“There wasn’t anyone else in the gym but we snuck out the back.”
Kayleigh shakes her head, completely in shock. “I don’t even know what to say about that. So, that explains the donation then. That’s crazy. Does that also explain the painting?”
“You think that’s why he donated?” I shake my head, not wanting the answer. “I actually started painting again when he said that he’d buy one of my works for the gym.”
“How did that subject even come up? God, you really are a dark horse, aren’t you? So, this is for him.”
“Oh, no way. This is for me. It just made me want to start painting again.”
“I definitely think you should show him. At least take a picture to show him.”
“I’ve taken pictures of all the pieces that I’ve created, but not to show him, just for myself.”
“Okay.” Kayleigh holds her hands up, defeated. “Now I need to hear about the sex. I can’t believe that I’m so shocked I forgot to even ask. Was he amazing?”
I groan loudly. “He was so amazing, I haven’t ever had sex like it. It was… oh wow, there aren’t words.”
“Well, that’s good. I always tried to tell you that Wesley seemed like he was shit in bed.”
“I wouldn’t have seen it at the time, but now, after Noah, it’s obvious. He was terrible.”
“We are going to the gym now, to see him, you do realize that?” I nod, totally accepting it. Noah told me not to worry and I actually haven’t been. I’m not concerned to see him again. “How will you act?”
“Just like normal. I’m not going to get all up in my head about it.”
“Wow… that isn’t like you at all. I’m stunned. Now I think is the perfect time to ask him on a date.”
I stop dead in my tracks. “Really? You don’t think that seems…”
“What? Desperate, no way, he’s already slept with you, he likes you.”
This would be a massive step in the right direction, pushing me out of my comfort zone. I like the idea of being brave and taking control of the situation. I did that on the treadmill and it worked out just fine…
“Okay, maybe. I’ll think about it.”
Kayleigh screams and laughs at me. “I love this version of you. You’re much more open.”
“I know. I like this version of me too. It’s weird.”
“You mom would be proud to see you stepping out of your shell.”
“I don’t know if Mom would be proud of how I’ve been acting.”
“Oh come of it.” She pinches me playfully. “Your mom was wild in her younger days.”
If that statement came from anyone else I wouldn’t like it, mostly because I never knew my father. I’m not saying Mom didn’t know who he is, she just never offered the information and I never asked, not even when she was on her death bed and I knew that time was running out.
He wasn’t ever in the picture and I don’t need him now.
But I know that Kayleigh doesn’t mean it as an insult. It is what it is, she’s just trying to encourage me to keep being brave. I smile and giggle along with her.
“Yeah, maybe you’re right.”
“Go and get your gym kit on and look sexy. Today is going to be a big day.”
“Oh, God, don’t put the pressure on. I might fall apart.”
She laughs and sends me on my way, making me shudder as I go. I might actually do something totally crazy today and ask a guy out… ma