Page 56 of What Are the Chances
Levi wasn’t impressed, I could see the argument building on his face. But clearly too exhausted to argue, he let it drop and headed for the showers instead.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Not going there again
RILEY
The track was quiet this morning, like every other morning. My breath puffed out white clouds as I worked through my stretches. The grass beneath my feet was icy as I jumped on the spot. Getting out of bed had been hard this morning. On days like this I questioned my personal running goals.
Snow was forecast to arrive in the coming days. It had made a brief appearance before Christmas, just enough to coat the windowsills and make it feel magical. Unfortunately that magic hadn’t followed to dad’s house and his stifling formal lunch.
A hand clamped over my shoulder, startling me. I think I squealed. It was hard to tell. My headphones were practically on full blast.
I sharply turned, my anxious gaze landing on Grace. She held her arms up in innocence. With my hand over my heart I let out a relieved exhale, slipping out my headphones and dropping them into the pocket of my running jacket.
“Sorry,” Grace apologised. “I didn’t realise you had headphones in.”
“It’s all good.”
Dad had always cautioned me about running with headphones. Case in point, anyone could sneak up on you. Luckily Grace wasn’t exactly threatening.
“You can’t blame jetlag this time,” I said. “What’s up?”
“A grumpy boyfriend,” Grace moaned. “They lost last night. Levi didn’t stop tossing and turning.” She bounced on the spot, swinging her arms back and forth. “Do you mind if I keep you company this morning?”
“Of course not. Company would be nice actually.”
We set off at a slow pace, each of our muscles taking doubly as long to warm up. It was impossible imagining a time when I ran the same track in shorts and a crop.
On our second lap we picked up the pace a little, though I was happy to keep it steady today. Hopefully Grace was on the same page.
On the third lap she broke the silence. “What are you doing tonight?”
I remained silent for a pause while I recalled the day. Friday. Unlike most college students, I had no plans.
“Nothing.”
“Want to come for drinks? It’s Stella’s birthday. We’re going to Lastlings.”
Grace picked up on my hesitation.
“The hockey team has an away game,” she hurriedly added. “So I can promise you there won’t be any exes in sight.”
I chuckled. This girl knew how to win me over. And what the hell. Drinks sounded fun.
“Count me in. Do you mind if I bring my friend, Parker?”
“Of course not. The more the merrier.”
We finished the run in a comfortable silence.
*
I stirred my drink with my straw, mixing the tonic and vodka together. Coming tonight was the right call. It had been a fun night so far. And with the hockey team playing away, it was also safe territory.
Parker got along well with Grace and her friends, and Grace’s Australian friend Ava was hilarious.
Parker had dressed me tonight. Though my high-waisted jeans and cropped sweater were more casual than her black skirt and strappy heels, this was fancy for me. I’d convinced her to let me wear my high-top black Converse instead of heeled boots. Fortunately, as she’d informed me, sneakers were in. Otherwise it would’ve been ahell no.
