Breaking the Grid

Always late

Kyra let out a squeal of surprise as I pushed her off my lap and onto the couch, her laughter bubbling up as I quickly stood and smoothed out my sweatshirt.

"Blair, seriously?" she said, giggling as she adjusted herself on the cushions.

"Doorbell," I muttered, rolling my eyes as I headed to the door, Milo trotting along behind me. I opened it with a hint of annoyance still lingering from the interruption, only to have my face freeze in mild shock.

Standing there was Michelle, a bright smile on her face and a casual bag slung over her shoulder.

She immediately laughed when she saw my expression, leaning in to kiss both of my cheeks before stepping back. "Hey, Becks. How are you?"

I blinked, recovering quickly. "Michelle! Uh, hi. I'm good. What are you doing here?"

I frowned for a moment, trying to remember. "Do we have something planned that I forgot about?"

She let out a laugh, shaking her head. "Oh my god, you're serious."

"Come in, come in," I said quickly, stepping aside to let her in.

As she walked in, she glanced around the entryway, her tone casual as she explained, "Alex told me you were in Monaco, and I happened to be nearby. Thought I'd stop by and say hi."

"Ah," I said, nodding as I closed the door behind her. "That makes sense."

But before I could say anything else, she stopped mid-sentence as she walked into the living room, her gaze landing on Kyra, who was still lounging on the couch.

Michelle's smile softened into something more curious as she turned to me, her eyebrows raised slightly. "Hello," she said in English, clearly switching languages.

Kyra sat up a little straighter, her eyes narrowing slightly as she glanced between Michelle and me.

"Michelle, this is Kyra—" I started, but Michelle, as usual, didn't let me finish.

"Kyra! Nice to meet you," she said enthusiastically, stepping forward and extending her hand.

Kyra blinked, glancing at me for a moment before shaking Michelle's hand. "Nice to meet you too," she replied politely, though I could see the faint confusion in her eyes.

I opened my mouth to clarify—to say she's my girlfriend—but Michelle was already talking again, her attention fully on Kyra.

"I swear I know you from somewhere," Michelle said, squinting as if trying to place her. "Wait—football, right?"

Kyra nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Yeah, I do."

"I knew it!" Michelle said, grinning. "I've seen some of your matches. You're really good."

"Thanks," Kyra said, her lips curving into a small smile.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I instinctively pulled it out to check. It was a message from Charles:

Charles: We're starting in 20 minutes. You on your way, or should I cover for you?

I slapped my forehead with a groan, catching the attention of both Kyra and Michelle.

"Everything okay?" Kyra asked, her brows knitting together.

I waved a hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah. Just give me a sec."

I quickly typed out a response to Charles.

Me: God, I forgot. I'll leave in five. Don't make me sound too bad.