Page 14 of You're All I Need

Just as I replace the dumbbells onto the rack, I spot a wild mane of dark, curly hair rapidly bouncing toward the front entrance. Adrienne has clearly showered, wearing a pair of cutoff shorts and a blue tank top. Her hair is piled high on thetop of her head and she’s wearing cute little sandals that show off her painted toenails.

My eyes follow her every move as she slips outside and darts across the street, pausing only long enough to not get hit by a passing car. I slowly shift my position so my eyes can track her movement. She stops in front of the Mexican restaurant, waves at someone through the window, and then enters.

And I’m standing here, watching, like some fucking creeper.

Go me.

I return my attention to my workout, and while I complete it, I couldn’t tell you what I actually did or how many reps. My mind was securely focused on the beauty across the street, dining at the Mexican place.

Heading toward the men’s locker room, I spot another familiar face I’d rather not see. Unfortunately, there’s nowhere for me to hide, especially since she’s staring straight at me, approaching with an extra swing in her step to draw my attention, and blocking my escape.

When she stops in front of me and flashes a supermodel smile, I acknowledge with a nod and curt, “Krissy.”

“Oh, hi, Caden,” she coos, stepping into my personal space and placing a hand against my chest. “Fancy meeting you here.”

I want to roll my eyes, but refrain. “Is it really though? I come here most days after work,” I reply casually, taking a step back to dislodge her hand.

“Wanna go catch up? It’s been a while,” she practically sings, her tongue darting out and sliding along her plump bottom lip.

While her offer is rather attractive for a man who has absolutely no intention of settling down, I’ve been there, done that with her. A few times. She always claims she’s fine with casual, usually persuading me to give it another go by droppingto her knees, I’m very much aware that’s not really the case. Krissy is “fine” with casual sex until she thinks she has her claws in me enough to demand more.

No number of talons will ever dig deep enough to have that sort of hold on me.

Usually, after a few weeks, she turns into the woman who wants more. She turns up at all hours of the night and demands things like snuggle sessions and movie date nights. Things that were not in our previously laid out and discussed arrangement.

So, while what I know she’s offering sounds appealing, the consequences are too great. “Sorry, Kris, maybe another time.” I wince at my own words. There will not be another time, and the last thing I want to do is give her the impression it’s up for discussion. “Actually, that’s probably not accurate. You’re a great girl, but I think our time together has just run its course, you know?”

She stares back at me, mouth gaping open and blinking wildly. “What?” she shrieks, drawing attention of those around us. “Excuse me?”

“You’re a great girl, Kris—” I start but am cut off.

“Don’t give me thatyou’re a great girl, Krisbullshit!” She bats at her long, blond ponytail, flipping it over her shoulder. “You’ll be back. You always come back,” she insists with a huff before stomping away.

I’m left standing here, scratching my head. I can feel all the eyes burning into the back of me, obviously watching Krissy’s little outburst. With a sigh, I make my way to the locker room and get ready to shower.

After showering and changing into a fresh pair of shorts and T-shirt, I shove my dirty work and gym clothes into my duffle bag and head for the exit. I keep my head down as I move to the door, giving Gage, the high schooler who’s working behind the counter, a wave as I go. Just as my feet hit the sidewalkoutside, my phone rings. Spotting my grandma’s name on the screen, I quickly tap the screen and connect the call.

“Hello?”

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite grandson,” she boasts with a smile. I can practically see her sitting in her easy chair, phone with a cord up to her ear because she refuses to use one of those “silly little celly things.”

I snort, stepping aside so I’m not standing directly in the middle of the sidewalk. “You say that to all the boys. You have five.”

“Yes, but I really mean it when I say it to you.”

Smiling, I lean against the bricks of the gym, my foot propped against the wall. “You really know how to lay it on thick,” I tease.

“Yes, well, you didn’t learn all your bullshitting from your grandfather,” she quips. Before I can comment, she continues, “Listen, I wanted to give you a call about the wedding.”

It takes me a fraction of a second to understand what she’s talking about, but the moment I do, it’s like a sucker punch to the gut. “Gram,” I start.

“Listen to me, Caden. I’m old. I’m not going to be here forever. I want to spend what little time I have left on this earth with my grandchildren. Is that so much to ask?”

I close my eyes, my throat thick, making it hard to swallow. “No, it’s not, but I can’t go to that wedding.”

“Yes, you can,” she insists. “Show them they didn’t win.”

“But still. Kinda a dick move to even invite me, if you ask me.”

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