Widow at 22 (on indefinite hiatus)

Chapter 2

"Why do we even have gym on a late start day?" Trish rolls her eyes and leans against the door of my assigned locker.

I use my shoulder to bump her out of the way. "I doubt the teachers wanna be here any more than we do. Gym's an easy way out."

I stuff my books and bag into my assigned locker and accidentally slam the door shut a bit too loudly. "At least we're done after this."

Trish smooths out her outfit. "True. And it's a mixed class today, so we probably won't have to do much, anyway."

Damn it. I'd forgotten about that. Mixed classes mean a higher possibility of running into him, which is the opposite of what I need right now.

Is it too late to fake sick?

"Let's go before the bell rings and we're late again." Trish pulls my arm and leads me down the hall, apparently not caring when we bump into other students along the way.

Since three classes will be sharing one space, it only makes sense that this period will be held in the field house across the street and not the attached gymnasium. Thankfully, it's spring, so we don't have to brave the winter to make it there.

Checking both sides before crossing the street, Trish and I jog up the few steps and through the front doors.

The high-pitched bell from the main building echoed even inside this one.

"We made it!" Trish exclaimed, hugging and squeezing my arm.

I glance around the main area of the field house, totally not trying to check if he's here.

I... don't see him anywhere. Good.

The main area already has some stations set up. Half of the floor has volleyball and badminton equipment around two nets and the other half has a large bin full of basketballs.

"Fancy meeting you here."

Crap. His warm breath tickles my ear and I dig my head into my shoulders before turning around.

I have to pretend I'm not still attracted to him, especially in front of Trish. She believes Eli is better for me.

"Oh, hey, Jake."

I catch him glimpsing at my lips before making eye contact and giving me a crooked smile. "Why is it always gym class?"

Because fate is a cruel mistress? Gym is where we first met our freshman year, and gym is where we keep meeting up.

It never fails.

I shrug, trying to make myself look indifferent in front of Trish. "No idea."

"Pretty funny how—"

"Nope, nope, nope!" Trish interrupts. "Shoo, Jake! Go away!"

She's really subtle. But Jake seems amused by her reaction rather than repulsed.

"Ahem!" One of the male gym teachers clears his throat to get everyone's attention. Thank God. "Today's a free day. So long as you're moving, we really don't care what activity you decide to take part in. You stay moving, you'll get credit for today. Feel free to head upstairs, too, but make sure you change into your gym clothes first."

Trish scowls at Jake one last time before pulling me into the girl's locker room. I peek over my shoulder to look at Jake, but he's already walking away. Trish and I immediately turn right once inside the locker room. Our lockers are side-by-side in a little corner of the room.

"What do you wanna do today?" Trish asks as she starts undressing without hesitation.

Must be nice to be that confident with your body.