Page 20 of Drawn to You
Brittney
I’m sitting at the front desk of Model Body, creating a landing page for a free yoga mat giveaway sign-up form. It’s part of a yoga class promotion campaign.
It’s four in the afternoon. Andrew has finished work and workout and is getting ready to leave. “I’m going to Trader Joe's. What would you like to have for dinner?”
I blush. The simple question warms me. It’s been a week since we made out in the tub. He’s been avoiding me whenever he can and wouldn’t speak to me unless it’s related to work. I sense his glances from time to time at work, but he again stays out late in the evenings.
What happened between us that night didn’t mean to happen, but I can’t stop thinking about it even now. Just the thought of his touch burns my skin. It’s one reason I haven’t been that productive lately. I’m afraid to look into his eyes. He’s had a shower earlier, and he smells body wash, which strangely turns me on. His hair is damp too, and I have the impulse to run my hands through it.
“Mmm,” I hesitate. Honestly, dinner is the last thing on my mind. But the possibility he’ll be home when I get back pleases me. “I’ll have whatever you make.”
“Okay,” he says. “I’m thinking about Salmon steaks. Sounds good?”
I nod. “Yes.”
Andrew leaves momentarily.
Soon after he leaves, Jennifer asks me, “Is Andrew a good cook?”
I nod with a smile. “Yeah, he is.”
“Do you like, work for room and board or something?”
“Not really,” I say. “He isn’t charging me rent. I’m staying with him temporarily. I need to find a place to move to but don’t really know where to look.”
“You can go to Apartments.com,” she offers.
“I tried it. They’re all pretty expensive. Over a thousand bucks for a tiny studio.”
“It depends on the area,” she says. “I live in Echo Park, and my one-bedroom costs eight hundred.”
“Where is it?”
“It’s near downtown,” she says.
“Oh,” I say with a nod. Andrew has warned me not to bother with Downtown LA because it isn’t safe.
Darrell, who overhears our conversation, comes over and says, “There’s actually a vacancy in my apartment building. The guy moved out a couple of days ago. If you want, I can ask about it.”
“That’ll be great. Thanks!” I say. “Where is it? Maybe I’ll take a look.”
“It’s right around here in Korean Town. Let me show you,” he says and comes to use the computer.
I recall Korean Town is close to the gym and therefore close to Andrew’s house as well. I don’t know how safe it is, though.
The gym fills up shortly after five as people come in after work. Seeing Jennifer is busy, I stop what I’m doing over the computer and help her out with member services. I know the gym like the back of my hand now, and I’ve given quite a few tours since last week. As I’m explaining the member benefits to a potential client, the front door opens, and we both look in the entrance's direction. In comes Mason in his workout clothes, duffle back hanging on his shoulder, yoga mat in one hand, and a guitar in the other.
“Hey, Bro!” Mason Meyer gives Darrell a fist bump as the trainer greets him.
“What’s the guitar for?” Darrell asks.
“I’ve written a new song and would like to do a live performance for you guys.”
Darrell grins. “Are you serious?”
“Yep!”
He drops his yoga mat and duffle bag and slings the strap of his electric guitar over his shoulders. “It’s called Brittney, the Girl with the Ponytail,” he says, winking at me.
