Page 68 of Shattered Rhythm

I gently pull on his arm to remove his hand from my panties and disentangle myself from the twins without waking them up. I get fresh clothes from my closet, a pair of jeans and a gray Henley, and head to the bathroom. After brushing my teeth and taking care of business, I step into the shower, feeling much better already. I tell myself that everything will be okay, even if we end up just being friends. Ryder and River have already proven that they will stay by my side no matter what happens. I’m not alone anymore.

At least not until they get to know the real me.

I push away the negative thoughts and get ready for the day.

* * *

The twins joined me for a coffee before my modern dance technique class, but we didn’t bring up the topic of our complicated relationship. It was just good to hang out together before heading to our classes. I get a text from Chris during class, so I quickly check the message while the teacher is occupied.

Girl, I heard there was drama. You good?

More or less. What did you hear?

Chase said the twins went to check on you after Jaxon was a gigantic asshole?

He left out a lot. You have time for a coffee later?

If you bring it here so we can go down to the beach during my break?

Sure! I’m done here in an hour or so, does that work?

Absolutely. See you soon, babe.

As I walk into Tanner Fitness with two iced coffees in my hands, my nerves are on edge. I’m desperately hoping that I don’t run into anyone, but luckily, Chris is smiling at me from the reception area. I smile back, feeling my anxiety begin to ease.

“Hey, babe, thank you so much for coming here. It just wouldn’t be worth it to spend half my break getting to you and cut our time short,” she says.

“Don’t worry, you’re fine. I’m happy you can take some time for me,” I reply with a sad smile.

“I’ll always make time for you, Liv,” she tells me earnestly. She walks around the reception desk, takes the coffees out of my hands, and places them on the counter before pulling me into a hug. My nose burns, and I hug her back tightly before quickly stepping back.

“I can’t start crying here, Chris,” I whisper apologetically.

“Got it,” she says before walking to the back where the offices are located. “I’m taking my break, boss!” she yells before coming back to me, taking the coffees, and linking our arms together just before Jaxon comes out of his office.

He frowns as he sees me, and I look at the ground.

“Liv,” he says, but Chris pulls me by my arm.

“Let’s go,” she says, and we leave the studio, walking towards the beach.

The fresh air and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore help me relax. Chris walks with her arm linked to mine, and I feel grateful for her presence. She doesn’t ask me any questions, just talks about her own life, her new roommate, and her plans for the upcoming weekend. It’s exactly what I need right now to take my mind off everything. We find a bench overlooking the ocean and sit down, sipping our coffee.

I take a deep breath and finally tell her everything that happened yesterday. She listens intently and puts her hand on mine.

“You know, I love you, but I think you’re a bit crazy for getting into this mess with those dickheads.” I chuckle at that, looking down at my lap, and wipe away a tear. She continues, “But if this is what you want, then I’m here for you and I’ll help you however I can.”

“Thank you, Chris.”

I hug her tightly, and she squeezes me back, then we sit there for a while, just enjoying the view and each other’s company.

After a while, Chris stands up. She stretched her break a bit because, and I quote, “Jax is a jackass and can shove it,” but she needs to get back now.

“Sorry,” she says apologetically.

“Don’t worry,” I reply. “I’m already feeling so much better, thanks to you.”

We walk back to the studio, and she says, “You know what you need? A girls’ night out.” I laugh.

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