Breaking the Grid

Mess

After dropping Kimi off at the airport, I couldn't help but feel a little empty. He didn't want to leave, and I understood why—he's always been protective, like the big brother I never had. I promised him I'd call every day, the way we always did when we were apart. Just before he left, I tried to joke, and he playfully hit my shoulder in response. I didn't have the heart to tell him it hurt like hell. I kept quiet. Kimi didn't need to feel bad about that, he had enough on his plate.

Leah and I drove back in mostly comfortable silence until we stopped at a coffee shop. Leah ran inside, grabbing us both something warm to drink. When she got back, before turning off the engine, she glanced at me.

"Hey, is it cool if the girls come over tonight?" she asked, a little hesitant.

I raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Leah let out a small sigh, rubbing the back of her neck. "I kind of forgot I was supposed to organize a team-building night at my place, but since I'm still staying at yours... I mean, I can cancel it or figure something else out if you're not up for it."

For a second, I was torn. Part of me just wanted to say no. The idea of being around all of Leah's teammates, especially after everything, wasn't exactly appealing. The other part of me understood that Leah had her responsibilities, and I didn't want to make things harder for her. She had already done so much, staying with me, helping me with everything. I didn't want to get in the way of her life.

"I guess that's fine," I muttered, shrugging. "I'll just stay in my room, out of the way."

Her face fell a bit, and I could see the disappointment in her eyes. "You don't have to do that, Blair. You could hang out with us, you know. I'm sure the girls would be happy to see you."

I scoffed, shaking my head. "Yeah, right. They don't even like me, Leah. I know it."

"They do like you," Leah said quickly, but the way her voice faltered told me she wasn't so sure herself. She avoided my gaze for a moment before continuing. "And... Kyra will be there too."

I winced at the mention of Kyra. It wasn't Leah's fault, but hearing her name still stung. "Kyra doesn't want to be near me right now. I don't think that's gonna help."

Leah didn't argue, and for a moment, the car was filled with nothing but the soft sound of the engine. I took a sip of my coffee, letting the warmth settle in my chest.

"Look, it's fine. You can have your team night. I'll stay out of the way. Just... give me a heads-up when you all get here, and I'll make myself scarce."

Leah glanced at me again, looking like she wanted to say something more, but in the end, she just nodded. "Alright, Blair. But if you change your mind, you're always welcome to join us."

I didn't say anything. I wasn't going to change my mind, not when I knew how things were.

Leah took a deep breath, and I could tell she wanted to ask me for something before she spoke. "Can we pick up Katie and Caitlin on the way? And maybe stop by the market for tonight's food?"

My exhaustion hit me all at once. I felt it in my bones, my leg screaming at me for the pills I had been putting off. But I nodded anyway, unable to say no. Leah had been doing so much for me. "Yeah, sure."

Leah glanced over at me as we turned the corner toward Katie and Caitlin's house. "You alright, B? We can always do this later if you're too tired."

I sighed, shifting in my seat, trying to find a position that didn't make my leg throb. "I'm good. Let's just get it over with."

Leah gave a small, sympathetic smile before pulling up to the curb, where Katie and Caitlin were already outside. Katie waved at us like a kid, grinning ear to ear, while Caitlin stood beside her with a more reserved smile.