Page 50 of Absolutely Not in Love
Oh, I love that tattoo.
Felix:Wait. Maybe that was too much.
Felix:Sorry. Filter is broken.
Felix:I’m not in my underwear. I’m in my full hockey pads.
I laugh out loud for the second time tonight.
Gracie:That does not sound comfortable. I have no idea how you even walk around in those things. I can’t imagine trying to sleep.
Felix:Goalie pads are particularly cumbersome, for sure.
Gracie:I’m already in bed, but tomorrow sounds like an excellent day for (fully clothed) hugging.
Felix:How’s your dad? Is he home from the hospital?
Gracie:Yes. He’s okay. Meeting with the cardiologist next week, and in desperate need of some changes to his diet and exercise routines. Hopefully Mom will whip him into shape.
Felix:Do YOU like to exercise?
Felix:No judgment. You look like you do.
Felix:Or like you don’t need to?
Felix:Either one is fine. I’m only asking because I’m curious.
Felix:Even though now I realize it might sound like I think you NEED to exercise, which is not the case because I think you look amazing.
Felix:And also I wish I could unsend ALL those messages.
I send him a winking emoji because he’s adorable and I love that he’s so flustered.
Gracie:I do exercise, but only because I love pastries so much. I go to a spin class a couple of times a week and do tons of hot yoga. My sister-in-law is an instructor, and she’s brutal.
Felix:Never done hot yoga. Should I try?
Gracie:Most definitely. I’ll take you with me sometime.
The image of Felix doing hot yoga next to me, sweat dripping down his very beautiful body makes me close my eyes and sigh. Except…
I reread my text and feel a beat of trepidation. Did I just ask him on a date? Is that how he’ll take it? Will he care? Before I can overthink things even further, he replies.
Felix:I would love that. Nothing like embarrassing myself in front of the woman I’m trying to impress.
I drop my phone and curl my hands into fists, practically squealing with excitement.
What is even happening to me? I have never been this woman. The woman whosquealsover a man.
Gracie:Nah. I’m not buying it.
Felix:That I want to impress you?
Gracie:That you would embarrass yourself. You play hockey, which means you have great balance. And you probably have incredible core strength because goalies stand in the WEIRDEST positions during games. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.
Felix:I appreciate the assessment. I’m already feeling more confident.
Gracie:I mean, Jadah will still BREAK YOU. But no more than she does everyone else.
