Page 14 of Captured Love

A buzz from my phone pulls me out of my head. I wipe my hands on my towel and check the screen.

Tessa: Can we talk?

I clench my jaw involuntarily. Tessa. Why now? It’s been years since we broke up, and she’s never once tried to contact me even though we’ve been at the same college.

Ignoring the text, I make my way to the locker room. The tiled floor is cool against my burning skin as I strip off my soaked-through shirt and throw it in my duffel. I stand under a showerhead, but don't turn on the water yet. The silence hums in my ears.

I don’t want to deal with whatever mess Tessa is trying to bring to my front door. But I do want to know why she’s suddenly reaching out. The cautious part of my brain reminds me that dealing with her helped turn me into the asshole I am today. Yet, I hate leaving things unresolved.

Like I did with Selene.

That thought shocks me out of whatever paralysis my thoughts put me under. I turn the shower on, determined not only to wash away the grime from my workout, but thoughts of Tessa too.

The warm water washes away everything, including the images that are threatening to race through my mind. I finish up and dry myself off, the cold air biting into my skin. My body feels like jelly as I slip into a fresh t-shirt and sweatpants. I check my phone again; no new messages. I’m relieved that Tessa hasn't followed up because I don’t want to open that can of worms again.

I toss my bag over my shoulder and head out into the night. The air is crisp, a sharp contrast to the stifling heat of the gym. My car is one of the few left in the parking lot and as I slide into the driver's seat, my phone vibrates again. For a moment, I consider not looking just in case it’s Tessa. However, it could be my parents or one of my siblings reaching out as well.

I start my car and then unlock my phone.

Asher: Where r u?

Shit. I forgot Asher and Blaise were hanging out tonight and asked if I wanted to join. I can’t blow them off like I did Wilder the other night because it’s not like we were going out to a party and they are both more than likely sitting in our living room, watching a recap of all the latest sports news.

I put my car in drive and then tap on Asher's name.

“I'm on my way,” I say when he picks up. “Just finished at the gym.”

“Dude, you need to stop killing yourself,” Asher says. I can hear Blaise in the background but can’t make out what he is saying. “Come home. We got wings.”

“I'll be there in ten,” I say, then hang up before he can lecture me more about overtraining.

The drive through campus is quiet. Most students are either holed up in their dorms or out at the various bars nearby. As Ipull onto our street, I think about Tessa again. What could she possibly want? An apology? Closure?

I slammed the door on all that years ago. Probably should have blocked her phone number then as well.

I find a parking spot a couple of houses away and turn my car off. I exit my vehicle and grab my duffel before I head to the house. The front door is unlocked, and I can hear the low murmur of the TV mixed with Asher and Blaise's voices. The smell of hot wings hits me, and my stomach growls. I realize I haven't eaten in a few hours and that needs to come to an end.

I stand in the doorway leading into the living room and find Asher and Blaise sitting on opposite ends of the couch. Blaise is holding a game controller while Asher is staring at him.

“I'm telling you, man, there's no way that move was legal,” Asher insists, gesturing to the tv screen.

Blaise smirks, shaking his head as he continues chewing. “Don't hate the player, hate the game. Not my fault you suck at—” He glances up, noticing me hovering in the doorway. “Well, look what the cat dragged in.”

I roll my eyes, dropping my bag by the door. “Didn't your mother ever teach you not to speak with your mouth full?”

Asher snorts and throws his head back. “She tried, but it didn't stick. Kind of like his last date.”

“Hey, that's rude!” Blaise sputters, indignant.

I collapse into the armchair, propping my feet up on the coffee table. Asher shoots me a look, but I ignore it, reaching for the plate of wings. There has to be more food somewhere because this isn’t going to fill me up.

“So what'd I miss?” I ask before taking a bite of the chicken.

Blaise shrugs, grabbing the controller. “Not much. Just Ash getting his ass handed to him. Again.”

“Screw you, man. I was distracted.” Asher chucks a pillow at him, which Blaise easily dodges.

“Yeah, yeah. Excuses, excuses.” Blaise grins, unpausing the game. “Ready for round two?”

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