Page 37 of Shapes of Love
“Why, whatever do you mean? Everything about our current situation is perfectly normal and not at all awkward.” I flash him a smile, hoping the veil of discomfort between us doesn’t crystallize.
A snort escapes him before he pulls me to my feet.
“Want to try the auto-belay area next?” Kai cranes his neck at the higher walls.
“I can’t move my legs,” I say. My forearms are killing me, and my legs are shaking. Kai tries to pull at my foot, forgetting that he’s supposed to act like agentle first love, and drags me off the mat.
“You wouldn’t survive in a zombie apocalypse.”
“Yes, I would. I’m the personality hire,” I say. “Plus, you’d make sure I survive.”
“I’d sacrifice you to the zombies for a single loaf of bread.” He hurls a water bottle for me to catch before abandoning me. “Wait here. I’ll get us harnesses.”
I chug my water in a way I hope the paparazzi don’t capture, steeling myself to climb the V2 wall while he’s gone. It’s a matter of pride at this point, but I keep tumbling to the mat.
Sweat drips down my face, and I pull Kai’s hoodie over my eyes with a grunt. He’s right. I wouldn’t survive the zombie apocalypse. Fuck. Will I be this out of breath when I tour?
“You should try using some chalk. It helps with your grip,” a familiar voice says.
Blinking against the glare of the overhead lights, I look up to see a shadowy figure. Then Asher Grish materializes before me.
“Asher…” I scramble to my feet like a startled rabbit. “What are you doing here?”
I give him a quick once-over. He looks like he’s been plucked right out of the glossy pages of a climbing magazine.His blue T-shirt and climbing pants fit him just right, tailor-made, a chalk bag snug around his waist, resting under his harness.
“Just fancied a change of scenery.” He claps his hands, a puff of white dust billowing around him. Some of his fingers are wrapped in black tape, probably for a better grip, or to avoid calluses. A quick burst of light followed by the click of a camera shutter startles me. I move back, scanning the space. Asher glances to the side, running his hand through his hair with practiced nonchalance. “Sorry, those are my guys. I told them to be more subtle.”
“Do you always call the press when you want to work out?” I throw him an unimpressed look. Not that I can say much. Kai and I are here for the same reason.
“Not always.” Asher winces slightly. “But I’m auditioning for the lead in this superhero movie, so I’m putting in the legwork. Producers and studios tend to notice these things. If they’re positively received on social media, they might consider me more strongly. Plus, it’s a bit of a treat for my fans.”
“I just threw up in my mouth,” I deadpan. Better yet, I might throw up on his shoes.
“I’m joking. I know it’s ridiculous, but it comes with the job, you know? Talent means nothing without the right exposure.” Despite the confident air about him, there are purple circles under his eyes, a restless energy in the way he folds his arms across his chest, like he’s hugging himself. “I mean, I’m sure you know.” He tilts his head, studying me. “So, have you thought about my proposal—?”
“You okay there, babe?” A hand comes to rest on myshoulder as Kai appears behind me. He pulls me closer to his side. “We should get going.”
“I’m fine… babe.” I reach for his hand. “Let’s go.”
I give him a look.Get me out of here.
“Ah, you must be the mysterious boyfriend,” Asher says, looking him up and down. They’re at eye level, but neither one seems willing to drop his gaze. Asher reaches out a hand. “Nice to meet you, I’m Asher Grish.” Kai shakes his hand, and it comes back covered in chalk. “Sorry, mate, I forgot about that.”
“No worries, dude.” Kai pastes a fake smile on his face. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him pretend to smile this hard. “I love your mom’s movies. You must be proud of her. Are you going to try to follow in her footsteps?”
I kick the back of his shoe. Maybe it looks like a compliment to the untrained eye, but knowing Kai, it’s backhanded. I told him most nepo babies hate being compared to their parents.
From the way Asher’s eye twitches, he does, too. “Thank you. It’s always so wholesome when common folk appreciate my mother’s filmography.” He spies the harnesses in Kai’s hands. “You were getting ready to try the auto-belay area, I see. You were doing V4s, no? So, like, 6As? That’s cute.”
“You were watching us climb? Isn’t that cheating?” Kai cranes his neck, unfazed.
“I don’t need to cheat.” Asher waves a hand. Specks of chalk dust land on Kai’s nose. “I learn fast.”
“Are you sure?” Kai says. “You look like you’ve barely broken a sweat. Are you just here to take pictures?”
“Fancy a race up that wall?” Asher narrows his eyes at Kai, then at me, as if he’s suddenly remembered my existence. “The three of us?”
“Bro. Why? Is this a dick-measuring contest?” I blurt out. “No need to waste your time. Mine’s bigger.” I let out an exhale. I’m a sloth. There’s no way I’ll win, but a fiery glint has sparked in Kai’s eyes. There’s no talking him out of this. Asher has this magnetic pull about him, like a black hole that sucks you into his orbit the moment he sets eyes on you. “Sure, let’s race,” I say. “What’s in it for us?”
