Page 37 of Shattered Rhythm

“Sure, but maybe I’d have been quick enough to get into the club and pummel that guy a bit more,” he responds playfully.

I laugh. “As much as I appreciate the sentiment, I don’t want you getting into trouble on my behalf.”

“You’re worth it,” he says with a smile.

After finishing our dinner, I gather the empty trays and bring them to the kitchenette before returning to sit back on my bed beside Gunner, handing him a bottle of water.

“Gun, what kind of friends are we?” I ask him.

He chuckles. “Well, I’m the kind of friend who takes care of anyone that hurts you and buries the body afterwards, if that wasn’t already clear enough,” he replies, and I can’t help but laugh at his response.

“Okay, but are you also the kind of friend with whom I can discuss my guy problems, or would you rather not?” I ask him.

His gaze softens. “Livy, you can talk to me about anything and anyone. I’m here for you, but don’t complain if the guy lands in a ditch afterwards if he did you dirty,” he replies.

“Thanks, Gun. I appreciate that,” I say with a smile, and he nods, taking a sip of his water.

“So, what’s been going on in the guy department?”

I pause, taking a deep breath, before telling him about my crush on Chase, Jaxon, and the twins. He listens attentively, nodding.

“Well, you’ve got quite the variety there.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help but laugh. “I know, I know. It’s ridiculous.”

“Not at all,” Gunner says, shaking his head. “You’re allowed to like who you like, and it’s just a crush, right? Nothing happened?”

“No, nothing really. It’s more like they’re nice to me, and I’m pining like a schoolgirl.”

He laughs dryly, fumbling with the lid of the water bottle. “I know the feeling.”We stay quiet for a second before he adds, “Just do your thing, Livy. If they’re interested, they’ll tell you, and you can decide from there. Until then, focus on yourself, on why you’re here, your dreams, and what you want. The rest will sort itself out with time.”

I nod, mulling over his words. He’s right, of course.

“Thanks, Gun. You always know what to say,” I reply, and he smiles, clapping me on the back gently.

“That’s what friends are for.”

After watching some dance videos on my laptop and discussing the moves, Gunner heads out to get some sleep while I try to get some rest myself. Unfortunately, sleep seems to evade me again. Just as I’m about to turn on the TV, my phone chimes with a private text from River.

Are you asleep already?

No, everything okay?

My phone starts ringing then, so I answer it.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” I ask, concerned.

“Nothing’s wrong, I just wanted to check in with you since you left so quick,” River responds with a quiet laugh. “How’s your head? Feeling any better?”

I cringe at my behavior, realizing how unfair it was to River.

“I’m feeling better, thank you, and I’m sorry for just getting up and leaving like that.”

“Don’t worry about it, Liv. I just wanted to make sure I didn’t make you uncomfortable or anything,” he assures me.

“You didn’t. I think the whole incident just shook me up more than I admitted to myself,” I say.

“Should I come and get you, Liv? Or do you want me to come over and stay with you?” he offers, concern in his voice, and I feel guilty for making him worry again.

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