“Too bad. That’s how it is.” Colt’s voice is flat as he raises a hand to greet his father before we pull away.

I have to find a way to calm my sudden panic. If it wasn’t for them, for knowing how they are, I wouldn’t be so nervous. Sure, starting a new job is always going to be a little nerve-wracking, but I’d be able to handle this better if it wasn’t for the deep distrust I have for these two. I never even went in for an interview, and somebody hired me? Nothing about this is adding up. There has to be some sort of game here. I am so tired of having to predict what’s happening next, always planning my next move and looking over my shoulder.

“You are the one who is in such a hurry to get a job,” Colt reminds me without looking over his shoulder.

Yes, because I want to get away from them. “It’s just a surprise,” I retort. “I’m really glad to have this job.” The two of them exchange a look that doesn’t bode well for me. What do they have up their sleeves this time?

I don’t have to wait long to find out. The sight of somebody I really, truly do not want to see fills me with panic the moment we step through the doors of the gym. And from the look of it, she wasn’t expecting me, either. “Leni,” Piper chokes out from behind the desk. “What are you doing here?”

“She’s working here now, or didn’t they tell you?” Nix is absolutely loving this, though Colt doesn’t look as amused.

“Right. They told me somebody new was coming in today but didn’t say who.” She pulls out a clipboard and places it on the counter. I had no idea she was working here. So that’s what this is all about. They deliberately set this up so I’d be as uncomfortable as possible.

“We’re gonna go work out. Have fun, girls.” Nix laughs while Colt only snorts, and the two of them wander off to leave me with my paperwork and former best friend.

“So how have you been?” she asks while I fill out the form in front of me.

“Amazing,” I mutter, never lifting my gaze.

“Um, it’s pretty exciting, your mom getting married and everything.”

“I guess.” Is she seriously trying to do this? I can’t imagine having the gall. It was her choice to walk away from our friendship, and now she thinks she can act like nothing happened?

“I’ve been working here for a few months,” she informs me, though I certainly did not ask. “It’s pretty cool. So long as you know who to stay away from. Some of the guys who walk in here—”