Moonstruck at Midnight

Chapter 27 - Wishing and Hoping and Slapping and Punching

WE WERE HALFWAY through the summer photography course, and I decided not to mention anything about the condoms to Thomas. I wanted to trust him, and something inside me told me he wouldn't cheat on me. So I clung to that thought.

He was acting weird, but I could sense his visit to D.C had stressed him. He insisted on how much he missed me and couldn't wait to see me again. There had to be an explanation for the condoms under his bed.

I didn't want him to feel like I was accusing or attacking him, so I decided not to bring it up while he was away. I didn't want to be the insecure, nagging girlfriend.

Once he returned, I would think about a way to bring up the subject. Like right away. That being said, it didn't mean the situation wasn't affecting me. I shoved plenty of feelings to the side, which was totally different from acknowledging them.

With Thomas away, I had more time to see my friends on the weekends. I would usually hang out with CJ and Nina. They were also worried about me, but I kept denying something was wrong and tried to keep a brave face.

My summer course served as an excellent distraction. I was learning a lot and enjoying myself. But apparently, I wasn't doing a great job hiding my concerns because Ben and Nolan kept asking me if I was okay.

We would work every day after class, either at school or at my place. We'd also gone to Central Park a few times to practice with our analogs.

Our final project would focus on vintage-style shots, something outdoors. We had the whole concept worked out and approved by Mr. Beckett. But we needed a model for the shoot. I thought of Lily and promised to talk to her to see if she was available that weekend.

"Is she hot?" Nolan asked, moving his eyebrows up and down with a grin. I laughed. I didn't want to tell them who my friend was. Nolan would probably pass out from the excitement.

It could be possible that Lily wouldn't be able to make it. She was usually either traveling or working most of the time. I needed to check with her first.

"She's gorgeous, Nolan. But very much taken," I warned playfully.

"If she can't make it, we can always ask Heather," Ben said, trying to sound casual. "I'm sure she'd love to help us out." That was a solid plan B. I agreed to let them know whether Lily could help us out for the shoot or not as soon as possible.

It was almost seven, and Nolan needed to start heading out since he worked a part-time job at a Greek restaurant. Ben left at the same time, so I rushed to the gym once they were gone.

Grant trained William and Joel every day at eight. I usually left before they arrived for their session. It was best to avoid bumping into William every day.

"How's it going, Billie?" Grant said as I started stretching. "Oh, hi! You're here early."

"Yeah, we're now going to train at seven-thirty. William wants to start earlier from now on."

"Mmm. Does he, now?" I said with a chuckle. "Well, I hope I don't interfere with your training."

Grant laughed. "Of course not. It's always nice to have you around." Grant's workout looked like fun, especially the part where you get to punch things around.

"Grant, I was wondering if you would happen to have time to train me three days a week at seven?" I thought boxing might help me channel the storm in my chest aside from all the shit I had going on in my head. "That way, you're free to train William and Joel by seven-thirty."

"I'd love to, Billie!" He seemed excited about the idea. "With boxing, you'll work with strength and cardio. Running is great, but it's important to mix it up."