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Chase shrugs. "His races, sure. But maybe it's because the guy is running himself stupid every morning."
I don't press on the issue, knowing it's not my business to ask what is going on. I already feel guilty that I'm taking up a place on their couch at night. They really don't need my drama when they obviously have their own lives to worry about.
"What are your plans for today?" I ask, changing the subject.
Chase thinks for a moment. "We have to meet our coach later this morning, but other than that, I'm just having an easy day at home. What about you?"
I shrug. "Nothing planned here. I don't have work and I have no intentions of going to the apartment right now. I'll probably just make a start on some course work."
"And message some guys," Chase finishes. "Honestly, you could do with a little pick me up. There's nothing wrong with liking the validation from men. Lord knows you probably could do with it after what you've been through."
"I'm pretty difficult to deal with," I say, repeating my words from earlier.
Chase's eyes harden – a look I haven't seen on him yet. "Don't make excuses for him. Firstly, from what I've seen about you, that can't be further from the truth. Secondly, there's never any excuse for someone to treat another person like that."
Before I can respond, Jax walks into the living room, hands me a cup of coffee, and sits down at the opposite end of the couch. "He's right," he says firmly, sipping on his own coffee. "Fuck that guy."
He's a bit more perkier than before now that caffeine is starting to work its way into his system, but his face is still tight as he wakes up.
"Thank you," I say sincerely, taking a sip. It tastes pretty good for home coffee – much better than the cheap brand I buy for the apartment. I don't even mind that it's hot since the apartment is so cool.
"Pull out your phone," Chase directs, sitting up. "Let's get started on these messages."
Theguysleftafterbreakfast to go to their track meet. I assume Beau was going to meet them there since he didn't return from his run.
Chase and I had spent some time reviewing profiles and sending messages to guys. I felt blessed to have my own personal guides directing me. A few profiles gave me the ick, and we promptly unmatched with them but time started to slip away from me as I began chatting to a few people who were active and online.
There's Ethan – a twenty-four year old wannabe teacher, Oliver – a twenty-two year old law student, and Sam – a suspicious looking twenty-five year old who is apparently a chess player and likes reading, but refuses to tell me his major.
I suppose that's the good thing about being close to campus. Most of the people in my filtering distance are Groveton students. It's fairly easy to tell what type of people they are from their profiles. Though, I have to admit, some of the profiles are woeful.
I'd be content never seeing a shirtless, beach or drunk group photo again. It's as if men have a set criteria of pictures they have to put on their online dating profiles.
So far, I have to admit, Oliver seems to be the one I'm connecting with the most. He's polite and has good grammar, and at this point, can hold a conversation. His dark brown hair and blue eyes are captivating and I'm oddly attracted to law schools. There's something about attorneys in power suits that seems to speak to me. Maybe I've watched too many episodes ofSuits.
I find myself immersed in the chats so much that I lose track of time. I only realize when the apartment door swings open a few hours later and reveals three sweaty men in track outfits as they barrel in, talking amongst themselves.
My eyes find Beau immediately, wondering if he's doing okay. He seems completely normal – his usual smile on his face. He meets my eyes and gives me a warm grin.
"You look better this morning," he points out, dropping his bag in front of one of the bedroom doors.
"I feel better," I confirm, clicking my cell screen off.
Chase throws his bag to the further door before hastily rushing over to me. "Give me the tea. Have you been chatting to anyone interesting?"
I laugh. "Yeah, a few people. I really like the sound of this guy, Oliver. He seems nice."
"Ooh, let me look," Chase says excitedly, throwing himself down next to me.
Laughing, I open my cell, pulling up his profile and handing it to him. He takes his time, examining Oliver's profile then taking a look at our chat history. "He seems decent. You should ask him out for coffee or a drink."
"That soon?" I ask, surprised.
Chase nods. "No such thing as too soon. Guys like confident, forward girls. Besides, no one wants to make small talk for weeks on end. If you click, you move to meeting and go from there."
My heart races slightly at the thought. "That is scary."
Beau lets out a groan of relief as he sits down. "Chase is right. If you like him, you should ask him out."
