Page 22 of WASP

They stopped at the water bottle refill station, where Max unscrewed the cap from her stainless steel water bottle and positioned it under the spout.

“What about them?” Max said, nodding over her left shoulder to what looked like a father-son duo entering one of the numerous squash courts that lined the back wall of the fitness center.

This was a game she had discovered Lynn was exceptionally good at. Max would pick out random people, and the two of them would speculate together what they thought their story was based solely on what they could observe in that moment. Lynn followed her gaze as they watched the father and son set down their bags without exchanging words.

“Forced weekly bonding time,” Lynn said quietly. “I would guess it started with good intentions, probably as a way to connect, but I’d be surprised if either feels particularly connected when they part ways.”

“That’s kind of dark, don’t you think? Maybe they’re both tired and don’t have a lot to say?” Max offered, screwing the lid back onto her water bottle. She glanced at the pair as they began to stretch, still not talking, silently orbiting each other.

“I don’t think so.” Lynn tilted her head towards the court, her French braid shifting slightly. “It’s in the body language. Look at the son. Every time the father gets close, he turns away. Not in an obvious way, but you can see there’s a wall there.”

Max cocked her hip as she watched, and sure enough, Lynn’s observation proved correct. In sixty seconds, Max watched as the son actively avoided engaging with his father.

Her phone vibrated in her hand and when she looked down she saw a new text, a broad smile instantly stretching across her lips.

Annie 8:47 AM

Thanks again for the ride home last night. Judging by the slight (and I mean incredibly tiny) hangover I have this morning, there may have been some merit to your reasoning for why I needed the ride after all.

An audible laugh left Max as she read Annie’s text again.

Max 8:48 AM

I told you yesterday…I’m usually right about most things. Hope you have some ibuprofen on hand. Drink some water and a little pickle juice, and you’ll be good to go.

Three little dots appeared, instantly sending a thrill through Max as she waited.

“I know that look.” Lynn’s voice was quietly smug, in a way only she could pull off. “New girl?”

“No,” Max said quickly. “I mean—it’s not like that. I don’t think so.”

Lynn raised an amused eyebrow but didn’t say anything as Max looked back at her phone to see Annie’s text.

Annie 8:48 AM

Ew. Disgusting. Pickle juice!? Have you no taste? I’m a firm Team No Pickle.

Max grinned, immediately typing back her response, enjoying the way Annie’s quippy responses made her want to play.

Max 8:48 AM

Shame. And just when I was starting to think you might be cool after all… More pickles for me, I guess.

Annie 8:49 AM

If we ever happen to encounter a pickle in the wild together, I will gladly make the sacrifice and allow you to have it.

Max 8:49 AM

I plan to hold you to that.

“Are we finishing our workout? Or should we call it a day so you can keep not flirting with the girl you’re not interested in.” Lynn smirked at her, taking one last sip from her water bottle before opening the door to one of the aerobic studios, with Max scrambling to catch up to her.

The pair entered the studio, placing their stuff in front of the large expanse of mirrored wall. Lynn moved in the direction of the rack in the corner, picking up a medicine ball. Max twisted to the side, studying her reflection in the mirror. She’d been putting in the work over the last few months, targeting the specific set of muscle groups she hoped would help her build some semblance of an ass she could be proud to flaunt. It wasn’t that she hadn’t liked her butt. It was fine, kind of flat and meh, but otherwise fine. She had always wanted to be the girl with an ass that made people stop and stare.

“I think all the work is paying off. My ass definitely looks rounder.” She grinned at Lynn in the mirror, who watched her, a medicine ball balanced on her hip as she waited.

“Congratulations. You have a badonkadonk now.”