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‘Are we going to talk about relationships? If so, I’m not sure I should be taking advice from someone who lives like a nun.’
She chokes a laugh through a mouthful of scotch. ‘Point taken.’
We resume a companionable silence. I lied. Men and womencanbe friends, but it’s a rare and precious thing when it really works out.
‘I’ll say one thing, though. Then I’ll leave you to wallow.’
‘It’s never just one thing with you, Sarah.’
She raises one shoulder to her ear. ‘Maybe you’re seeing her as a distraction, rather than what she really might be. A part of life you’ve been missing out on because you’re too proud to shift any of your focus from this place.’
I take it back. It’s not precious, it’s annoying.
She pats my thigh as she stands and leaves me sitting alone, where I’ve spent numerous nights. The thing is, it was me who woke up in bed on my own. I was the one who went to Becky and stupidly thought a relationship might even be a possibility. But it was she who maintained she wouldn’t have one.
I’m not ignoring her. I’m giving her exactly what she wants.
The next mouthful of liquor burns, tightening my chest.
Or maybe it’s not the liquor at all.
16
DREW
Not even the scotch I drank too much of last night could knock me out. I lay awake, staring at the ceiling and intermittently checking my phone. Ironic, given not checking in with my phone was the cause of a fecal mountain yesterday. I actually don’t know why I was checking my phone. I just thought she’d try to call again, or text.
She hasn’t.
Now, I’ve got my earbuds plugged in to Kings of Leon as I run to Brooks’s gym. I couldn’t sleep last night, but now the lack of it has left me sluggish. I need something to wake me up, and I need something to stop me from overthinking this whole Becky thing.
It was one night. Like every other night with a woman. Nothing more. It can’t be more. Yesterday proved why. I’m making named partner. I’ve worked for it. My parents gave me everything to get here. I’m not throwing it away chasing after someone who doesn’t even want to be in a relationship.
I’m also not risking a solid friendship with Edmond.
I won’t. Career, family and friends. That’s the definition of who I am.
The heavy glass doors of Brooks’s gym open into the café bistro: a recent addition. He’s been working his butt off to build up his brand of personal training and the gym. I have to admit, I’m proud of the guy. He came from nothing and worked with the one thing he has in abundance: motivation. It’s finally paying off.
‘Drew, hey!’
I pull a plug from my ear as Dianna – I’m pretty sure she’s Dianna – leaves the counter where her fruit salad is being prepared and moves in front of me.
‘Are you working out?’
I raise my brows instead of stating the obvious.
‘Right.’ She laughs, way overzealously, and twists her wet hair around her hand. Despite having obviously just showered, she’s sporting a face full of makeup and a clean pair of yoga pants, teamed with a sports bra. To be fair, she looks hot, if not also a little ridiculous. ‘I haven’t seen you in a while. We should get together.’
I’ve fallen for that figure and easy access twice in the past. But today, I only have the energy to pound a treadmill. Mentally, I’m drained, and playing cock tease with Dianna is not high on a list of things I want to do.
‘Yeah, perhaps,’ I say.
‘I’ll call you.’
Putting my music back into my ear, I tell her, ‘Sure thing.’
I hold up a hand at two other guys I recognize as I make my way into the changing rooms to dump my backpack.
