Page 40 of Catalyst

“I keep meaning to tell you, Sara, that Ellie takes self-defense classes, too.” I sit down on the turf by the metal benches to start stretching.

Sara plops down next to me. “I like her already. Dax has been subbing for a coach in Westlake for the past couple of weeks. I wonder if she’s in that class.”

“Probably. I doubt there are too many gyms offering self-defense classes in the area.”

“True,” Sara agrees. She watches Nolan, Carter, and Matthew horsing around in the middle of the field, a smirk tipping up her mouth at their antics. “I need to ask this question, Adam, so don’t be mad at me. This thing with Ellie isn’t some scenario about boinking your secretary and then moving on when you’ve had your fill, right?”

I raise my eyebrow. “Boinking? Really, Sara?”

She snorts, then cringes. “Look, I couldn’t get the dirty words past my lips when it comes to your sex life.”

I laugh. It doesn’t surprise me that Sara is checking on Ellie instead of me. She’s well aware of my dating history and how nonexistent it’s been. She’s probably more aware of my feelings on dating than even Matthew is.

I don’t know if it’s because she’s the only girl or if our personalities just meshed better than the others, but Sara and I have always had a bond that went deeper than with our other siblings. I’ve always been able to read her in an instant. I knew when she was upset and putting on a brave face or when something was bothering her and she needed to talk it out. In return, she’s been the one I could talk to about anything, and I know she wouldn’t share it with anyone else if I asked her to keep it a secret. Her asking about my relationship with Ellie isn’t a surprise. I’m kind of glad she did, actually. It’ll be nice to have someone to turn to when I fuck this up, because there’s a good chance I will.

“Fair enough. But to answer your question… Honestly, I’m not sure what this thing is with Ellie. But it’s not some casual fling I’ll drop when I feel like it, as all the others have been. She’s different, Sprout. I’ve never felt more like myself when I’m with her. She takes me as I am, grumpy tendencies included.” I don’t use my nickname for Sara much anymore. This moment felt a little like our old talks, though, so it slipped out.

Sara nudges my shoulder. “I’m glad to hear that. Even if you guys don’t work out, I can see how big of a difference she’s made in you already. It sounds like she might be just what you need.”

My chest constricts at the idea of us not working out, but I shake it off. “Maybe. I guess we’ll find out.” Talking about Ellie makes me want to see her. Hell, I don’t even need to talk about her to wish I was with her.

I’ve never had this overwhelming desire to spend all my time with the woman I’m seeing. Usually, the women I date are the ones demanding more of my time, even if I make it clear I am only with them for the evening. They’ll still do whatever it takes to try and get me to date them. They want me to take them out on lavish dates or around Greensboro in the hopes they’ll be seen on my arm. It’s always so fake.

Ellie is so different from them. It doesn’t matter if we’re staying home, watching a movie on the couch, or out to a fancy dinner; she’s her same exuberant self. Every time we’re together, it’s as if she renews my energy stores, and I swear I have never been this productive at work. It’s a little astonishing.

Sara might be on to something. Ellie may just be what I’ve always needed and never knew existed.

We start packing up our stuff and say goodbye in the parking lot. Once I’m in my car, I grab my phone to find a text from Ellie.

Ellie

I think we need this plant for your office.

Attached is a picture of the most ridiculous plant I’ve ever seen. I have no idea where she even found something like it, nor could I name it.

Me

Absolutely not. What even is that??

Her reply is immediate.

Ellie

It’s an Albany Pitcher Plant. Isn’t it so fun? I already bought it, so it’s going in my office if you refuse to adopt it.

Me

That thing will never be in my office.

Ellie

You shouldn’t have said that. Now I’m determined.

I laugh out loud at her reply. She’s such a brat.

Me

If that plant shows up in my office, there will be consequences.

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