Page 22 of The Breaking Pointe
Running is probably my favorite workout, beyond boxing. It just feels so easy and timeless.Everything is within walking distance in New York if you’re in the right place.
What I can’t seem to get my mind away from, even after clearing all my thoughts through punching different bags and pads, is Noelle. I just want to talk to her. I need to have more of her.Or at least just one more night.Something about her is just different, I can feel it.I felt it at the club that night. Checking my phone for a sign of her attention is starting to haunt me.
As Trey and I finish our run, we walk off our last bit of trail to get to the main road again. Perfect opportunity to get his opinion. We’ve been walking for some time now while he’s explained a situation with some girl from the club that same night.Something about boning her, which is usually his goal. He’s older than me and plays the game like a well-rounded
veteran, but settling down is never a topic of discussion for him. He’s always going on about how I’m in mybachelor era. I just can’t seem to get comfortable with it.
I’ve zoned out a bit, but I’m listening selectively, of course. “Anyways, she had the fattest ass. The way she was throwing it back, bro, it was unbelievable.” He laughs as he gestures with his hands.
“Listen, without a doubt, it sounds amazing,” I say, shaking my head as I let out a laugh. At least one of us was getting some play.
“But?” he asks, raising an eyebrow. “I know it’s coming.” He chuckles.
“But it just sounds lonely to me.Not to be sappy or whatever.” I shrug, gently patting my face with my shoulder towel.
“Thatsoundslonelytoyou?”Hebeginslaughingnow.
I smile. “Maybe not lonely, but I guess I’m just over the whole hookup culture thing now.”
“Oh,soyouwannasettle.Isee,”hesays.
“Well, no. Not necessarily, but I’ve slept around enough. I don’t wanna keep giving myself up like a buffet table because I wanna get my dick wet,” I respond, the conversation becoming more serious now.
The market sign is getting closer to us and making me eager to get into some cooler air.
“So, when did you have this realization?This has to be new. You usually say the complete opposite.” Trey snickers. “No, it’s not.I’m just bored, T. But it’s almost like nobody my age is really on the same page.Or at least not even on a friendly level,” I express, thinking of my desperation to talk
about my recent interests.
“So, what is it? ‘Cause that sounds oddly specific. Some girl isn’t giving you the time of day or something?Is that it?” he asks.
Ichuckle,scoffingathimreadingmeforfilth.
“Yeah, you could say that.I met this girl at the club the same night.I just can’t get her out of my head.I got her number, we danced. It’s all so…cinematic.” I sigh. “I don’t know, maybe my game is weak. I was just in a three-year- long relationship not too long ago.I sent her a sweet text, but it didn’t register at all.She left me on read.It was more than humbling.” I grab my towel by both ends, one on each side of my neck.
“Yeah, like almost more than three years ago now, Colton. And Hannah has probably lived like eight lives since then,” he says, sighing.“Look, if you were feeling her so hard, then there’s no reason not to pursue it. Or at least try. The worst she could say is no. One text is nothing.”
I nod, staying quiet. Sure, I could pursue it. Except, what do you do with someone who doesn’t want to talk?
“I don’t wanna be desperate, either. One wrong word and she’s gonna think I’m some pervert or creep.”I shiver just thinking about it. I have to laugh at the idea, though.
Trey smiles.“I doubt it.You’re far from a creep.Just sounds like she’s playing hard to get,” he says.
“Maybe so. And while she’s nothing short of enchanting, there is such a thing as overstepping boundaries.I don’t know if I have, or she’s just being facetious, like most women when they really are interested, you know?” I suggest, really trying to dig deep.
Trey shakes his head as we reach the entrance to the market finally, standing on the sidewalk now.
“See, Colton, that’s your problem.You gotta stop thinking so logically about shit and just do it. You’re thinking about it all so deeply.We’re young.Don’t take it so personally.” He smiles, chuckling.
I half smile.“I know.I just like things to go smoothly, you know that.”
“Are you sure you just don’t need to get laid one good time?” he asks, raising his brows jokingly.
I playfully elbow him as he begins to walk again.“See, the last time I hooked up with a girl like that, she was a completely different lady when we woke up.No, thank you— I’m good.” I laugh.
Laughing at the thought, we both shake our heads. “Whoisshe,anyway?SomeoneIknow?”Helooksatme
inquisitively.
