Page 4 of Mr. Green
“It’s a little revealing for you, don’t you think?”
“It’s less than I usually wear...” I look down at my outfit with a furrowed brow. “You think it’s too revealing?”
“Yes! I don’t need other people looking at you weird while we’re working out.”
“Yeah. You’re right.” I cross my arms over my chest. This wasn’t the best idea. Paige always picks out clothing that’s on the revealing side. I didn’t think much of it since it’s trending right now, though.
I go into my room and change. Thinking I could pull off an outfit that skimpy was dumb. I put my usual oversized T-shirt on that covers my butt and walk back out to the living room.
“Much better. Let’s go.” He turns and walks out, waiting for me to follow at the door. I try not to think too much about it. He’s probably just being protective over me and doesn’t want me to show off too much skin.
I head out the door with my head lowered, but at least Ryan is watching out for me.
During our workout routine we’d plan our life together. We never did cardio, so it was easy to chat in between sets.Sometimes it was the only quality time I got with him; he was always busy. We planned on him getting a job as an investment banker in Seattle. We were going to live in the city for two years, and then once both of us had enough experience under our belts, we’d buy a house in our little town, settling down with kids the year after. A life that’s safe and predictable was supposed to be my future.
Instead, I came home from my parents’ house to find he had packed up everything of his and left. No conversation, no note, no closure.
Why wasn’t I good enough?
“I can do that marathon!” I announce, alone in my apartment.
I shove the crop top back in its drawer and grab my phone to call Jason. Scarlett always works out with Matt now, and Paige has been busy with making updates to the spa. Jason will be the only one who is free. It’s eight in the evening, I won’t look desperate at this hour. I dial his number and plop back on my bed, waiting.
Ring, ring, ring.“Hey, you’ve reached Jason. You know what to do.”Beep.
“Hey, Jason, it’s Lana. I want to train with you for the marathon. Call me back when you know your schedule. Thanks, bye!”
The sides of my mouth lift a little as I stare up at the ceiling. This is the challenge I’ve been looking for—something to find the woman I know is still in there. She’s hiding, but she’s waiting to come out.
Chapter 4
Lana
The next morning, I stare up at the ceiling, liking the idea of staying in bed. I should be getting up. I have things to do and I’ve already pushed the snooze button on my alarm three times.
Instead, I sigh and roll over to my other side. I look at my phone just like every other day and find disappointment once again. No texts, e-mails, or phone calls, and no new notifications on social media from Ryan.
A tear slips down, but I swipe it away. I focus on the tasks today—meeting with Jason this afternoon to start my first training session. My lips turn up at the sides surprising me. The slight mouth movement settles back into a neutral position once again after I notice what I’m doing. Weird.
Before I can get excited about my training session, I have to do some coding for the gym’s app and then I’ll grab some lunch. I get out of bed, put on my glasses, throw my hair up in a messy bun and get started on coding the gym app. We’re making an app for our members so they can access classes anytime, record their fitness progress, and get nutrition tips. It’ll be open to the public as well for a fee.
The app coding goes by quick. I head to Lakebrook’s “downtown” three hours later. We have a small area filled with little shops, idyllic lampposts, and trees all going down one-way roads. I park a little crooked, but I’m in the lines so I don’t give it too much thought. Then I head to a known locals’ spot—the café. I usually meet Paige and Scarlett here, but they’re busy today.
I’m going to order a roast beef sandwich with provolone cheese that’s melted to gooeyness on top of arosemary French roll, plus French fries. I have a feeling I’ll be on a strict diet soon, so I’m getting my fill of unhealthy choices while I still can.
I walk through the door smelling coffee and potatoes. The sizzling of pans and steaming of espresso machines along with mild chatter fills the space. There’s two people in front of me. One of them is a woman with red hair hitting midback. The other is a guy who’s just a bit taller than her. He’s staring at her as she waits in line. She’s playing with her purse and something drops to the ground. He goes to pick it up and at the same time she reaches for the object. Their hands collide. They smile at one another, and the guy tells the clerk they’re on the same tab. It’s so sweet, it’s almost making me lose my appetite. I roll my eyes.Get a room.
I’m not sure why God or the universe or whoever thinks it’s funny to put people in love in front of me, but right now it feels like some sick joke.No one loves you, but here is a fun way to see how other people can be in love. Isn’t that cool?
I wish I could punch my brain for reacting this way.
Once the couple is over at a table, flirting, it’s my turn to order. I get it to carry out and wait in a corner of the café avoiding eye contact with the ten or so people sitting at tables. It’s easy enough, since most of them are on their laptops, having conversations amongst themselves, or scrolling through their phone.
I pretend to scroll through my phone too. I still have no missed calls, texts, or e-mails, so I don’t know what I’m supposed to look at right now. After seven minutes an associate, Noah, a high school student, shouts, “Order for Lana.”Thank God.I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding in.
I grab my sandwich and walk at a fast pace to the door. I’m looking down at my container of food, avoiding any stares from the other customers, so I don’t realize there’s someone walking in until I bump into him.
His broad shoulders, suit, and the signature man bunmake me freeze in place. He turns to face me, my breath catches in my chest. I wasn’t expecting to see him again so soon. Thankfully, I wasn’t carrying a drink or that would’ve become his new outfit.