Always

17| Something Different

I've been in overdrive at practice ever since I got the part. I barely have time to hang out with Mya on the days I do, but she's been busy with an art auction that's coming up so it isn't weird at all.

Right?

I get in my car trying to push any weird thoughts away. I'm about to pull off when my phone buzzes twice.

Lils<3: Be great today :)

I always look forward to these messages from her. Despite our wonky communication, she never fails to show her support. What I am surprised by, is a message from Greyson.

Unknown: Good luck !

I don't know what it is, but a soothing warmth spreads throughout my body after reading his message.

Ew.

***

"Hey Alison I need to you to stay back a few minutes after this last run of the routine."

Uh oh.

Everyone looks at me, but I just nod in response. Am I afraid?

Hell yes.

Whenever your coach or captain wants to speak with you after practice there's a 20% chance it's about something good. Meaning that there's an 80% chance that it's something bad.

We only have one more run of the routine, so I can't let what Chelsea said get in my head. I've got to maintain my composure.

***

"Good job everyone see you all on Thursday."

She waits for everyone to leave the room, everyone but me. Before she even approaches me properly, I speak...well try to.

"I don't know what I'm doing wrong but I'll try harder." I blurt.

"You're not doing anything wrong Ali." She giggles.

Okay captain mode is off so we're clear. Everyone stand down.

"I'm not? I was sure I was since you called me out."

"You were called out, but for the opposite reason. Has anything happened to you since last practice? You're a phenomenal dancer, but today was different. Your body language, your attitude, everything is so different."

"No, nothing out of the ordinary happened." I shrug just as clueless as her.

"Well whatever it is, it has you doing amazing. Keep up the good work Ali, see you Thursday."

"See you."

That was weird. Really weird.

***

After practice I headed to the grocery store to pick up a few things that my mom needs for dinner. There's a café next door that sells boba which is perfect because I wanted to surprise Lilith. She absolutely loves boba. The girl's addicted to it like crack.

I only have to pick up tomatoes and a few herbs so this should be quick. Sounds like we're having lasagna. My parents usually do the shopping obviously to keep me away from reading the back of products to see how many calories there are. Things have changed though, and I'm not as obsessed over numbers as I was. I'm better now.

***

I've been in here for twenty minutes and I still haven't found the basil. The store looks much more different than it did a few years ago, but how hard can it be to find herbs.

Freaking herbs!

"You okay there pretty?"

I turn around to find a tall handsome stranger in front of me. Sharp jaw, perfect teeth. He was flawless.

And he called me pretty? Pfft.

"No, actually," I laugh awkwardly. "Do you know where the herbs are? I've been looking forever."

"Of course," he flashes his pearly whites with a warming boyish grin. "It's this way." He starts walking toward the very last aisle furthest away from the entrance and I follow.

"Are you sure they're here? It seems pretty empty back here."

"I'm here everyday pretty. I know what I'm doing." His voice is much lower and I have a nagging feeling in my stomach but I ignore it.

Just grab the basil and get the hell out of here.

"Here they are."

"Thank you so much, no wonder I couldn't find them."

"I can think of other ways you can thank me," he suggests and I'm immediately disgusted.

Why can't anyone help a stranger without expecting something in return?

"I'm sorry, I have a boyfriend," I lie plucking a few leaves of basil and placing them in my produce bag as quickly as possible.

He steps closer to me completely disregarding my personal bubble. "Well it's too bad he isn't here now is he?"

I turn to push him away but I feel an arm around my waist and warm lips on my temple stopping me in my tracks.

"Hey baby, they ran out of matcha so we'll have to stop to another café on the way home. Who's this?" Greyson asks eyeing me before slowly turning to the creep in front of us.

"He- uh- he was helping me find the herbs, for the pasta we're having tonight."

"Oh, and you're still here?" he asks the guy.

He puts his hands up in surrender, "Sorry man, just helping a lady out. No harm no foul."

"There will be if you don't get fucking lost asshole." Greyson says lowly.

As soon as he leaves, dickface slips his arm from around my waist and I immediately miss his warmth.

"You good?"

A/N:
I don't have an updating schedule please bear with me :(
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Be safe my lovelies <33.