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I ran through the very dark and wet alley.
“Damn,” I muttered under my breath and sprinted after her. I had to figure out why she was running and why I cared.
I found her in a dark alleyway behind Equinox, hands on her knees, sobbing.
“Azzaria,” I called out, and she turned, ready to bolt.
“Don’t run. I’m sure you’ve never been around these parts. Just wait,” I urged, jogging to catch up with her.
She gave me a blank look, her eyes red from the obvious tears. “What is it?”
“Why did you run?” I got closer, placing my hand on hers. “Why are you running?”
“Because… it’s so embarrassing to have that happen, especially in front of your boss,” she sighed.
“Why do you keep running? I saw you at Jerry’s, you ran there, and at my sister’s birthday after the kiss, you ran. Why?”
She stared at me, her gaze unwavering. “Does it matter? Can I go now?”
“No,” I said firmly. “I just want to talk to you without the hassle or the bolting, but you’re so impossible,” I complained.
She scoffed. “I’m impossible? Put yourself in my shoes. You said that us hanging out at your club and talking was a mistake. You told me that we should keep things professional and then you’re basically flirting with me at the dinner. So, no, I’m not impossible. I ran away because you confuse me. I am confused and I didn’t know what to do. It’s not everyday I wake up and kiss my boss.”
I fell silent, my pride momentarily silenced. “Azzaria,” I signed. “I said that because you came to me apologizing. What else was I supposed to say?” I stepped closer, and she stilled. “I kissed you last night because I wanted to.”
“I don’t believe you,” she whispered.
“What can I do to make you believe me?”
“Can I just go back to close my account? I’ve been through too many embarrassing confrontations today.”
“Just wait.” I didn’t know what else to say to keep her there, but I had to do it until she gave me the chance I needed.
“Wait for what? What are you even doing here? Are you following me?”
“I wish it were that. I own this entire complex and I just happened to see you here. I don’t come here often because it’s not my favorite place, but I needed get business done,” I said, ending with a slight chuckle.
“I’m not here often, but it’s not in my budget. I just like the facilities,” she confessed. I’d never seen her so vulnerable, and I would never take it for granted.
“What do you mean?” I was intrigued and wanted to know more.
“I meant that I’m not as wealthy as I might appear. I’m not rich at all. I can’t afford a lot of things, but I do my best. My gym payments got backed up, and I came here today with the intention of switching to the college plan after my workout. It’s embarrassing, I know.”
“The only embarrassing thing here is that you ran from me, Azzaria. You don’t need to worry about your membership. Consider it taken care of,” I implored, not wanting to hear any objections. “And don’t fight me on this. I hardly take no for an answer.”
“I won’t fight you on it, and thank you, really.” Her face was adorned with a permanent smile, and it brought me immense joy to know I was the cause of that smile.
“There’s just something,” I remarked, studying her face for an explanation, something to blame for my growing fascination.
“Something?”
“Never mind,” I said, snapping out of it. It was too early to say anything and potentially scare her off. I couldn’t lose her before getting to know her.
“Okay,” she replied hesitantly. I could tell she wanted to challenge me, but I also knew she wouldn’t. Behind her dominant exterior, she harbored an abundance of fears.
“If I asked you to dinner, what would you say?”
“I’d ask why someone like you would want a girl like me?” Her response was genuine, revealing her confidence and self- perception.
