Page 28 of Embers in Our Souls
“Seriously, what in the world are you going to do with her strapped to your chest?” I ask, looking at him like he’s crazy.
“Why don’t you do the workout you were conjuring up in your head and leave the creativity to me, hot stuff?” He smirks. I should have known River had an idea up his sleeve the entire time.
Getting the rest of my stuff set up, Malloy instructs me where to stand and we begin. I hate to admit it, but I’ve never laughed so much filming before. Damn River and his charm.
I’m sitting at the restaurant looking at my latest post in front of the station. It is the most popular one I’ve ever done and my smile is instant. Seeing little Ella with the fake dumbbells River had her holding is adorable. River pretending to coach her as he carries her while lifting his own weights is—and I hate to admit this—genius. The whole thing was well-received.
Apparently Abby was fine having Ella join the post and River got her permission prior. Ella’s little legs were moving and kicking the entire time. She squealed—not certain if it was due to Malloy making funny faces or from River’s bouncing around while he ran around behind me.
At one point, Ella took a break and River did the workout with me, shirt off and his ball cap backwards. That smirk he wears and the dimple that pops out will be popular with viewers. He knows it too.
I know people loved his wild ways. I had so many comments about “Rowdy River” on my post, they’re asking when he’ll make a reappearance.
Of course, Kennedy is texting me how insufferable he’s become with his rise to fame and I can’t help her with that. The last text read:
Kennedy
Fuck this shit. If you think River was bad before—he’s a nightmare now. If his head gets any bigger, they might see him from space. I’m shooting daggers at him any chance I get.
Then to top it off, I’m getting separate delusional texts from River saying:
River
I think Kennedy finds my fame online sexy. She keeps giving me this smoldering look. I keep looking over and it’s like she’s undressing me with her eyes. I think she’s going to pounce on me. I see why you’re popular with the ladies. I’ll keep telling her how cool this post is to get her hot and bothered.
I can’t help the laugh that escapes. These two are an odd fit. It’s the strangest dynamic. I’m still scrolling through my phone when I see a shadow loom over the table. I look up to find Indy staring down at me.
“Hi. Hey. Good to see you,” I tell her, standing up suddenly.
“You too. Am I late? I thought we said twelve-thirty.” She looks at her phone.
“No, we did. I got here a little earlier.” I nod and smile.
She gives me a tight smile and I pull out the chair opposite me.
“I ordered you a sparkling water. I wasn’t sure you still liked those, but I took a gamble,” I tell her. “I’ll drink it if?—”
“No, I still do, thank you.” I see her smile widen just a bit more, but then she seems to catch herself and corrects it back to a thin line. She’s still apprehensive with me. I wish she’d give me a little more of the old Indy, but she’s holding back. I don’t fault her. It still stings though.
“Have you been here before?” I ask her. I haven’t been to this place. It’s a cute little bistro. I’ve probably passed it a dozen times, yet never come in.
She takes a seat. “Yes, Kalli and I come here often when we have time during lunch while at work.” She’s looking down at the menu.
“How long have you been friends? You two seem really close,” I say.
“A good number of years. We actually met when she started working at the Chicago office. She transferred shortly after I did to the Boston location.”
“I’m glad you have a supportive person to lean on, especially with Noah,” I tell her, truly meaning it.
“Thank you,” she says, a genuine smile spreading across her face.
“And Noah’s dad. I overheard the school nurse mention he passed. I’m really sorry Indy. That must be hard for you—parenting on your own. How long were you together?” I’ve been curious about this the whole time.
The smile I finally coerced from Indy mere moments ago, drops immediately and I see sadness in its place. She looks away, her eyebrows pinched in worry.
“Indy, I’m sorry for bringing that up. Shit. You don’t have to talk about him.” Obviously this is a tough subject and I’m screwing this lunch up right from the start.
“Um, no, it’s okay to ask about Noah’s father,” she says. “His dad—is Bryce. Noah’s dad is my brother. I got custody of Noah after my brother passed away when Noah was just eight months old. I officially adopted him a few years back.” She clears her throat and looks away, most likely hiding her emotion.
