Breaking the Grid

Little secret

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as I grabbed my keys from the counter, the faint hum of activity outside signaling the start of another busy day. Leah was already waiting for me when I stepped outside, leaning casually against the passenger door of my car.

"Took your time," she teased, tossing me a grin.

I smirked, unlocking the car. "Patience, Williamson. You're not the only one with a schedule."

She slid into the passenger seat as I adjusted my bag in the back and climbed into the driver's side. Leah was always quick with a joke, her energy contagious even this early in the morning.

I've to drive Leah to Arsenal for training and pick up Kyra on the way. But as we pulled up to Kyra's place and she stepped out onto the curb, I felt the air shift.

She opened the back door, slipping into the seat behind Leah. Her greeting was quick and neutral, her eyes barely meeting mine. "Hi," she said softly, her tone flat.

"Morning," I replied, trying to keep my voice light.

Leah turned in her seat, giving Kyra a brief wave. "Hey, Ky. Ready for the day?"

Kyra smiled faintly, her response polite but short. "Yeah, ready as I'll ever be."

The tension in the car was palpable as I started the engine and pulled into the street. Leah didn't seem to notice, or if she did, she didn't let it show. She launched into conversation almost immediately, filling the silence with her usual lively chatter.

"So," Leah said, turning her attention to me, "what's on your schedule today? Anything exciting?"

I shrugged, keeping my eyes on the road. "Meeting with McLaren," I said. "They want to test me for something and sort out some social media stuff. Don't know much more than that."

She raised an eyebrow. "Testing you for what? You coming back early?"

I shook my head. "No, nothing like that. It's probably just data gathering or something to keep the fans interested. I'm still sticking to rehab and aiming for next season."

Leah nodded, her curiosity satisfied for the moment. "Fair enough. What about tonight? You free? Thought we could grab dinner or something."

I glanced at her, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Are you asking me on a date, Williamson?"

Leah snorted, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, right. Don't flatter yourself, Becks."

I chuckled, glancing at Kyra in the rearview mirror. Her expression was unreadable, her gaze fixed out the window. The tension between us lingered, and I decided not to push it.

"Sure," I said, focusing back on Leah. "I've got nothing going on." Ky mentioned last night she's having dinner with Gorry, Harper, and a few others, so I'm free.

Leah nodded, leaning back in her seat. "Perfect. I'll let you know the place after training."

The rest of the drive was filled with Leah's easy conversation and the occasional comment from me. Kyra stayed quiet in the back, her presence a constant weight I couldn't ignore.

The Arsenal training ground loomed ahead as I pulled the car into the lot, the early morning sun casting long shadows across the pavement. Leah was already unbuckling her seatbelt before we came to a full stop, ever the picture of efficiency.

"Thanks for the ride, Becks," she said, leaning over to give me a quick hug. Her warmth was genuine, her energy unshakeable as always. "I've got a meeting in a minute, so I'll catch you later, yeah?" She unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to Kyra with a grin. "See you out there, yeah?"