AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What’d I forget?” I ask immediately upon answering.
“Nothing Dyl.” He chuckles. “What are you doing right now?”
I can hear what sounds like a crowd of people in the background with the echo of a large space.
“Oh, you know me. Really letting my hair down,” I comment sarcastically, sighing. “Just at home, finishing up a new plan fortheLake Decker.”
“Oof. Yeah, sorry about that. Shouldn’t be so good at your job, babe.”
I scoff.
“You should finish up and head over to the sports pub. A couple of the guys are here, and you sound like you need a drink.”
I sigh, dropping my pen and sitting back in my chair with a grin. “Do I?”
“I think so,” he says flirtatiously.
I smile to myself, rolling my eyes. He’s an endless flirt. The problem is, it’s not just with me. It’s everyone. Once in my life, I’d imagined what it would be like to actually date Jaden. We have very similar interests. We get along better than anyone I’ve ever worked with, and he’s insanely attractive, with his cut body, melt-you brown eyes, and skin that literally glows when he sweats. Only problem is Jaden isn’t the traditional type. His dream is to get picked up by a rich, polygamous couple looking for a third lover to add to the roster, living out their days in a high-rise in the big city, getting low-fat caramel frappes from Starbucks every morning, attending Knicks games, and watching reruns of Family Matters while feeding each other grapes in a circle on the weekends.
“We need to loosen up those joints, Dyl. You’re too stiff.”
“Cute, with the therapy undertones. Love it.” I reply sarcastically.
“C’mon, have a drink with the guys,” he replies without the flirty edge, sounding more like the friend I need. “Besides, Ashton might swing by later.”
As tempting as it is to see Ashton again, I really need to finish this plan. As much as I miss him and our friendship, I've got my hands full.
We became good friends at Northwestern through the sports program there and eventually hung out outside of it often. He was like the brother I never had. We knew each other’s history. His family somewhat became my own after what I’d been through, and he understood the difficulties of my life and was always a rock to lean on when shit got overwhelming or hard for me. Ashton leaned on me after his debilitating injury, and I had made a promise to get him back on that field doing what he loves in record time.
He's one of those guys you always want in your corner. Positive, hopeful, golden retriever energy.
My friend Katia always hoped we'd hook up, saying how perfect he was for me, but it's just never been like that between us. It's possible to have a friendship with someone of the opposite sex, just vibing off each other's energy. We've never crossed that friendship line, nor has there been an awkwardness surrounding that. He's my bro, and I'm his sis, and I'll always be in his corner as I know he'll always be in mine.
However, when it comes to going out on a weeknight, work always comes first for me. My obligations are too important. I have a sense of professionalism, and if I ever want to advance in my field, drinking with the boys will not help get me there. Plus, it’s not like Colin would allow it, anyway.
As soon as the thought crosses my mind, I hear him knocking on the door.
“Sorry, Jaden. Not tonight,” I blurt out.
I need to finish the conversation before he walks in and overhears. My heart is racing, and I really don't need any confrontations tonight.
“Damn. Well, I tried.” He sighs, sounding defeated. “Alright, I’ll see you in the morning, Dyl.”
The door cracks open. I hang up quickly, slapping the phone on the desk before turning to look up at him. I need to look innocent so questions aren't asked. Questions about changes in our routine or the thought of me leaving are the last thing I need at the moment.
He stands there, dropping the doorknob as his hands clasp together again, eyes wandering the space.
“What’s that?” he asks, looking at the phone.
Thenextmorning,I’msurprised to see Lake sitting on the bench by the lockers already.
He’s here before me, which is annoying by itself. I came in two hours earlier than our scheduled appointment to get organized and have everything together. Why is he here already?
He’s got all his gear out beside him, looking like he’s about to try to workout on his own.
I set my stuff down, marching over to him.
“You can’t do any extracurriculars while healing. You know that, right?”
