Page 73 of Shattered Rhythm

“And how are we going to do that, oh almighty Chris?” I joke.

She smiles and whispers, “Kevin.”

“No way, uh-uh, not going to happen. He’s a dumbass,” I reply, shaking my head.

“True, but a good looking one,” she points out.

“Jaxon would never believe that I was going out with him for real,” I say.

“Let that be my problem,” she says with a smirk. I take another sip of my coffee, considering Chris’ plan.

“And how are we going to handle that without hurting the twins?” I ask.

“Easy, I’m going to tell them the plan. They’ll support anything that gets Jax to change his mind,” she says.

“Okay, if the twins are cool with it, I’m willing to try, but Chris…” I pause, locking eyes with her. “One time. If it doesn’t work, I’m done. I’m not going to chase someone who doesn’t want me or make a fool out of myself.”

Chris nods in understanding. “He wants you, babe. Too much. That’s the whole problem,” she says, and I sigh, feeling conflicted.

“I just don’t want to play games, you know? I want something real,” I explain, and Chris sits up, placing a hand on my arm.

“I know, and you’ll have something real with him. This is just a little nudge in the right direction,” she says, and I smile weakly, hoping she’s right.

“Okay, let’s do this.”

* * *

It’s Friday, so I have no classes, and Chris swapped her shift with another employee so she could go in later. She decides that we should make me look good, grab something for breakfast, then head over to Tanner Fitness in the hopes of seeing Kevin and Jaxon there. For my outfit, Chris chooses high-waisted lilac workout leggings that cup my ass and the matching long-sleeved crop top with holes for the thumbs. She styles my hair into a high ponytail and does my makeup subtly so that you can’t see the hangover on my face anymore. I just have to make sure not to sweat too much today. As I examine myself in the mirror, I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. All that training and dancing has toned my body again.

“You’re looking hot, girl,” Chris comments, and I smile at her in response.

“All right, let’s go,” I say, eager to see where the day will take us.

“Let’s get you a date,” Chris jokes, and I stick my tongue out at her.

As we make our way to the car, Chris hums the melody to “Maneater”, and I can’t help but feel grateful for her. As we drive to Tanner Fitness, Chris keeps chatting about different guys she thinks I should date if Kevin doesn’t work out, but I’m not really paying attention. I’m anxious to see Jaxon again.

He’s talking to one of the trainers when we get in, but as soon as he spots us, his eyes widen, and he quickly excuses himself from the conversation. My heart skips a beat as he approaches us.

“Hey, what are you two doing here? I would have thought you were still nursing your hangover,” he says.

“We’re feeling good and thought we’d get in a workout today to flush the alcohol out of our systems,” Chris answers with a smirk.

I try to play it cool, but my heart is racing as I catch Jaxon’s gaze. He looks at me for a moment too long, and I feel myself blushing. Chris winks at me as she walks over to the treadmills.

“Come on, let’s warm up,” she says, motioning for me to follow her. I take one last glance at Jaxon before joining her.

We start our workout, and I catch glimpses of Jaxon watching me from across the room. I try to focus on my exercises, but I’m too distracted.

Was he jealous yesterday?

As if on cue, Kevin appears beside me while I’m on the kickback machine, working on my glutes.

“Looking good, Liv,” he says, and instead of my usual tight smile, I grin brightly at him and continue with my exercise.

“Hey Kevin. Thanks. How are you doing today?”

* * *

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