Page 55 of In It to Win It

It’s true, and that makes the focus even more important. One look at Taylor while doing Warrior 2 makes me wobble dangerously. I grit my teeth and resume my pose, trying to find that balance again and relax.

I leave the class feeling good. Nice and calm and relaxed. That’ll probably last until I get on the freeway.

Nonjudgmental toward myself and others.I won’t curse the stupid drivers on the freeway. Wait, that was judgmental. I mean, I won’t curse the drivers on the freeway.

“I’m surprised to see you here,” Taylor says after we’ve taken our boards back. “I didn’t think you were really into this.”

“That was Harrison.” I throw him under the bus. “I felt good after, and I’m working on being more Zen.”

Her lips twitch. “Ah. That’s good. Did it work?”

“Yeah. I think so.”

“You’re ready for the party tonight, then.”

“Ah . . . yeah.” I eye her. “Lacey told you about it?”

“I’m invited.”

It’s Théo’s birthday party tonight. His birthday was last week, but Lacey planned the party for tonight, a Saturday night both the Condors and the Eagles are off. We’ve had three Saturday games in a row, now a few weeks into the season. “I hope Lacey knows what she’s getting herself into. The Wynn family parties are usually a bit . . . uh . . . well, you know what happened at the wedding.”

She rolls her eyes. “Oh yeah.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”I’llbe on my best behavior. I can’t speak for everyone else. “How are you doing?” I ask, holding her gaze.

“I’m fine.” One corner of her mouth lifts, as we both remember how upset she was last time we saw each other. “I found a new place. I’m moving in next week, which is good because our house sold right away, and the new owners take possession November first.”

“Wow. Well, that worked out. What about Byron?”

Her eyes shadow and her eyebrows slope down. “Looks like—” Her voice catches and she stops.

“I told you I’ll take him.” My voice is low and intense. I’m pissed because she hasn’t contacted me about this when she’s clearly upset about it. “Why didn’t you let me know?”

“I, uh . . .”

“Where’s your new place?” I ask. “Is it an apartment?”

“Yes.” She bites her lip. “On Frampton Avenue.”

“I’m not sure where that is.”

She describes the location.

“That’s not far from my place at all.” I shake my head. “Come on, Taylor, this is a no-brainer.”

Our eyes meet in a sizzling, penetrating connection. She’s being stubborn about this because it’s me. It pisses me off. And makes my chest feel heavy.

She nods. “Okay.”

“How about we get lunch and we can talk about it?”

“Oh. Um, I’d better get home. Anthony and I are going to a movie premiere tonight.”

Anthony.Fuck. “Ooh, all Hollywood.” I try for a light tone, but it comes out with an edge.

Taylor’s lips tighten.

“I thought you were coming to the party.”

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