A week and a half flashed by in the blink of an eye. One day I was with Gemma, and the next she’s almost returning to Los Angeles. I asked if she had another work conference for the gym she owns with her family, but instead she told me something so shocking that I didn’t quite believe it at first. Gemma’s in the racing community, just like Rylee’s husband, Colton. Gemma and I haven’t seen one another since the day she slept over at my apartment, but I’m itching to see her again, not only because she’s a beautiful vision of a woman, but because I have questions about her work. It made me realize I barely know anything about her life. Sure, I know about her interests, but I want to push past the surface and discover who she really is. What makes her tick and all of it.
Vic has Kaia for a week since he’s vacationing in Italy right now with his parents and siblings, so this could be the opportune moment for a nightcap. Well, that and one of those romantic nights you only see in the movies.
I’ve just finished work for the day and I’m on the way to the gym. I’m not one of those women who go every single day, but I do try to get here two or three times a week. I like Pilates and cardio, so I usually stick to those.
I make my way through the gym and go into the locker room, stripping out of my typical business casual attire, I go for a fashionable yet practical look. I’m a huge fan of high-quality activewear since Greer just launched her line a few months back so I rep her every chance I get. Everything she’s released practically molds to your body. I remember her saying the clothing was developed using a new type of technology, but I didn’t pay too much attention to it. The only thing that ever matters to me is the fit and the color, or pattern. Tonight, I’m wearing a deep velvet purple leopard print pattern sports bra and matching high-rise legging set.
“Keira, is that you?” A familiar voice questions me from behind, so I turn around while also shoving my gym bag in my locker.
Instantly I’m pleasantly surprised to find my friend, Bailey, here. She used to be my workout partner eons ago, but she got a job at a big law firm here in the city. They basically have her as slave labor, so of course she’s working fifty to sixty-hour weeks.
“Bailey. God, how long has it been?” I cross the distance between us and get closer to her, standing maybe a few feet away.
“A few months at least. The firm is working me crazy right now. How have things been with you?”
I shrug, “You know, the same old thing. Kaia is doing great. Co-parenting is getting a little easier with Vic, even if he is an arrogant asshole. Work has had a couple bumps in the road, but nothing I can’t handle. So, I guess I’d better say things are going great. I’m really lucky.”
“That’s for sure. Man, I wish I could’ve gotten a job representing Corporate Cares. The way you talk about the foundation has always made me want to work there. Even now, it just sounds like a lovely place.”
I nod in confirmation, “It is, and it’s amazing. Everyone who works there has the biggest heart and honestly wants to make the world a bit better. So, how are you and . . .” My mind goes blank as I try to remember Bailey’s girlfriend’s name.
“Megan?” Bailey laughs as she fills in the blank.
“Yeah, sorry. It’s been a minute and you know I’ve always been horrible at keeping up with things on social media.”
Bailey lets out another laugh, “Yeah, I don’t blame you. The online environment can be a little bit too much sometimes, even for me. But, um, Megan and I broke up a few months back.”
“Oh God, I’m so sorry to hear that.”
A soft smile pulls at Bailey’s lips before her expression shifts back to a flat line. “It’s okay, really. We were at two totally different places in our lives. She wanted to settle down, get married, have a baby and all that. And . . . I have so much left to do before I can even level up at the firm. It wouldn’t be fair to her to commit to what she wanted and then barely be around. But I guess I’ve been low maintenance like that.” She shrugs her shoulders at the end of her sentence.
“I understand. I love the fact I had Kaia young, and even though my experience with Vic wasn’t the greatest, it taught me a lot about what I need to search for in life. You know? You always need to take it one moment at a time. Don’t rush a damn thing, instead simply savor it.”
“Damn, spoken like a true genius.”
“I’m no genius, just a woman who’s made plenty of mistakes and knows how to hopefully not make more.” I giggle, happy that my mistakes have turned out to be lessons. Not one person on this planet is ever too old to learn something new.
Bailey smiles brightly at me and crosses her arms, staring a bit longer than I’m used to. “You know, you’ve had so many experiences in your life. And whether they’re good or bad, you take them with grace and decide to use those experiences as a starting point to do better. I love that about you, Keira. Not many people can do the same.”
“Thank you, that’s so sweet.” I say, really itching to get to the treadmill. “I hate to cut this short, but I really need to get started on my workout. It’s going to be a super busy day tomorrow at the office.”
“Yeah, of course, but, um . . .” Bailey grows quiet, so I furrow my brows and stare into her eyes.
“Everything okay?” I question.
She nods, “Yeah, I just wanted to see if you’d like to grab coffee sometime.”
“For sure. Just text me and let me know when yo—” Immediately I stop speaking, realizing this isn’t the kind of coffee you have with a friend. “You mean a date, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I do.”
God. This is going to be so awkward. “I’d love to Bailey, but I met someone recently and I don’t want to screw things up with her. We’re not official, yet . . . but I see things heading that way really soon. She’s . . . really special.”
Bailey doesn’t hold her frown back, looking obviously disappointed. “Should’ve known someone like you would have found a good woman by now. Guess I should’ve acted a little sooner.”
“You’re going to find a good woman too, you know. One that’ll make you super happy and will have the same life goals as you. It just takes time, and I know you can be patient.”
Bailey smiles, “I sure hope you’re right, Keira. Sorry, go get to your workout. I’ve held you up for a bit now.”
“Thanks, and Bailey, if you ever want to grab a coffee or a drink as a friend, let me know. I need more fun girls’ nights.”
Bailey’s smile grows quicker than wildfire. “Count me in. I’m tired of the stuck up, pretentious women at the firm. They make me want to gouge my eyes out. How’s next Friday at six for a drink?”
“Sounds perfect. Text me the details later,” I say, walking out of the locker room. In all reality I was making my grand exit, but I really need more friends. I’ve somewhat become a loner as of late, so hopefully going out with Bailey, once every couple weeks, will be good for me.
Chapter Thirteen
Gemma
Today I’m finally going to see Keira again. I’m more excited than I can possibly put into words. It’s normal for me to hop around from city to city, not seeing friends and family except for a couple times a month, but not seeing Keira has been agonizing. We talk every night on the phone for an hour before we go to bed, and we’re texting throughout the day. The woman is melting my heart a little bit more and more every day, and before I know it, she’s going to have me, head over heels in love with her.