by L.H. Cosway
“Don’t you still go to those kung fu classes with Karla? That’s exercise.”
“It’s not kung fu, it’s Escrima. And it’s self-defence. It serves a purpose. Running on a treadmill serves no purpose other than vanity.”
“Don’t forget health.”
“Well, that, too,” I said grudgingly.
Trev chuckled again. Damn him and that irresistible sound. “You haven’t seen this gym, Reya. I promise you’ll at least be entertained. Come on, you know you want to.”
I brought my attention to the paused video on my laptop. If Trev knew I was watching old clips of him and feeling nostalgic I was certain he’d be bathing in a sea of snug satisfaction.
“Okay, maybe I’ll come check it out. But only because you’ve got me curious.”
“Great, I’ll text you the address,” said Trev, sounding pleased.
“You do that, but if my mind isn’t blown I’m holding you solely accountable. Seriously, this better be brain matter on the walls type of amazing.”
“It’s so amazing you’ll be coming on the walls,” Trev responded, always one to up the ante.
When I didn’t reply he hedged an uncertain, “Too far?”
I kept my voice neutral so he couldn’t hear the smile in it. “You already know the answer to that. I’ll see you in a little bit.”
Shaking my head, I hung up, unnerved by how easily we’d slipped into our old bantering ways. Trev texted me the address to his gym and thankfully it was only a few Tube stops from my flat. When I arrived, I pressed the buzzer next to the heavy-duty steel door and waited to be let in. Hearing the lock click over, I pushed it open and walked down a hall that led to a large, impressive gym space. Trev wasn’t lying when he said I’d be entertained.
It was kitted out with walls of various heights, hanging bars, makeshift rooftops and even a halfpipe. There were poles and stairways and all sorts of other contraptions to help the group hone their skills and simulate the outdoor freerunning experience. Right then all five of them were running circuits and I stood in place, stunned speechless. Leanne, Paul, Callum, James and Trev leapt from wall to hanging bar to rooftop in perfect synchrony, like a well-oiled machine. It was like each of them was an extension of the other.
My attention went to Trev. There were sweat patches on his grey T-shirt and moisture dotted his forehead. His hair was mussed and his blue eyes somehow brighter than usual. But appearances aside, it was impossible not to be impressed by his strength. He effortlessly pulled himself up on a bar, then swung his body around to land on a wall like it was nothing. He ran along the wall, then jumped onto a stairway. From the stairway, he climbed to the top of the halfpipe then ran down its curved centre.
My eyes traced the musculature of his thighs, clearly visible in the workout shorts he wore, not to mention the strong, toned lines of his arms and shoulders exposed by his sleeveless T-shirt.
I blinked out of my semi-trance when someone waved a hand in my face.
“Reya, hey! I didn’t know you were coming by,” said Paul, his customary smile in place as he endeavoured to catch his breath. I admired how his red hair hung slightly over his forehead, all askew from his workout.
“Yeah, Trev invited me over. You lot are amazing.”
He gave a self-deprecating shrug. “It’s all in a day’s work. We have an intense schedule coming up for the third season, so we need to be in top shape.”
“I can imagine.”
He eyed me speculatively. “Trev mentioned you still hadn’t made up your mind about the job yet.”
I swallowed because I didn’t expect him to bring up the PA position. My mind was almost made. I was on the verge of saying yes, but I needed someone to give me that final push into the deep end of the pool. Whether I flailed and went under, or succeeded in swimming to the top, was all on me.
I cleared my throat. “Right, yes. It’s just that I teach piano and I need to find someone to cover my lessons,” I lied. I knew several old college friends who’d jump at the chance to fill in for me. I just didn’t want to get into the whole thing about Trev’s and my rocky past, and the difficulties that could ensue.
“You’ll find someone. Come on, say yes. It’s only three weeks, and it’ll be good for my mental health to see your pretty face every day,” Paul went on charmingly. Was he flirting with me?
I smiled. “Well, we wouldn’t want your mental health to suffer.”
Right after I said it an arm came to rest casually along my shoulders—a hot, sweaty, muscled arm. I didn’t have to look to know it was Trev. “You came,” he said, gazing down at me.
I tried not to fixate on the way his chest rose and fell with his laboured breathing. “Yes, I did.”
“So, what do you think?”
“I think this must be what the inside of your brain looks like,” I teased.
“Nah, the inside of his brain looks like Car and Driver magazine with a few pages of Playboy thrown in,” Paul joked.
Trev chuckled his amusement. “Don’t forget Food & Wine. You know I like a bit of food porn with my actual porn.”
“In that case, I better not let you see that picture of Eva Mendes eating a whole pizza by herself. I don’t want you scandalizing our female company,” said Paul, shooting me a wink.
“I could eat a whole pizza by myself right now. I’m starving,” said Callum as he, Leanne and James joined us. He didn’t have a top on and it was a little hard not to look at all those defined muscles and tattoos, but I managed to keep my gaze from wandering. Leanne, who came to stand next to me, went up on her tiptoes and whispered in my ear, “Atta girl. Don’t give him the satisfaction. He does it on purpose.”
I smirked and glanced at her, noticing a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
Callum stood under a horizontal bar and reached up to grab it with both arms. Then he started doing extremely impressive pull-ups, but I followed Leanne’s instructions and ignored him. She let out a loud yawn and patted her mouth.
“Well, it looks like we’re all done here. Do you guys want to go grab food then head home? I’m in the mood for an early night.”
She looked at everyone except Callum, and I tried not to laugh at how obviously it bothered him. He dropped down off the bar, muttered something about taking a cold shower, then skulked off to the other side of the gym.
“You shouldn’t torture him like that,” said James. “You know his ego can’t take it.”
Leanne made a derisive scoff. “He’ll be fine. Every day this week I’ve barely seen him put so much as a vest on during workouts. It’s purposeful and you know it.”
“Oh, the games we play,” Paul sighed. “I’m going to shower, too. Reya, are you coming to eat with us?”
I glanced at Trev, who no longer had his arm around my shoulders. He looked like he was thinking about something real hard, but I had no idea what. I returned my attention to Paul. “Sure. If it’s okay with everyone else.”
“Of course it’s okay,” Trev answered before Paul had the chance. “Why do you think I invited you over?”
His open, friendly expression got a smile out of me. “In that case, I’m in.”
I arrived home a few hours later, after enjoying a genuinely fun meal with Trev and his freerunning co-stars. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I’d laughed so much, and a surge of enthusiasm to go travelling with them filled me. This wasn’t just about Trev. This was about the entire group. The atmosphere that surrounded them was incredibly appealing. It didn’t make much sense, because I was only twenty-six, but somehow they made me feel young again. Their lust for life and all-around playfulness shone a light on the fact that I was old before my time. I was so bogged down in worries and fears that I’d forgotten how to be young and just enjoy each day as it came.
I felt like they could teach me how to do that, too.
Flopping down onto my sofa, I flicked through my phone and brought up the messages I exchanged with Trev earlier. I decided not to do what I normally did. I
wouldn’t linger on what ifs and possible repercussions. I’d just do what felt right in the moment. My pulse sped up as I typed out a new text.
Reya: Okay, I’ll take the job.
A few minutes later Trev’s response came through.
Trev: FANTASTIC! I promise you’re going to have a great time :-D
I blew out a breath and lay my head down on a cushion, hoping he was right.
Six.
As soon as I accepted the job, things moved fast. I met up with Jo and Neil and they walked me through the daily filming schedule and what would be required of me. I called up an old college friend of mine who also taught piano, and she agreed to cover my lessons. Like me, she was happy for any extra work she could get.
I also began looking into places where I could perform and started to get excited about the prospect. By the end of the week, I had several bookings for Paris, as well as one for Brussels and another for Barcelona. That was the good thing about having videos on YouTube; people could easily check out my music and make a decision. The gigs weren’t as high paying as the ones I’d been trying for here, which was probably why they were easier to get, but it was the experience I was after rather than the cash.
I knew every musician said some variation of the same thing, but I really didn’t play for the money. Obviously, if that were the case then I would’ve quit years ago. In fact, I’m not sure I’d ever want to be super rich or famous. So long as I had enough to live comfortably I was happy. But more than that, I liked connecting with people one at a time. If I was super famous I wouldn’t be able to do that anymore. And I liked being able to walk down the street, completely anonymous. I was such a private person that being well known would drive me insane.
Speaking of famous people, I didn’t see much of Trev over the next few days. I had to go to the offices again to sign contracts, one for the temp position and another agreeing for the show to use footage of me if needed.
I didn’t think too much of it, because I doubted anyone would be paying attention to me, not when there were five famous free runners to focus on. I might show up in the background once or twice, but that was it. Anyway, I was excited to see what it was like filming the show first-hand.
It was a few days before we were set to travel to Brussels by train when I heard a knock on my door. My heart hammered and my cheeks heated, thinking it might be Trev. But when I answered it was only Karla. Not that I wasn’t happy to see her. And I was, except for the less-than-jovial look on her face.
“Come in,” I said, and she went to sit on my couch. She crossed one leg over the other, her dower expression dampening my previous excitement for the upcoming trip.
“Lee told me that you’re going to Europe with Trevor,” she said, clasping her hands together. Karla had a natural air of authority that in this moment made me feel like I’d just been called to the headmaster’s office.
“Karla, I was going to tell you. It’s just—”
“Trev flashed you a smile and you forgot everything that happened before?” she asked knowingly.
I sighed and slumped down onto the couch beside her. “No.” Yes. “You know things have been tough for me lately. Music is a hard business, and I’d be crazy not to take this opportunity. I know I’ll be working during the day, but in the evenings I’ll get to perform. I’ve already booked a bunch of gigs.”
She eyed me for a long moment. “And that’s all this is about? Getting to perform in new cities?”
“Of course,” I answered stiffly. “Well, and I like being around the group. They’re a fun bunch. What else would it be about?”
I immediately regretted the question when Karla’s expression turned cynical. “I’m not going to dignify that with an answer.” She paused and exhaled heavily. “I just want to make sure you’re going to be okay. I know Trev’s been making positive changes, but he’s still him, Reya. What if he starts seeing girls while you lot are travelling? How will you handle that?”
“It wouldn’t bother me,” I lied, both to myself and to her. I thought that maybe if I kept lying it would eventually become the truth. “We’ve agreed to be friends. Just friends.”
“That didn’t work out so great last time.”
“We’re older now, and wiser. At least, I am. This time it will be different,” I said and I meant it. I was determined to enjoy myself and not develop feelings for Trev other than purely platonic ones. We were friends once. We could do it again. Besides, I needed this opportunity—both personally and professionally—and I had no intention of messing it up.
Karla stared at me, as though trying to decide if she believed me. In the end, she dug inside her bag and pulled out a piece of paper. “Here. I made a list of Escrima classes in the cities you’ll be visiting. Just in case you want to practice while you’re away.”
I smiled and took it from her, touched by the gesture. I knew this was as much of a blessing as she was going to give me. “Thanks. I never thought of that,” I said and peered down at the list.
When we first became friends, Karla had seen something in me, a glimpse of the truth, and suggested I learn how to defend myself. She’d always been very perceptive like that, which was probably what made her such a good policewoman. Escrima was a Filipino martial art and a great way to combine working out with self-defence. It gave me a newfound confidence, and I’d been attending weekly classes with her for years now.
She stayed for a while before heading back to work. I made a start on packing, and it was a bigger task than I anticipated. Not only did I need three weeks’ worth of outfits, I also needed to bring my keyboard and all my other sound equipment with me.
On the morning of our train to Brussels, I was running around like a headless chicken trying to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything. Trev arranged for my gear to be added to the camera crew’s, so I didn’t have to lug it around with me.
I expected him to just honk the horn when he arrived to collect me, but instead he came and knocked on the door, leaving a taxi idling outside.
“Hey,” I greeted, out of breath. “I’m almost ready.”
“Are those your bags?” he asked, gesturing to the stack by the door.
“Yes,” I answered, wandering around the flat and checking to make sure everything was plugged out.
“I’ll carry them to the car, so take your time. We’re early.”
I nodded and finished up, then hurried out to the taxi. I slid in beside Trev, and we were off.
“So,” I began, pulling up the train schedule and itinerary Jo had forwarded to my email. “We arrive in Brussels around two and there’ll be cars waiting to transport everyone to our accommodation. There are two apartments for the camera crew and one for the cast, including Neil and myself. Leanne and I are going to share a room, which leaves you bunking up with Callum, and Paul and James will share. There’s a small fourth bedroom that Neil will have for himself.”
A warm hand touched mine and I glanced up. “Relax. Neil already gave us the rundown.”
“It’s more for myself than anything else. I like saying things out loud to get them straight in my head.”
He smiled. “I know. I remember.”
A moment passed between us, but I quickly drew my hand away and turned my attention back to my phone. “Jo ordered groceries to be delivered to all three apartments, so I need to make sure I’m there to collect them. The rest of today and tomorrow are free, but you guys start filming first thing Wednesday. I have a gig booked for that night. I hope that’s okay,” I said, glancing up at him.
Interest marked his features. “’Course it’s okay. Can I come?”
I swallowed, goosebumps rising on my skin. “Uh, sure.”
My acceptance was wary, because whenever Trev came to watch me perform in the past it had always been intense. It was something we both ignored for years, didn’t speak of, but I had to admit the sexual undertones were there. He never took his attention off me while I was on stage. I knew it even though I rarely opened my eyes when
I sang. It was a weird hang-up I had, and Trev was obsessed with it. He always counted it as an odd little victory whenever he managed to catch my gaze. It was like I could sense him looking, daring me to cast my eyes his way.
When we arrived at the train station, Neil was in charge of handing out tickets, so I didn’t need to worry about that. We were admitted to a sort of VIP lounge and I’d just sat down next to Trev, handing him a coffee, when I overheard the conversation.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m going out and getting some arse tonight,” Callum said loudly, earning a sharp glare from Leanne.
“It’s okay for you. You’re not in a relationship,” said James. “I’m gonna miss Diana like crazy these next few weeks.”
“Isn’t she flying over to Barcelona for the last leg of the tour?” Trev asked before dipping his head to me. “Diana’s his fiancée.”
“Oh,” I said, feeling bad for him. It must be tough being separated like that.
“Yeah, but that’s not for another two and a half weeks,” James sighed while Callum made a face.
“Just come out with me. Diana will never know.”
“You’re disgusting,” Leanne spat and rose from her seat, heading for the bathrooms.
“I’m just honest, babe,” he called after her, and she flipped him off as she walked away. I hid my smirk behind my paper coffee cup. Even though I didn’t know her well yet, I suspected I was going to get along with Leanne.
“Why do you have to goad her like that?” asked Paul. “It doesn’t achieve anything.”
“It pisses her off, doesn’t it? That’s achievement enough for me.”
God, I was starting to understand why Leanne had such a problem with him. He was kind of an arsehole. Then again, I didn’t know their history. Perhaps he had reason to be.
“Cal, take it down a notch, yeah?” said Trev, and some of Callum’s confidence wavered. He mumbled something under his breath, then nodded like he’d just been told he was a bad puppy. I studied him a moment, but instead of the cocky, arrogant smile he’d been wearing a minute ago, his face had fallen flat. His brows furrowed, like he was thinking of something painful. I wondered what could’ve caused such an anguished expression.