I’m deliciously sore this morning. Max left about an hour ago, after one last round of sweaty, no-holds-barred sexual exploration of each other’s bodies. I honestly can’t remember all the positions we tried, or how many orgasms he gave me. I lost count.

Now, I’m leaning over the kitchen counter with pen in hand, and papers lying scattered on the counter. A bowl of half-eaten cereal is pushed off to my side. I’ve almost filled the page in front of me with ideas for the new dinner menu as I’ve eaten breakfast. A few of my ideas have me smiling in glee.

I hope at least one of these will turn out the way I’m envisioning.

“Damn it. The guys were right.” I look over at Baggie in amazement. “I did need the night off and a good fuck. Huh.”

I play with the pen, tapping the top of it on the counter, as a mischievous smirk plays at the corner of my mouth. I pick up my bowl, place it in the sink, and hop onto the counter, jotting down a few more notes before grabbing my phone. I hit the third number on my speed dial.

“Isn't this a little late for your workout?” Trey chuckles.

“Yes, smartass. You up for jogging in the city and grabbing coffee or lunch?”

“Of course, Darlin’. What's got you in such a good mood? Or need I ask?”

“Fucker. A few things. Only one is important. I have several pages of ideas for Belladonna’s new menus. So, get your ass over here so we can run. I’ll have Wes meet us.”

“On my way.” Trey disconnects.

I hit the next number on the speed dial.

“Hello?” Comes Wes’s groggy voice. Then a muffled, “Damn it, Zoe. I'm on the phone.”

Loud but muffled screams flow through the phone, and I quickly remove the cell from my ear, shaking my head in the process.

“Wes!” I call out, my voice slightly raised.

“Hey, Calla. Sorry about that.” More screams filter across the line. “Zoe, get out of the room!”

“Never mind. I'll talk to you later.” Not allowing Wes to say another word, I end the call before rubbing my ear.

Trey and I step out of my building to find Wes waiting on the front stoop, ready to run. I look curiously at him.

“Long story,” Wes supplies.

I shrug.

“This should be fun,” Trey mumbles. “Run ‘til we drop, or time? Winner buys coffee.”

“Deal. I need fifteen miles today, if possible,” I respond.

“Fuck, Darlin’! What are you trying to do to us? You know we don’t run marathons. That’s your sick idea of fun.”

“Actually, I want to try a Spartan race or a Tough Mudder this year. I’m thinking about giving one of the new American Ninja Warrior gyms a try.”

“You’re kidding right? Calla, I know since Torrance you’ve been concerned about your weight, but guys like curves. Stop trying to lose yours!” Wes blurts out, making both Trey and I stare open-mouthed at him.

Unable to form words, “Ummm,” is the only thing that I can get out of my mouth.

“Seriously, Wes? Are you trying to give her a complex? Don’t talk about a woman’s weight. Ever. What the fuck happened to you this morning?”

“Zoe. Need I say more?” Wes pushes his earphones in his ears.

Trey rolls his eyes as he and I follow Wes’s lead. We start slowly, jogging north, but quickly pick up speed once we get to the UT campus. We all take the lead at one time or another, upping the pace and trying to outdo each other. At the last bend, we hit eighteen miles, and Wes is practically dragging me around the last little bit of UT. This is the fastest we’ve all run together. Sweat pours off of me, and it takes everything I have in me to keep up this pace. As we round the last corner, we finally stop. Wes laughs as he looks back at my face.

“Sorry… I needed that,” he explains.

I smile, breathing hard and fast. “You can buy the snacks to make up for it.”

Wes drops his head down, bending at the waist, taking in a few deep breaths as we wait for Trey to catch up. Trey was stopped by an old friend of Joe’s as we all rounded the second to last corner of the campus.

I nod toward the Starbucks on the opposite corner.

“Deal. You want to text Trey?” Wes asks.

“Sure.” I pull out my cell and start typing.

Calla: When you finish chatting, meet us at Starbucks.

Trey: On my way.

We quickly cross the street between the cars rushing past. I grab one of the iron tables outside as Wes heads into the shop. I cross my arms on the table and rest my head on top of my arms, taking in deep breaths to lower my heart rate. My eyes close, and I catalogue all the aches I’m feeling after that brutal run. Someone ruffles my messy ponytail, and I glance up and watch Trey grab a chair from behind me.

“Did we wear you out?” He chuckles.

“It’s possible. Wes is in there getting food and drinks. You might want to give him your order. He hasn’t been in there long. At least, I don’t think he has.”

“I’ll be right back,” Trey says as he walks away.

“Yep.” I wave him off.

A minute later, I hear Wes’s voice saying, “Thanks man. Glad you’re back. Can you help me with all this?”

I lift my head so my chin is resting on my forearm. “That was quick.”

Trey grabs for the three bottles stuck under Wes’s arms, and the bags he is barely holding on to. The three iced drinks remain in Wes’s hands as they head back to our table. They set everything down, pushing water and an iced chai toward me.

“Thanks.” I reach for the bottle of water, twist the cap off, and take a drink. After, I pour a little over my head. Wes and Trey shake their heads and laugh at me. I promptly flip them off.

Switching mental gears, I look at Trey. “You doing okay after talking to Joe’s colleague?”

Trey glances over his shoulder toward the University. “I will be. I normally avoid that place, so I won’t run into anyone. A few will call and check on me every few months, but they pretty much leave me be. Chris,” Trey gestures with his thumb over his shoulder, “is the Dean of Joe’s department. He and his wife are the ones that check on me the most.”

I reach over and squeeze Trey’s hand. “You need anything, you call.”

Trey narrows his eyes at me.

“Don’t give me that look. I know that you know we’re here. But just to remind you.”

Trey plays with the ring he still wears on his finger. “I know. Trust me, it's not easy. But it's not as difficult as it was in the beginning. At some point, I’ll remove this. Just... not yet.” Trey gives me a sad smile.

“Take all the time you need.” I squeeze his hand again before letting go to rip a chunk of my muffin off.

“Calla has a point, Trey. Whatever time you need, take it. Besides, I think we all just want you happy,” Wes adds.

“Like you’re one to talk asshole. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we wish you’d leave Zoe.” Trey takes a long gulp of his water.

I chuckle. “Like that will ever happen. I think he likes the drama she creates.”

“Fuck no, I don’t.” Wes glares at us.

“Last week, didn’t you say something about moving out of your place?” Trey asks Wes.

“I do need out of my apartment. I just haven’t found a new place yet,” Wes replies.

I speak up. “Wes, if you need to, you can stay with me. I have the spare room. You can use it for as long as you need.”

No one speaks for a few minutes. Trey glances at Wes, giving him a raised eyebrow, but Wes waves him off.

“While y’all have your silent conversation, there’s something else I want to talk about. I came up with some new menu ideas this morning.”

Both men look at me in surprise.

“You really weren’t joking when we talked about this the other day then. What brought that on?” Trey winks.

“I had a good night.” I smirk at him before sipping my chai.

“I’m sure you did.” Trey grins.

Wes's eyes flicker with discomfort.

“What did we tell you?” Trey responds, and I’m not sure if he is saying it to me... or to Wes.

I roll my eyes as I rip off another chunk of muffin.