was so nice that I felt a little bit guilty for wasting his time and was actually considering joining the gym now.
What? They had a competitive yearly rate, and to be honest, I could do with getting into shape. My sedentary lifestyle was starting to affect my ability to climb the stairs to my flat these days. Huffing and puffing up several flights of stairs was not a good look, at least not at my age.
Once Derek released me to explore the gym on my own, I wandered from section to section until I spotted Annabelle standing with another of the personal trainers next to a row of elliptical machines.
I took a sip from my complimentary water bottle and eyed her while stepping onto a nearby treadmill. I was too far away to hear what she was saying to her co-worker, but I didn’t want to risk getting too close and arousing suspicion. I set the treadmill to a medium speed and started a slow jog. I figured I might as well get a workout in while I was here.
After a few minutes, two middle-aged women entered the elliptical area, each climbing onto a machine. They chatted as they began exercising, both a little overweight. My attention went to Annabelle as she whispered something to her co-worker, a tall, muscular guy in a sleeveless shirt that displayed his gun show, which I guess was the point.
I narrowed my gaze, suspecting they were making fun of the two women in some way by their grins and conspiratorial whispers. Thankfully, the women were oblivious to whatever was being said about them, too busy chatting away as they exercised.
A small brick settled in my stomach. I mean, I could’ve been wrong. Annabelle and Mr Muscles could’ve been talking about something else entirely, but my gut told me otherwise.
I’d come here hoping to assuage my misgivings, but all I’d managed to do was make those misgivings even worse. I hadn’t known Neil long, but he was such a cutie pie, and I felt protective of him. He was my adorable little Clark Kent, and I suddenly couldn’t stand the thought of Annabelle getting her claws into him.
I was having, shall we say, nefarious thoughts.
Nefarious thoughts that were urging me to ensure Neil and Annabelle never met at all.
I’d find him a nice girl. Someone worthy of him. After all, I knew lots of great gamer ladies online who would eat Neil right up like a scoop of double chocolate chip ice cream with sprinkles on top. If she didn’t live an ocean away, I might’ve even considered introducing him to Yellowshoes. My girl was beautiful and had a cracking sense of humour.
Annabelle and Mr Muscles left, and I wound things down on the treadmill. I wiped down the machine, dabbed the sweat from my brow, and took a long gulp of water. I walked by the two ladies on the ellipticals, gave them a wink, and told them they were looking fab. They both chuckled and shook their heads at me as I headed for the showers.
I was on the bus on my way home when two new messages came in from Neil. The first showed him standing with the Statue of Liberty behind him. The second was him on Fifth Avenue, surrounded by pedestrians, the road full of those recognisable yellow taxis.
Looking good, I replied.
I never realised the skill required to take a decent selfie, especially in a city as crowded as this one, he sent back.
You’ll be a pro by the time your trip is over, I promised.
Later that night, I ordered Thai food in preparation for my video call with Neil. I changed into my PJs and had everything set up before I sent him a text.
Afric: I’m about to call you!
Neil: Go ahead. I’m ready.
I grinned as I sent through the call. Seriously, I loved this new arrangement. I enjoyed annoying him by swooning over Mr Thornton and making lewd comments about what I’d let him do to me.
The call connected and Neil appeared on my screen. He wore a long-sleeved T-shirt, his hair a little rumpled, eyes tired. From what Michaela had told me, their work trips tended to be very demanding. Neil was likely exhausted after a long day running around after all those reality TV stars.
“Hey!” I said. “What did you order from room service today? Inquiring minds would like to know.”
He held up his plate to show me. “I treated myself to a steak. Callum fell