Page 24 of Below The Surface
“We’ll be there soon. Don’t leave,” Kay says.
“I think we should call the cops,” Hayden says.
“No,” I say firmly. “Kay’s got a handle on it, and I trust him.”
“You’re fuck buddies and now?—”
“Awe,” Kay starts. “Are you jealous? I’m not against getting spit-roasted between two guys. One time?—”
“Kay,” I say his name and he smirks, but shuts his trap.
“Don’t worry, Hayden. I gotchu.”
Kay follows my directions to the gym, but he seemed to already know how to get there. He probably had Ken look up the address or something. Who knows?
Hayden’s pacing the parking lot when we get to the gym. His hair’s a mess from running his hands through it. That’s what he does when he’s nervous. I’ve never seen him so shaken before.
After parking, Kay’s by his side in a second. “Hayden, take a breath with me.” The guy I barely know grips Hayden’s arms and makes eye contact. “I know it was probably freaky showing up with the note and shit, but breathe. I got this. I got you both. ‘kay?”
Hayden shakes his head. “Why?” He looks at me and I shrug.
“My dick’s just that good, I guess?” I shrug again and Kay swats at my stomach playfully.
“I told you, this is a challenge, and it’s got me all excited.” There’s an actual glint in his eye, as if he’s some kind of magical fae. I know it’s just my imagination, but it’s fun to think about.
“Okay, so what do we do?” I ask.
Kay turns to Hayden. “Did it smell like roses when you got here?”
Hayden’s eyes go wide. “Yeah! There was a faint floral scent when I walked up to the door, but it was gone by the time you got here.”
“Interesting.” Kay taps his lips with one hand. “Have either of you noticed the scent recently?”
“In the hallway sometimes.”
He bobs his head. “Interesting.”
I throw my head back and look at the cloudless sky. “Nothing else to say?”
“Let’s go investigate inside.”
Hayden digs the keys from his pocket and tosses them to me. “I’m gonna go. I’m shaken up and I need to calm down.”
“You probably shouldn’t drive like that,” Kay says, but follows me to the door of the gym.
“Keys.” Kay holds out his hand and there’s no reason to deny him. I hold up the key to the gym. “Is there a security code?”
“No,” I mumble.
“My friend, we’re getting the gym set up with security, too.” He scratches his head as he turns the lock.
That strong rose scent hits us as he opens the door.
“At least it’s not toxic.” He waves a hand in front of his face.
“And I’m glad I’m not allergic to the scent. If it were lilacs, it’d be a different story.” Found that out the hard way when I was a kid. Thankfully, it’s not so bad that I need an epipen though, at least not yet.
Kay holds out a hand before I can get any further inside. “There are a couple of cameras.”
