Page 21 of Wrestling With Love

Diamond exhaled sharply. Everything in her body ached from training, her ribs sore from the excessive pressure she had pulled over herself. The last thing she wanted was to be crammed into a noisy bar with sweaty bodies and overpriced drinks.

“Not my scene.”

Lena rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, she shrugged, her voice softer than usual. “Fine. Then just sit with me for a bit. You don’t have to drink, don’t have to talk. Just… be there.”

Diamond glanced at her, surprised. Lena wasn’t one for quiet moments, but right now, she was offering one. No pressure, no expectations.

Diamond sighed, she honestly did not want to go back to her apartment. Luca's memories were present there and she didn't want to relive every moment again. Lena pulled her hand and led her to the lockers. Diamond changed out of her sweaty training clothes, swapping her usual hoodie for a spare fitted tee and baggy trousers.

Lena smirked as they walked out. “I’ll take what I can get.”

Diamond just grunted, but this time, it wasn’t as reluctant.

The bar was exactly what she hated. Loud. Crowded. Full of people who didn’t know how to keep their hands to themselves. The music was too loud, the bass thrumming through the floorboards, rattling in her chest like an unwelcome heartbeat. The air was thick with the mingling scents of sweat, alcohol, and something fried, making her stomach churn.

Diamond shifted on her feet, already regretting every choice that led her here.

Lena, on the other hand, was in her element. She walked ahead with the confidence of someone who belonged here, flashing an easy grin at the bartender as she leaned over the counter.

"One beer and a water bottle.," Lena said, drumming her fingers against the wood.

Diamond stayed back, eyes moving over the room out of habit. She took in the scene like she was scanning for threats—because, honestly, she was. It was instinct at this point. The clusters of people at their tables, laughing too loudly, spilling their drinks. The couples tangled up in each other in the dark corners of the room. The groups of men near the pool table, all loose-limbed and rowdy, their voices carrying over the music.

Diamond exhaled sharply.

"You know," Lena started, glancing at her over her shoulder, "you could at least pretend you’re not thinking about bailing."

Diamond rolled her shoulders. "I’m not thinking about it. I’m deciding."

Lena scoffed, grabbing their drinks when they arrived. She shoved the water toward Diamond, who took it reluctantly, eyeing the liquid for potential spikes.

"You’re exhausting," Lena muttered, clinking her bottle against Diamond’s plastic one before taking a long sip.

Diamond didn’t respond. She wasn’t here to drink. She wasn’t here to have fun, either. But Lena had dragged her out, and for some reason, she had let her. Maybe because Lena hadn’t pushed when she saw something was wrong earlier. Maybe because, despite everything, it was easier to go along with her than to sit alone in her apartment, stewing in her own thoughts.

Lena sighed dramatically. "You know, normal people unwind after a long day. They go out, get a drink, maybe even dance—"

"Not my scene," Diamond muttered, taking the smallest possible sip of her beer.

Lena rolled her eyes. "Right, because your scene is, what? A poorly ventilated gym and a barely functional apartment? Real thrilling."

Diamond smirked despite herself. "It’s peaceful."

"It’s boring."

"It’s quiet."

Lena narrowed her eyes. "You’re impossible."

Diamond just shrugged.

Lena huffed but didn’t press further. Instead, she leaned against the counter, scanning the bar herself. "Alright, let’s play a game," she said suddenly.

Diamond arched a brow. "A game?"

"Yeah. People-watching. Pick someone in this bar and guess their life story."

Diamond gave her a flat look. "That’s ridiculous."

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