Page 53 of Hiding from Hope

“Because she is out of your league, like we’ve already said.” This coming from Lucas.

“You need to get realistic, Caleb. This isn’t the long game. She just isn’t fucking interested.” Ethan provides in a bored tone, Matt and Noah almost thoroughly losing their shit as they struggle to contain their laughter. Caleb’s annoyed expression grows as he sips his drink and analyzes his target with new eyes. Probably realizing what we’ve been trying to tell him.

I settle into the camaraderie, and whether it’s the whiskey or lack of sleep and mental clarity, it has me opening up a lot more than I had planned.

“You guys ever heard of Ryder Developments?” They each turn their gazes to me, and Ethan leans forward from his relaxed position in his chair to rest his elbows on the table, giving me his full attention.

“They’re known for buying up old buildings, knocking down, and re-building stupidly expensive residential apartments no one can afford to rent,” he informs me with his signature furrowed brows.

“And the CEO is a huge dick,” Matt supplies, and I roll my eyes. Figured.

“Why’s that?” Noah queries.

“Stopped by the café. Gave me his card,” I mumble and sip my drink, mulling over my choices.

“Your building isn’t that old. Why would they be interested in you?” Lucas asks.

“I’d say it’s the location.” That gives a knowing nod across the group.

“Was that the wannabe suit who was leaving when we arrived?” Caleb all but forgets his latest target as he settles back into the conversation. I nod as I sip my whiskey. Noah’s and Caleb’s lips turn into different versions of a snarl, and I feel comforted that my instincts of the sales guy were correct: slimeball.

“I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him,” Noah supplies.

“Mmm. They do pretty well, actually. They’re extremely successful, and from the deals I’ve heard of, the people they buy off make good coin.” Ethan, pragmatic as always.

“Didn’t you just say they price them too high?” I deadpan back at him.

“I did.” He nods and sips as I raise a brow at him. “Both facts can exist at the same time,” he provides, and I roll my eyes, running a hand down my face.

“Are you considering selling?” Lucas asks. And I stare at him in contemplation. I really don’t know how to answer the question. Do I want to sell? No. Should I sell? Maybe. Not yet, though. If I did, what else would I do?

I shrug in response, my focus landing on my glass, and I twirl it self-consciously. A ball of fury and frustration starts to grow inside me, knowing they’re all looking at me expectantly.

“I don’t want to.”

“Do you need to?” Ethan asks, albeit gently, but his eyes are serious, considering, and the rest of the table feels the same. Again, I shrug.

“Look, if you need, I can look over your books. Run some numbers, help you out?” Ethan provides. I knew he was in finance, but if I’m honest, I really have no idea what his actual role or job description is. I look into his dark eyes, intense and assessing, and I feel the left corner of my lips tilt in an appreciative smirk.

“Thanks. I’d appreciate that, actually. We’re not in the red. Every bit helps, though.” I nod and he does the same, pulling out his phone for me to input my number. I do and hand it back.

“I’ll reach out next week and we can catch up.” And with that, they return to their usual casual conversations. It feels unusual to rely on other people. To be handed help and amity without any expectations, but something warm spreads in my chest and I realize I feel less of a need to avoid or escape, but instead feel perfectly content to just be in their space and their presence.

Casey

“It’s not that bad.”

“It’s partners Yoga, Casey. It’s not that great.” I struggle to hold my chuckle in as I watch Jessie shift on his feet. We are currently in the lobby. Elle’s hot Yoga class is running over time, probably because everyone in there is exhausted, but I’m not worried. The extra time to make Jessie overthink this whole thing is hilarious.

Am I nervous about being in close and suggestive positions with the guy I have been trying super hard not to crush really hard on? Yes.

Am I enjoying tormenting him and looking forward to watching him try not to be attracted to me? Also yes.

I mean, how could I not? Just look at that frown and sweaty upper lip.

Finally, losing the battle to withhold my laugh, I lean forward and rest my hands on my knees in a cackle. He looks down at me, unimpressed.

“It’s really not that bad. If you didn’t want to do this, you could have said no.” I smile up at him and he crosses his arms. I hadn’t really explained to him just how much it meant to me that he came with me. It was the one thing Grace, and I did together. It’s a great workout for strength, flow, and flexibility, and was a way for us to have our own time without taking away too much from our own teaching. But of course… I couldn’t exactly come with her now.

---