Kendall
"Hey, stranger. I feel like I haven't seen you in forever." Skye enfolds me in a tight hug, and I'm surprised at how strong my little pixie friend is.
"You're so dramatic. We had drinks two nights ago at the bar," I reply, rolling my eyes. I look around the lobby at the gym and we're the only two people waiting for spin class.
"That's different. You work there and my husband owns the place. Those drinks feel obligatory. This is the first time in a while we've planned something outside of Forbidden Desires."
She's right. How have I not realized I've ditched my friend?
"I'm sorry, Skye. I'm one of those girls, aren't I? The girl who ditches her best friend once she falls in love with a guy." I've always hated those girls and I swore I would never act that way.
"Yes, but don't be sorry. I did it, too. When Noah and I first got married I disappeared for two months. I think every girl does it to her friends at some point. Eventually it all evens out and you'll find a balance between your friendships and your boyfriend."
"Thanks for understanding. I'll try to be more conscience of it. I just wish you had said something a little earlier. I don’t like when I act like a dick."
Rolling her eyes she teases me. "I didn't say anything because I was enjoying the break from all these ridiculous workouts you make me do."
"Spinning isn't ridiculous. It's a good workout. You'll thank me in twenty years when you've still got a tight ass." I look around again and even peek through the window to see if maybe the class has already started, but the room is dark and no one is inside. "Where is everyone? Class should start in a few minutes."
Skye lifts her hands in a praying motion. "It's a sign from God that he doesn't want me working out."
"If God didn't want you working out he wouldn't have put me in your life. If I don't work out, I'll get love handles."
She reaches for her stomach and pinches the few inches of soft skin between the top of her shorts and the bottom of her tank. "At some point in life you'll get love handles no matter what. It's a part of aging. You should embrace the changes now so that you're not disappointed in the future."
"You're so ridiculous, Skye. You'll do and say just about anything to get out of a workout, but since no one is here I guess we could run across the street and get some cake."
Her eyes light up with excitement. "I like the changes I see in you, now that you're with Levi. You're suggesting cake and we haven't even broken a sweat."
"We'll burn some calories after," I promise.
We head across the street and after ordering our coffee and cake we sit down at what has become our regular table. Whenever I sit here with her it's like time is frozen and we're the same women who met all those years ago. As I reflect on all of the times we've been here, the time I first met Noah stands out. If he hadn't walked in that day and agreed to give me a job, I would have never met Levi. I also wouldn't have a job I could put on my resume that's lasted long enough to matter.
"So tell me about Brody. Is it weird having a kid around all the time?"
"You know, not really. I thought it would be a little more difficult, but he's cool as shit. You should see him play baseball. Those two hours he's out on the field during the game, it's like he's found his second home. Levi is the same way when he's out there. If the two of them could skip out on their responsibilities and spend each day on the field they would."
"Is it hard communicating with him?"
"Yeah, it's difficult, but we text and I've been..." I hesitate to say the words and then I decide not to. "Never mind."
"Don’t do that."
"Don't do what?"
"Don't get me interested in what you're about to say and then suddenly stop talking. You've been what?"
Giving in I reply, "I've been learning ASL."
"What's ASL?"
"American Sign Language."
"Wow. Things must be getting serious between you and Levi if you're learning sign language."
"It is serious, but that's not why I started to learn the language. Levi doesn't even know I've been watching videos and taking an online course."
"You didn't tell him?"
Taking a bite of my cake, I wait to swallow before responding. "No. I want to surprise him once I'm better and know more of the language. Brody's been a big help. He loves that I'm learning ASL and he's always sending me good videos to watch."
Her face flushes and she grins at me. She's practically giddy and the excitement is evident in her eyes. "You're glowing."
"Okay, crazy," I respond, shaking my head. Leave it to the romantic one to take what I said and turn it into something more.
"No, really. When you talk about them you get this beautiful radiance to your face. It's like you're practically glowing."
Shrugging my shoulders, I respond honestly. "I'm happy."
"I know. I'm so happy for you, Ken. After all the shit you've been through you deserve to be happy."
"Thanks, doll."
I'm able to change the subject and we talk about her second year of school starting up in a few days, the new apartment her and Noah are thinking of buying and renting out, and their dog, Kaya, getting fleas. When we finish our cake and coffee, we head outside and stretch before I convince her to come run some city blocks with me.
"So do you think he's the one?" she asks as she twists her hips, loosening up her torso.
"Aren't we done talking about me? What are your classes like this year?"
"Agh, the old Kendall is still in there."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means whenever a question gets too personal you deflect."
"I'm not deflecting."
"Actually, that's exactly what you're doing."
"Okay, yes."
"Yes, you're deflecting, or yes, you think he's the one?"
I give in and shout, "Yes, I think he's the one!"
"Squee!!!" She squeals, jumping up and down. I look around, making sure no one is watching my friend act like a spaz.
"Can you calm down? I don't want to jinx this."
Taking a few deep breaths she replies, "Okay, okay, I'm better."
"Just for that I'm adding an extra mile to our run."
"Jeez, Ken, I said I'm sorry."
"Yeah, but adding the extra mile will be a nice reminder for you to never get excited like that again."