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A sadness flashes across his eyes, and he quickly recovers himself, shuffling in his seat.
“I know how it feels to lose the one person you love in this life, Sienna. It fucking guts you and leaves you a shell of a person. But your person is still here, you never know, maybe there is hope for your heart after all.”
He shuffles in his seat, gripping the steering wheel so his knuckles turn white.
“Keller made a mistake, a fucking big one. He did it for the right reasons. He sacrificed himself for your safety. I would do the same thing. It might hurt, but maybe think about why he did it. You know he loves you fiercely, maybe too much. You two need to heal apart to come back fighting stronger together. Don’t give up too soon.” There’s a softness in his tone as he stares out of the windshield.
“Maybe. Thank you for understanding. Shall we call this a truce?” I ask, resting my hand lightly on top of his.
“A truce is fine by me.”
We stay silent for the rest of the journey to Kings Gym, my mind reeling at how my day would play out.
The excited chattering of kids fills the Gym as I walk in, tossing my coat on the stand. Grayson spots me immediately and rushes over, pulling me into a bear hug. Wrapping my arms around his strong shoulders, he lifts me up and spins me around. I’m not sure what’s got him so happy today, but I can’t complain about this greeting. Already he’s put me at ease. After gently placing me down, the smile on his face greets me.
“Are you okay? You look pale.” His eyes flicker across my face as if assessing my injuries.
“I’m fine.” I lie and give him a small smile as I twiddle with the rim of my hoodie.
“Is he here?” I almost whisper, my eyes darting around the room as if he’s going to jump out at me any second. I’m not ready to see him.
Grayson nods as he chews his bottom lip.
“Maybe just hear him out. What harm can it do?”
It could finally break me.
Paula rushes over to me, her white hair pulled into a ponytail which swishes as she moves. Her signature red lipstick is perfectly painted on her.
“Sienna, darling, you made it.” She says, wrapping me in a big hug. People clearly have a thing for hugging today. It’s like I almost died. Oh, wait.
“Let me look at you.” Gripping my forearms, she leans back and scans me from head to toe, assessing for injuries. Unless she can see into my brain, she won’t see anything.
“I’m so happy to be back at work,” I lie. I’m happy to be working with the kids; it’s just the choice of the venue that’s my issue.
“Come on. We need to see Keller in the office to iron out the formalities for this session. I need my head of events there.” She winks, grabbing my hand and pulling me through the gym.
Fuck.
My heart is almost pounding out of my chest. I’ve never had one, but I could be having a heart attack now.
“Come in!” his voice bellows after her knock. Paula swings open the door. He’s there, sitting at his desk, his dark eyes piercing my soul.
It feels like all the oxygen sucks out of my lungs, and a high-pitched ringing fills my eardrums. I rub my sweaty palms along my thighs, hunching over to try and catch my breath. I’m losing it, that last grip I have on reality, slipping.
An electric current shoots from my shoulder. It’s him. He’s touching me.
“Don’t touch me!” I shriek, now almost hyperventilating. The next thing I know, I feel like I’m floating, and hear the door slam. The cool leather presses against my skin as I sink into the couch. Squeezing my eyes shut and clenching my fists, I focus on my breathing.In for four. Out for four. Just like me and Maddie practice.
I slowly creep my eyes open and Keller’s worried face fills my vision.
“Baby, it’s me. Are you okay?” There’s concern in his raspy voice as he strokes my hair out of my face. I bolt myself upright to be rid of his touch. It’s too much, he’s too much.
“Paula, can we have a second?”
“Yes. Yes, of course. Sienna, I’ll be just outside.” Her eyes wide as she turns and leaves.
“What was that, Sienna? Are you still sick?”
