I take another drink of water, occupying my mouth before I say something rude. Reaching down to tuck my bottle back into the cup holder, I catch the eyes of a lean biker on the other side of the room. He smiles, and I catch myself smiling back.
The tempo slows down, and all the bikes hum slowly to the music as we work to get our heart rates down.
“How’s Dom, your famous hockey player boyfriend?” Via is leaning in, her eyes bouncing back between me and the mystery biker across the room.
“Fine, I guess. We’re taking it slow. I’m not holding my breath.”
“Commitment issues much?” Via laughs. “You know, you’re kind of famous, so maybe don’t wave at strange men.”
“Hey, don’t judge. I’m just trying to be nice.”
Via arches a sweaty brow at me. “He wants to take you home and have a second workout with you. There is nothing nice about how that man is staring at you.”
“And why is that my problem?”
“It’s not, and I’m not judging . . . trust me. But I’m just wondering if you want to share Dom with the rest of us normal, dick-deprived folks way down here.”
I throw my towel at her, and she snatches it from the air. “You can try, but I doubt he’d want to.”
“Can I at least come to a game and meet a few of his single, hopefully older, teammates? Or younger. I’m not picky.” She pouts as the class ends, and we all get off the bikes.
Bringing her to a game rather than going alone is actually a great idea. Much better than asking Aaron, who will most likely suspect something is up between Dom and me.
I’ve been avoiding my brother like the plague. My parents finally left a few days ago, and I silently moved back in while he wasn’t around. We’ve been mostly communicating via text or notes around the house. It’s awkward, and I hate it.
He’s been putting in extra hours since he had to spend some time with our parents. Am I pissed off that he seemed to prioritize spending time with them over me? Yes, absolutely. Who wouldn’t be? Am I going to bring it up with him? Fuck no. I’d rather only eat slimy grass for a month.
“Yes, great idea. You’re coming to the next game.”
“Wait, really?” Via asks surprisingly.
I try not to focus on the sheer amount of sweat all over my body as we head for the changing room. “Yes. I’ve been wanting to ask you anyway, but figured I should give you some time to figure out if you’re going to run away from me or not.”
“Fuck off. You’re stuck with me,” Via remarks genuinely.
I pause and have to remind myself that I’ve heard those words before. I give her a tight smile, grabbing the complimentary toiletries bag and a towel from my locker.
“When is the next game?” Via says from behind me.
“They are away this week, but I think there is a game next week. I’ll text Dom and get him to add your name.”
Except it’s Noa I’ll be texting because I’d rather chop off my arm than talk tohim.
“Thanks, Zoe! You’re the best. Also, you’re my new spin partner… We come here three days a week.”
Groaning, I rest my head against the shower wall, regretting my decision to be nice to Via from day one.
“I heard that!” she says cheerfully, right before her shower turns on.
How she peeled off her sweaty sports bra that quickly is beyond me. I’m going to be wrestling with mine for the next ten minutes.
Double groan.
“Okay,this chunky monkey protein smoothie tastes so much better after that workout.”
I’m having a moment with my chocolate and peanut butter smoothie from the spin club’s smoothie bar. This might be the best thing I’ve ever fucking had.
“I told you. A million bucks.”
