“Gus must be in a pissy mood if you’ve hunted me down this early.”
Calista smirks, lowering her stiletto boots from a nearby chair, “He was down four pounds this morning and wouldn’t stop whining about it.”
“That’s because he was fucking Lionel last night. If he doesn’t want to do cardio, he should pick someone who won’t fight back.”
I lean down and grab my towel. Calista watches me dry myself off, her eyes shamelessly raking over my mostly naked body.
“Some men just aren’t built for cardio.”
“Clearly.”
I turn and walk into the men’s changeroom. Calista’s boots click against the floor as she follows me, not bothering to turn around when I peel off my speedo.
“I thought practices started tomorrow.”
“They do.” Turning to open my locker, I give her my back as I carefully pull out the folded dress pants, “I was getting one last productive practice in before the others arrive.”
“What every swimmer wants to hear from their captain.” She smirks, watching me pull up my pants, “Still going commando, I see.”
“A team captain is merely a figurehead. I simply ensure everyone knows their role on the team.” I zip up my pants with a shrug, “And why would I ruin these creases with an underwear line?”
Calista laughs, the movement spilling blond curls over her leather jacket. She was always a pretty girl, but the years have transformed the little princess into a beautiful woman. Rosy cheeks sharpened into high cheekbones, pink lips grew round and pouty, and those big green eyes became more wicked with each passing year.
She is the epitome of a dangerous woman. Confident in her sexuality and not afraid to walk in six-inch stilettos with a knife up her sleeve.
“What is it you’re looking for?” Pulling out my dress shirt, I slide it over my shoulders, “I find it hard to believe you would track me down just for a chat.”
She gasps, “Are we not old friends?”
I raise a brow, slowly buttoning my shirt, “I’m waiting.”
“Maybe I just wanted to see you.” She smiles, sliding closer to finish the last button, “Gus isn’t the only one who filled out.”
“Pity. I’m still waiting for your boobs to do the same.”
Calista laughs, dropping her hand from my chest, “I remember someone trying to cop a feel when these itty bitties came in.”
I smirk, “And I remember someone breaking my jaw when that happened. Now, are you going to tell me why you’re here or should I risk another broken jaw?”
“You know why I’m here. Hand it over.”
Turning my back to her, I reach inside my locker and grab the ring tucked inside my suit pocket. Sliding it onto my middle finger, I twist it around until the family crest shines back at me.
It’s a bit ostentatious for my taste, the skull with tentacles leaking out of its eye sockets and gaping mouth, but my mother felt it was on brand for her particular form of torture.
It can be quite exasperating dealing with the Sea Witch on a daily basis.
“And if I’m not in a sharing mood?”
The edge of Calista’s favourite blade digs into the base of my neck. I chuckle, turning around slowly so she doesn’t puncture something vital.
“Let’s not get too hasty. I was simply testing the waters to see how excited you were to hear about Wolf Hollow’s latest transplant.”
She smiles, digging in her knife to draw a drop of blood.
“Let’s assume I amecstaticto hear what you found out about the new girl. Now, if you will be so kind.”
The blade stays glued to my neck until the report is out of my locker and safely in her hands.