Page 89 of The No Try Zone
“Glad you liked it, Miles,” Colin says with a slap on Ansel’s shoulder, “because it’s a weekly class now.”
Ollie bounces up, a bright grin on his face. “That was incredible. Sis gets to torture us weekly now?”
Colin looks at him. “As long as it suits her. And it can be her or whomever she designates.”
I jerk my chin down in a nod, trying not to smile like an idiot at the new responsibility. “I’d be happy to do it. The team needs it.”
Ollie beams with delight and pulls me into a side hug. “Told you she was the best.”
I laugh and shove him away. “Let go of me, you big ogre. You stink.”
He raises his arm and waves it over me. “I smell like roses!”
I swat his side with a laugh. “For that, you can help me get these mats downstairs.”
He helps as requested, as does Ansel. Kari appears as the guys are leaving, and they chat for a moment before disappearing, leaving just the two of us. My stomach clenches, but I force myself to face her head-on.
“Where’s your boss?” she asks with a knowing look.
I scoff. “Where’syourboss?”
She gives me a small smile, seeming as though she’s unsure whether we’re back in joking territory. “Fair. Why aren’t we the ones in charge?”
“Really good question. Colin even asked why Bill wasn’t the one to come up with the idea to take the guys through yoga.”
Her eyes spark with interest. “Why wasn’t he?”
“He’s old-school. He focuses only on what it’ll take to keep the guys in enough shape to get back on the pitch. You should see the painkillers he keeps on hand.”
Her face of disgust deepens. “Ew.”
I can’t help but laugh. “I know. Not that I told Colin that, but yeah.”
“I’m so sorry, Sam,” she blurts.
My laughter dies instantly, my stomach swooping and tightening as I meet her eyes. I start to speak, but she barrels on, wringing her hands.
“I’ve been a terrible friend and I just – I’m so sorry. Will you forgive me?”
I exhale and my whole body droops in relief. “Of course.”
“Can I…can I have a hug?” Her eyes are glassy.
I open my arms wide. “Get in here.”
She practically bum-rushes me, her heels clacking on the tiled floor.
“Oof,” I laugh.
“I’m sorry for being such a shitty friend,” she says into my neck.
“I forgive you,” I say, squeezing her just as hard as she’s squeezing me. “I’ll forgive you more if you help me clean these mats.”
She lets me go as if I’ve burned her. “No way,” she laughs. “These clothes are dry-clean only.”
I give her a wry smile and am about to speak when voices drift in from the weight room.
“You see the way Coach was looking at her?”
