Page 53 of See You at the Finish Line

My shoes hit the floor with a thud as I kick them off and walk through the dark house, the only light coming from the open glasswall that looks out on the bay. I was so lucky to find this place. I had to use my entire bonus from signing with the Whales for the down payment. I never would have been able to afford it otherwise.

Even though I’ve only lived here for six months, I know I’ll make this into a home. I’m struck by an image of Paige sitting on the back deck, looking out at the bay, watching orcas swim by as the sunrise kisses her. And then I’d kiss her.

I run a hand down my face. I’m so lost to my longing for her, and she’s probably still in bed with Nate. At least I heard a rumour that his dick is nothing special. Adequate, I think I heard it called. My dick has never been called adequate.

Maybe she sent that email from his bed while they lay naked and sweaty, laughing together, sharing some sort of inside joke.

The fantasy in front of me dissolves as this new image takes its place—him kissing her bare neck as she laughs, swatting him away so she can write me the world’s shortest email and get back to fucking him as quickly as possible.

I begin to get undressed and make my way to my shower, turning it as hot as my skin will allow and wallowing in self-pity like the absolute goner I am. I stay until the hot water runs out and quickly lather in the lukewarm spray that’s left.

Wrapping a towel around my waist in the steam-filled room, I saunter into my bedroom, a headache blooming behind my eyes as I flop down on top of the covers.

When I grab my phone, I immediately shoot upright. My headache disappears when I see another email from Paige.

To:

From:

AJ Pain-In-My-Ass Ashford,

I told Leah that you said she was not the right kind of doctor so this is my warning that in approximately two days, you will have a very angry thirty-year-old woman pounding down your door with a baby in tow, ready to give you the ass kicking you deserve.

I’m only telling you so I’m not considered an accessory to assault.

I laugh as the smallest seed of hope sprouts in my heart. I try to squash it, but it won’t go away. She’s joking withme.

To:

From:

Paige Sore-Loser Harrison,

You can tell your sister that I have the utmost respect for her career and the letter she wrote was exceptionally hilarious and clever. If I didn’t want to beat you so badly, I may have accepted it as legitimate. I also think she deserves an award for being the best sister ever for both writing the letter and insulting you in the process. Tell her she’s my newhero.

Hopefully that satisfies her need for revenge, because I fully believe she could come here and remove my balls. As I’m rather attached to them, I’d prefer they stay where they are.

Sincerely,

Adam Never-Call-Me-AJ Ashford

To:

From:

Adam Plays-Dirty Ashford,

You still may have a thirty-year-old woman with a baby on your doorstep, but this time to deliver you a pie (she makes the best pies you’ve ever eaten in your life). Your email placated her and now she likes you more than she likes me.

I’m going to run this race just so I can prove you both wrong.

Sincerely,

Paige I-Don’t-Lose Harrison

To:

From:

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