Page 56 of Get Me to the Starting Line

I do not want to go there. It’s simply my body’s natural reaction to a fucking sexy man touching me for the first time in years. Have I ever had someone that hot touch me? I don’t think so.

What could he possibly see in me? I’m not fit or toned. Sure, I love yoga and walking, but looking at me—you can definitely tell I enjoy food. And then there’s my scars, both my stretch marks from Levi and the evidence of my accident last year.

There’s no way he’d find me attractive enough. I couldn’t be his type.

“What about you?” I ask Isabel, desperate for a change of subject to get these spiralling thoughts out of my head. I know better than to disparage myself, but I’m not perfect. Clearly.

“What about me?” she asks.

“Are you dating anyone?” Paige asks. I look at her, and she confirms what I suspect. She’s helping me change the topic.

“No, when would I have the time?”

“Um, you could be on a date right now,” I suggest with a smile.

She laughs. “And miss sister time? No way!”

“Did you tell Dana we were getting together?” Paige asks. I like Adam’s oldest brother’s wife. She’s quiet but nice, and she puts Liam in his place.

“Of course, but she’s too tired. The baby hasn’t been sleeping.”

“I remember those days. Sleep regression is a nightmare,” I add, mentally making a note on my never-ending to-do list to pop over and see if she needs any help or support.

Adam’s other brother Simon and his husband Jake have two kids as well, but I know Dana feels a little lonely sometimes. I wish she had come tonight.

“Stop changing the subject,” Paige says, bringing the attention back to Isabel.

“What do you want from me?” She fake pouts and I know there’s something there. Her face suddenly perks up, her eyes a little mischievous. “Oh, guess who I ran into the other day?”

“Who?” Paige and I say at the same time.

“You know that case I’ve been working on, the doctor vs. doctor one with the slimy lawyer?”

We nod.

“Well, Dr. Douche was there and stepped in when the other Dr. Douche tried to hit on me in front of Dr. Douche Three.”

“Wait, I’m confused. There are three Dr. Douches in this scenario?”

“Yup, Dr. Douche Two and Three are the ones involved in my case.”

“And who is Dr. Douche One?” I ask, and Isabel squirms in her seat, looking at Paige apologetically.

“Caleb.”

Paige’s jaw clenches and I feel the tension grow. Caleb was part of the reason Paige and Adam got disqualified from the ultramarathonwhere they met, leading to their two-year separation. Fate brought them back together, but Caleb is still a sore spot with them.

“Oh, come on,” Isabel says, pouting again. “Don’t make that face. Caleb is a doctor and I’m a malpractice attorney, I’m going to run into him from time to time. And he helped me get out of a jam.”

Paige nods slowly. “What did he say?”

Isabel shrugs. “Not much after the others left. We exchanged pleasantries. He heard about your engagement, asked me to pass along congratulations.”

Paige snorts.

“I get it, Paige, I do. I’ve known Caleb my whole life. He’s an asshole—a real one, not a fake one like Julien,” Isabel tosses in my direction. I roll my eyes. Subtle and Isabel have never been used in the same sentence. “You have every right to hate him.”

Paige is definitely done with this line of conversation. Isabel sees it too and lets it drop. “So,” Paige says, clearing her throat and turning to me, “are you excited about seeing yourfriendin action this weekend at the game?”

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