Running (gxg)

Chapter two

The end of class was approaching, but I just couldn't focus. My mind kept drifting back to the encounter we had earlier. I'll have to ask William for the notes later.

"Thank you all for your time. On Wednesday, we'll dive into the actual work instead of me explaining the course," the professor said. "Ms. Wells, can you stay behind?"

I turned to William and said, "I'll catch up with you later. See you!" He just laughed, knowing how much I hate being put on the spot.

"How can I help you, Ms. Spencer?" I asked. Her usual smile was gone, replaced by a serious expression.

"Ms. Wells, I hope you enjoyed the lecture. I just wanted to thank you for helping me this morning, even though that bump was a bit... hard," she said.

Scratching the back of my neck, I replied, "Yeah... I'm still really sorry about that."

She smiled faintly. "No worries. Thanks again. See you later."

After my two classes, I headed straight to work, hoping I could balance everything later when exams rolled around. Last year went okay, but I could definitely improve on some things.

I work at a coffee shop, and I absolutely love it! My coworkers are the best.

As I was changing into my work uniform, my phone buzzed with a message.

Dani: "Hey, are you coming to Trix tonight?"

Dani and I share a close bond—different from most. Not in a romantic way, but we show each other parts of ourselves that not everyone gets to see.

Me: "Yeah, I'm coming, but let's not make it a late one, okay?"

My class tomorrow doesn't start until 1:30 p.m., but I always feel drained the day after going out. Once I was dressed, I headed out to the floor and started making coffees.

"Hey, babe, how are you?" my coworker Ari asked.

"Ugh, it's been a lot today," I said, recounting what had happened earlier to Ari. Ari burst out laughing.

"Wait, hold on! Can you make this coffee because I'm laughing too hard right now," he said between chuckles. "How come you couldn't say a word? That's not the you I know!"

Ari and I met at the a club. Normally I go to, an all-girls club called Trix. But that evening I just wanted to have a shift. This club was the same like Trix but then for everybody. We already knew each other from work, so seeing him there was a surprise. We laughed about it, and ever since, we've been best friends.

"I don't know, okay? She was different!" I said, which only made him laugh harder.

"Since when are you such a choker?" he teased, still laughing uncontrollably. "Okay, okay, let's move on. How was your day?"

I was hoping he'd drop it with that question.

"Babe, I know what you're doing, but fine. My day was good. My boyfriend is still amazing, and my class was fine. You know how the first days back are—boring and exhausting."

I nodded in agreement. First days are always draining.

Ari studies economics, and his boyfriend is one of the most down-to-earth people I've ever met. They've been dating for five months now. I met his boyfriend at the same club, back when Ari was just hoping to shoot his shot.

"Babe, when are you getting a girlfriend?" he asked, as he's done ever since he got into his relationship. "We could have double dates!"

"We'll see when it happens. I'm not actively looking," I shrugged.

As our shifts came to an end, I asked, "Babe, I'm teaching the dance class again tomorrow. Do you want to join?"

"Ooh, yes, of course! You're literally one of the best dancers ever," he said, though I hardly believe that. I just try to be the best version of myself.

"Alright, see you then!" I gave him a quick hug, and he kissed me on the cheek. Some people find our closeness odd, but Ari has helped me through some really tough times in my life.

Coming home is always a relief. I own a loft, and my bedroom is enclosed by two glass doors. Thankfully, the glass isn't see-through—not that it matters since I live alone.

After making dinner, I decided to take a nap. I didn't want to be tired when Dani picked me up to go to the club later.