Imperfect Fit

Chapter 27-Tough Times Don't Last, Tough People Do

Song for chapter: Unwritten ~ Natasha Bedingfield

I love this song and the timeless message of self love and positivity ♡

JOANNA

I stare at the recent missed call from Sage, his name becomes blurry before quickly blinking my eyes. It's been three weeks and every time he calls it surprises me. I know this won't continue forever, but it's the only connection I allow myself, knowing I'm not strong enough to face him.

I can't bring myself to block him either. I'm a glutton for punishment, torturing myself every time my phone rings with his name flashing on the screen. It's been twenty one days of not getting lost in his dark brown eyes or sinking into his hugs, cuddling on the couch or spooning in bed. Or relaxing to the sensation of his calloused hands and fingers running along my back inside my shirt. Or hearing his strong steady heartbeat under me while I trace the contours of his chest and stomach with my fingers. His birthday was the other day and I cried myself to sleep that night.

Sage reached out to Oli to apologize for snapping at her that same night everything went to hell. She couldn't stay mad at him and forgave him. She updates me on Obie, and let me know his wound healed quickly. He'll be starting physical therapy next week, to strengthen his leg.

The doctors recommended he ease into his soccer training which he was bummed about, but overall happy there's a chance he won't miss the entire upcoming season.

Never-ending guilt of letting go of his hand when we were running for an exit, to punch the asshole who shoved Justin to the ground in front of us, still consumes me. But then again, if that hadn't happened Obie wouldn't have turned back to help Camila. Everything just happened so fast.

Still, it doesn't stop me from feeling awful that both he and Justin got hurt.

To keep myself busy, I started going to the gym at night after work, knowing I wouldn't run into Sage when he's home with Obie.

Most of the time, it's pointless. I end up zoning out, staring at different machines he's trained me on. There's memories everywhere I look.

During the day, I bury myself with work, keeping my head down and avoiding people as much as possible, especially after news started circulating about my unexpected and scandalous connection with a client's ex. Thankfully, TV crews are no longer camping out on the street and sidewalk of the building.

"This turned out really good, Joanna," Kate, my assistant says, lifting the lid to the garbage can to throw away a couple of beer bottles.

"Thanks." I sigh, glancing around the room. "It was my turn to host one of these. Manny never liked the idea of work people coming to our—" I stop myself from continuing talking about something irrelevant. "Anyway, my cousin Oli said I could host it here—it's her apartment—encouraging me to be a team player outside of work too."

Our heads turn towards the door as it opens and Oli, Eddie, Quique and Zeke walk in with a few cases of beer. "Should we come back?" Oli asks me.

I chuckle. "No, it's your apartment. We're pretty much finished, some have already left anyway."

"You don't have to leave on our account." Oli addresses my co-workers. "We can hang with civilized folk."

Quique quirks his eyebrow at her then bursts out laughing. "Nah, she lyin' y'all. Now's your chance to leave untainted. Whatever happens at Oli's stays here."

Thankfully, most of the uppity work associates already left, and the ones who are still here join in and laugh.

"Should I order food? People might be hungry considering I only had finger foods?" I ask Kate.