Before The Stress (Book One Of The S&S Series)

Chapter Four - Blair

"Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." – Franklin P.Jones

The nagging feeling was still prickling away at the back of my neck, causing my shoulders to ride up at every chance—only confirming how tense I was. With my iPhone in hand, I could feel my thumb hovering over Jessa's number desperate to call her. But there was no use, she was going to be too busy being balls deep with Jake. Which I can't blame her for, after all if she can—she should. There was no chance the two of them would be done yet, at least not for another hour or maybe even two with how they'd both been lately. Instead, I decided to take this one moment for myself, I took the long way home strolling through the streets and allowing my annoyance to subside as I walked it away. The sky was a typical dull grey, as the UK was so famous for—light spats of drizzle falling from the sky—but for once I didn't mind, there was just something about the sound of cars whizzing past and the casual sounds of the city that comforted me. I was a city girl through and through, and the chaos was what calmed my overly busy mind. I just couldn't stop replaying the scenes over and over again in my mind, seeing Hale just leave my training session to help out some girl, how his hands had been so close to her. She'd sucked up every minute with him, yet I had just been stood there like some idiot. Of course, I couldn't forget that petit, blonde woman either. The way she was just there waiting for Hale, knowing that he was going to come to her.

No matter how much frustration I was holding, I wasn't going to allow Hale to get to me. He was only my Personal Trainer after all I really couldn't expect much more from him.

Could I?

As I neared my front door, to the little flat that I called my own I felt my iPhone buzzing in my pocket. At a quick glance of the screen I saw the oh-so familiar name and picture of a certain someone.

"Jessa, you guys are done quickly," I tried not to let the laugh out but it was impossible, and soon enough she was laughing along with me but there was a hint of something deeper within it. The distant sound of shuffling was coming from the speaker.

"Hey! Yeah, I thought I should give you a call as I'll be leaving Jake's now. Did you fancy going to get something to eat a bit later? I only have to pop home to get changed and then I can meet you at the restaurant?" There was almost a hurried tone coming from her voice, which caused me to stop with my keys in the door to the flat.

"Are you okay? You don't usually leave right after. You sound a little more flustered than normal..." It didn't take her long to let out a long sigh. I could already see the exasperated look that would be covering her fair features.

"Yeah, yeah I'm all good. Look I'll explain everything over food, shall we meet at our usual? Wildwood?" The smirk was on my lips before I could even say yes, ah, Wildwood was almost like a second home to our gossip sessions. It was impossible not to enjoy the food there and the cocktails, even the staff had started to recognise us for the regulars we were becoming.

"Definitely. You know I can't say no to Wildwood, shall I meet you there around 6.30pm? I just need to have a quick shower as well. Plus I have some gossip for you too." A small gasp left her lips, as I know she was thinking exactly what I was... What on earth could have happened in the time I was at the Gym until now? I have managed to stay drama-free for a fair amount of time now, and that's how I would like to keep it. But there is always the chance of something happening, and that was exactly it.

"Oh juicy! Okay, I'll definitely be there, I am sorry in advance if I am early—you know how I am!" With a little giggle, I said my goodbyes before finally getting myself into the white and grey abyss that was my flat.

"Home sweet home."

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It had been a couple hours since my phone call with Jessa, and within that time I had achieved absolutely nothing. I could feel myself stewing over the situation with Hale, how could he act so unprofessional in front of me? He knew how much it took for me to even get to the Gym in the first place, yet here he was being too busy fulfilling his love life instead of focusing on me—his client.