Page 22 of Set on You

There is no photographic proof of his womanizing ways, even after checking his tagged photos. No club pictures with big-breasted models, or bikini-clad women on yachts. Sure, his friends are all fit and attractive. But I’m not about to judge someone for having attractive friends, so I abandon the task, tossing my phone aside.

Only minutes later, it lights up yet again. But this time, it’s a text from Tara.

TARA:Hey, hope you’re feeling better. Just wanted to let you know I’m staying late to help Mom clear all the flowers from the restaurant, etc. PS. The waiter is sticking around and I have it on good authority from the hostess that he’s working up the courage to ask me out. Going to have to let him down easy. Wish me luck.

CRYSTAL:Good luck! And I feel bad I’m not there to help. Tell Grandma I’m sorry for leaving.

TARA:No worries! There’s not much to do. And I think you should talk to Scott. FYI. He wants to apologize.

I roll my eyes. Apologize for being caught? Beg me not to tell anyone? No, thanks.

CRYSTAL:Tara, I don’t want an apology from him. I don’t care.

I toss my phone back on the table. The mere fact that he wants to be righteous and “apologize” pisses me off even more.

I scroll through my texts, revisiting my random text from Neil. I still haven’t responded.

Crystal, do not give in, I tell myself over and over, eyes fixed on the exposed ceiling.

To distract myself from the temptation of responding to either man, despite my growing curiosity, I throw on some gym clothes and head to Excalibur Fitness—the one and only place I can find any peace. My cramps have subsided in my rage, and I’m desperate to throw around some weights.

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EXCALIBUR FITNESS ISvacant of all human life, except for me. Then again, it’s midnight. Most people in their right minds aren’t pumping iron in the middle of the night.

The sound system isn’t even on, extending the tranquility. It reminds me of when I used to work at Pottery Barn in the mall as a teenager, coming in to open the store in the early hours of the morning and closing late at night. The stillness of a place that is normally bustling with people is off-putting to some, but it’s the ultimate serenity for me.

Pre-workout, I snap a photo of my running shoes and dumbbells for my Instagram story, captioning it, “Late-night session. Blowing off some steam!”

Catching my breath, I massage the slight blister forming on my calloused palms after two sets. I close my eyes, concentrating on the air passing in and out of my lungs, when the gym doorwhooshesopen.

Scott pushes through the turnstiles.

He’s still in his perfectly tailored sport coat from dinner, while I’m wearing a hideous neon workout top that highlights all my worst angles. I desperately need to do laundry.

By the pink flush of his cheeks and the rate at which his chest rises and falls, I’d wager a guess he just ran from the restaurant. “Can we talk for a minute?”

I set the barbell down with a grunt. “I think the better question is, how did you know I was at the gym?”

My menacing, probably downright unnerving expression stops him in his tracks. He takes a small step backward, maintaining a couple feet between us. “Your Instagram story.”

“Are you stalking me on Instagram now?” Dad would surely freak out if he found out his fears have come true, that someone actually did stalk me.

“Well, it sounds creepy when you say it like that.”

“Why did you follow me here?”

He lets out a long sigh, taking a step toward me. “I’m really sorry—”

“Scott, save it. I have no desire to be some secret sidepiece when you’re not getting it from your girlfriend.”

“Crystal.” His face is pained. “This is a massive misunderstanding.”

“How? Your tongue just accidentally fell into my mouth when you have a girlfriend?” I’m on fire now, blood boiling, itching to roast him within an inch of his life.

He snaps his head back, bringing his hands to his temples. “I don’t have a girlfriend. I never would have kissed you if I did.”

“Then why do your grandpa and your mom think you do? Diana the figure skater? You don’t need to lie. I’m not going to out you. I have better things to do with my time.”

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