AllFreeNovel
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He doesn’t respond, but whatever. He’ll listen.
I’ve just hit the five-mile mark when my phone goes off again.
Melody
I don’t know anything about social media.
I’m going to get fired before I’ve begun.
I smile.
You’re going to be fine. Trust me.
Melody
Denise just told me to go home and pack a bag for tomorrow…???
Game five in New York. Wait for me, I’ll drive you home.
I hit the cool-down button on the treadmill and toss my phone in the cupholder. Five minutes later, I use my shirt to blot sweat off my brow, then go out to find Melody.
She’s waiting just outside the gym, fiddling with the strap of her purse.
“Hey,” I call. “Ready?”
She turns to me, and her jaw drops.
I’m still holding my shirt in my hand, and I smirk at her. Her eyes move all over my chest. I wonder what she thinks of me this time around.
“You should put your shirt back on,” she says, her voice faint. “Your abs could take an eye out.”
My smirk widens into a fully fledged grin. “You like what you see?”
“I’m too old for you.” She shakes her head. “What am I saying? I’m too wrong for you in more ways than just age. Stop flirting with me.”
I roll my eyes. That, at least, hasn’t changed. “You’re wrong about that.”
“I wouldn’t have hooked up with you. Even past-me couldn’t have been so bold.”
“Maybe not. But me? Past, present, future. I’ve always been bold.” I slip my shirt back on and motion for her to walk with me. “Besides, there’s nothing wrong with a little age gap.”
“So we were a thing?” Her eyes are wide.
“No,” I lie. “We were just friends. I’m just saying,if…”
She visibly relaxes.
“And as friends, are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Why?”
I shrug. “You just have a look on your face.”
Her lips press together for a moment, and she visibly swallows. “Well, I’m good. You got me a job, after all. I don’t need anything else.”
She may not think so, butIneed her to need me. Getting her text this morning filled me with too many emotions. Joy that she’d reached out, fury that some guy thought he’d lay a finger on her and get away with it. I was smug about her not wanting to call her cousin. He wouldn’t have got to her in time, I’m sure of it.
“Just a ride home,” I say.
