ER [wlw]

Chapter 29

I step out the front door, slinging my gym backpack over my shoulder. My fitted leggings and hoodie perfectly comfortable as the cool morning air brushes against my face.

As I make my way to the car, my phone buzzes in my bag. I fish it out, glancing at the screen. Aunt Pam's name lights up, and I smile as I answer.

"Hey, Auntie," I greet, unlocking the car with a click.

"Hi, dear. Just wanted to see who you're doing. You're still coming up this weekend, yes?" Her voice carries her usual excitement.

"Of course. And everyone else is too." I say as I toss the bag into the passenger seat and slide behind the wheel.

"Good, I can't wait to meet Ramona and Will. How is he doing, anyway?" She asks, curiously.

She already knows all about the situation and was pretty happy to hear he'd be tagging along as well. She loves kids.

I let my phone connect to my car's Bluetooth and set it up into the phone holder I have on my dash as I reply. "He's settled in much better now, been smiling more."

"That's good, honey. You'll be getting Bellamy back today, too right?"

I hesitate before I reply, recalling how upset Bellamy was the day she was going with Ari. "Yeah, I just hope she isn't mad at me."

She scoffs. "I'm sure she isn't. She just probably felt like she was missing out, it's a big change, him coming to live with you."

I hum. "I know."

By the time we say our goodbyes, I've parked outside the gym. The building is already buzzing with early risers, and I spot Rani's car in its usual spot at the front.

I park outside the gym and sit in the car for a moment, watching the steady flow of women walking in and out.

I grab my bag and head inside where I greet Grace and make my way to the boxing gym in the back.

It smells of effort and determination, rubber mats, faintly of disinfectant, and just a hint of lavender from the diffuser. I head to the locker room, tossing my bag in a cubby before removing my hoodie.

When I walk out onto the floor, water bottle in hand, I find the space alive with energy, and even though I'm here to work out, my eyes immediately find Rani across the room. She's leaning against the counter, scrolling through her phone, but before I can make my way over, a cheerful voice calls out behind me.

"Emma! Look at you, already intimidating the rest of us in those leggings."

I turn to see Allison, grinning. Allison is the type of person who could strike up a conversation with a brick wall and still make it feel valued. We aren't exactly friends per say but we are well acquainted.

"Don't flatter me."I say with a laugh. "You're the one who makes everything look easy."

She waves off the compliment but steps closer, leaning in slightly. "So, any chance you're gonna be sparring today? Ramona's been hyping you up to everyone."

I raise an eyebrow, glancing toward Ramona, who's still at the counter but now watching us with a smirk. "Oh, has she now?"

That would be crazy seeing as this would be my first sparring match. I'm definitely gonna pass on getting my ass handed to me.

"Oh, absolutely," Allison says, her grin widening. "She can't help herself. Always sneaking little compliments about you."

I snort, half embarrassed and half amused. "Yeah, I'm definitely gonna pass on sparring but I'll happily watch everyone else."