One Step at a Time

Chapter 17

Sadie POV

Coach addressed once more after the room settled from the new. "And now since that is over, y'all are dismissed. Great job today."

An excited chatter filled the room. Both anxious and gossiping words flung around. My nerves had taken all the attention I could handle for the day. Plus, I would like to avoid a certain blonde and her crew. I quickly grabbed my bag and searched for the fastest route out the gym. The sound of a door closing behind me had me turn. It was an outside exit to the parking lot and I had caught the man of the hour sneaking out of it. Carelessly forgetting to throw an explanation to Aedon, I made a bee line for the door. My arms caught it before it fully closed. I peaked my head out from it as I pushed it open. This caught Simon's attention.

"Hey," I said, still using the door as a potential shield. My voice was soft, I didn't even know if he had heard me. Especially since he didn't say anything in response. Just an expressionless stare back at me.

I stepped out from the door and let it shut behind me. It was then I realized I had no plan after this. My focus was just getting out the door. Now I stood here, shifting on the balls of my feet. "I-um," I quickly stopped myself, not knowing where I was going with that. Should I bring up Friday? I hadn't talk to him since. Thinking about it wasn't the best idea either. My nervous energy doubled at the memory of waking up practically clinging to him. "I needed a breather for a second. Too much going on in there." I wasn't lying.

"Same." His hair fell onto his forehead from nodding. "Congrats, I guess."

"You, too," I breathed out. "I guess you aren't getting rid of me anytime soon."

Simon's head turned to this side, letting out a whispered laugh. "Guess not." The smile stayed on his lips, causing one to form on mine. "I'm heading to the front if you..." his words drifted off as he gestured with his left hand. An invitation. I sent a nod in acceptance. Simon's long strides led us around the building to the front entrance, where most people were parked. My eyes flickered between him and the ground. Last Friday, we had gotten so comfortable and yet, now, it felt like all of that was gone. Any progress that had been made was erased. Maybe he was just overwhelmed from today like me? Or he was just tired. My mind continued to make excuses for him as we continued to walk.

"Did you get home alright?" Simon's voice pulled me back. His head was turned towards me waiting a response.

"Yeah. I drove Aedon and I to her place for the night. Designated driver."

"Right," his head nodded slowly. We made it to the front of the building before stopping. This part was always awkward for me. With anyone. I never knew when or how to properly end a conversation. I opened my mouth to attempt a goodbye when he spoke again. "Did you drive today?" He motioned the the parking lot.

"No, Aedon picked me up." I had offered to drive since it was her birthday, but she insisted. Plus, I was pretty sure she hated my driving, but never said anything. She drove us everywhere except for when she wanted to drink.

"I'll wait with you then."

"Thanks, you don't have to-" My surprise was cut off by the doors opening to our right. Aedon's grin grew wider as she approached the two of us.

"I didn't see you leave. Are you ready?" She had her bag in one hand and her keys waving in the other. Her excitement had briefly kept her from realizing a certain British boy next to me. I saw in her eyes the second that she did. Her smile didn't waver, but I knew she wasn't happy. "Simon, congrats. You must be so excited to work with Sadie again." Her words were testing him.

Simon knew this. "Of course," he smirked back at her. Simon moved closer to me and put hand on my shoulder. "Sadie and I have so much to look forward to. Together. Isn't that right, Sadie Ja-"