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I have to find a way to calm my sudden panic. If it wasn’t for them, for knowing how they are, I wouldn’t be so nervous. Sure, starting a new job is always going to be a little nerve-wracking, but I’d be able to handle this better if it wasn’t for the deep distrust I have for these two. I never even went in for an interview, and somebody hired me? Nothing about this is adding up. There has to be some sort of game here. I am so tired of having to predict what’s happening next, always planning my next move and looking over my shoulder.
“You are the one who is in such a hurry to get a job,” Colt reminds me without looking over his shoulder.
Yes, because I want to get away from them. “It’s just a surprise,” I retort. “I’m really glad to have this job.” The two of them exchange a look that doesn’t bode well for me. What do they have up their sleeves this time?
I don’t have to wait long to find out. The sight of somebody I really, truly do not want to see fills me with panic the moment we step through the doors of the gym. And from the look of it, she wasn’t expecting me, either. “Leni,” Piper chokes out from behind the desk. “What are you doing here?”
“She’s working here now, or didn’t they tell you?” Nix is absolutely loving this, though Colt doesn’t look as amused.
“Right. They told me somebody new was coming in today but didn’t say who.” She pulls out a clipboard and places it on the counter. I had no idea she was working here. So that’s what this is all about. They deliberately set this up so I’d be as uncomfortable as possible.
“We’re gonna go work out. Have fun, girls.” Nix laughs while Colt only snorts, and the two of them wander off to leave me with my paperwork and former best friend.
“So how have you been?” she asks while I fill out the form in front of me.
“Amazing,” I mutter, never lifting my gaze.
“Um, it’s pretty exciting, your mom getting married and everything.”
“I guess.” Is she seriously trying to do this? I can’t imagine having the gall. It was her choice to walk away from our friendship, and now she thinks she can act like nothing happened?
“I’ve been working here for a few months,” she informs me, though I certainly did not ask. “It’s pretty cool. So long as you know who to stay away from. Some of the guys who walk in here—”
“All done.” I slide the clipboard back across the counter. “What do I do now?”
Her eyelids flutter, and her mouth falls open, but she quickly composes herself. “Um, you can work here behind the desk with me. It’s not difficult. You sign people in, sign them out, and sometimes you process payments. I can show you how to do that.”
Because I want to spend another minute with her. “I think the guys mentioned something about cleaning the equipment? I can do that. Where do I find the supplies?”
Her face falls a little, and I’m glad. It’s nothing compared to the way she’s made me feel, but it’s a start. She points at a small closet across from the desk, where paper towels and bottles of cleaner sit. “I think I can figure this out. Thanks.” And with that, I head deeper into the gym, where dozens of people sweat while music thumps from speakers set up in the corners of the room.
At least I don’t have to be close to Colt or Nix while I’m doing this. They’re both working out with pretty complicated-looking equipment, loading extra weight before sitting on the benches and pushing themselves through their routines.
It’s not bad enough I have to be here with my two biggest enemies, but the third on the list is here as well? The worst part is, if she hadn’t gone and messed everything up, I could really use her friendship about now. I have no one to confide in, and Piper would have been the first person I went to if she hadn’t chosen to turn against me. My heart is sore as I walk through the gym, hustling over to machines once people leave them so I can spray the handles and seats before somebody else uses them. Not exactly the most thrilling job, but it’s easy enough. And at least it means I don’t have to be alone with these two idiots—there are plenty of people around all the time, all through the first ninety minutes of work.
“Hey. You’re new around here.”
I didn’t notice a man, who looks to be in his mid-thirties, approaching me. He’s handsome enough, I guess, though I’ve had my fill of handsome men. Colt and Nix are gorgeous, but they’re evil. Looks don’t mean much when you don’t have a soul.
