I let it drag down my face. “You’re not being very helpful with packing.”
Her smile is glowing in the mid afternoon sun that is setting her aglow. I wish it were her that I was falling for, but no, I had to get Miss I’m-Running-Hot-and-Cold as my eternal crush. “I aim to please. But I can help you get over her on Saturday. Hell, let’s take her out too! She’ll love it.”
I bite my lip. “I doubt it. She hates changes to theitinerary.”
“So what? It’ll be for fun.” Her train of thought stops for a moment, and I can see something registering in her eyes. “Oh wait, is her fiancé one of those guys who hates to see his partner happy dancing with friends?”
“What fiancé?” I ask, my brain offline for a moment before realization comes flooding back into me. “Oh, I don’t know. They broke up a few weeks before training camp.”
Kenz shifts. “No fucking way. Do you know why?”
Shaking my head, I say, “And even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.”
She falls back on what I realize is her couch. Her face was blocking just about everything that could have told me where she was sitting. “You’re such a good friend that it’s no fun to tease you.”
I snort. “I’m sure you’ll find something new to tease me with. But I’ll text you once we get our full itinerary from HQ, and we’ll work something out.”
“I can’t wait! Go get packing! Love you and chat soon!”
She hangs up after I return the pleasantries and groan at the layers of clothing that’s on my bed.
I have to be quick, because we have to be at the airport in an hour, and traffic can be a bitch downtown, especially near the airport. It’s probably the only real downside to being in Vancouver instead of Calgary. I miss the ability to drive everywhere without trafficbeing a huge issue. My heart twinges a bit at the thought of Calgary. I do miss it. I lived there for three years; it became home. I wanted it to be where I started a family with my ex.
And now?
Well, I’m restarting and in a city that I thought was going to be shit, but this seems to be the best-case scenario that I could have experienced. The team is fantastic, Winnie has become a fast friend and Brynn is over-welcoming to make up for the fact that Taylor doesn’t do well with new people.
That’s what I’m going to assume she struggles with because we’re starting to get comfortable with each other.
I like it.
Even if every time we talk, my heart hurts a little because of how painfully straight she is. This has been the best choice for me.
And a quick trip to Toronto to show the world how much of a good decision this was for the two of us to be partners? That’s even better.
I text Taylor to explain where I’m at with my plans, and then send a quick text to my parents letting them know that I’m heading to the airport when I get a notification that my rideshare is in the lobby. I’ve got another week before I can move into my apartment, and thankfully, the organization has been willing to pay for the expenses at the hotel.
I lug my small suitcase to the counter to check in, and scan for Taylor. She should be here with me. She said that she was on her way as well and was going to meet me at check in. She’s not here, though.
