Fifteen
Trinity
L iz’s laughter rings through the phone, a familiar melody that tugs at my heartstrings late the following afternoon. “I’m here.”
“Come on up.” I smile and press the buzzer to unlock the building’s front door. Slipping my phone into the back pocket of my shorts, I hurry out of Mom’s condo to greet her.
The elevator dings its arrival just as I reach it, and the doors slide open. Liz stands there, a whirlwind of energy in her floral sundress. We rush toward each other, our embrace tight and lingering, as if we’re trying to make up for the two weeks of distance between us.
“God, I’ve missed you,” Liz exclaims.
“Missed you too.” I’ve only been here a short time, but it feels like years without her. “Let’s get inside. You must be exhausted.”
Once we’re settled in the cozy living room, I offer her a glass of wine to unwind from her journey. “Yes, please,” she agrees eagerly, and I retrieve a bottle of Paradise Hill pinot grigio from the kitchen. I couldn’t help myself when I picked it up.
We carry our glasses and the bottle of wine out onto the deck, the air soft against our skin. The view is tranquil, but I sense a current of anticipation rolling off Liz as she takes a sip and then blurts, “I actually didn’t drive. I caught a ride with someone I’ve started to see. He’s in town with me.”
This catches me off guard, and I set my glass down. “Really?” I ask. “Is he downstairs waiting to come up?”
“No, silly.” She looks away. “He grew up here.”
“Who is he?”
“His name’s Alaric,” she explains. “He’s a grad student at UBC, studying psychology. He’s been doing a practicum at the hospital.”
“Sounds…interesting.” I tilt my head, studying her. “Is it serious?”
Liz waves a hand dismissively, a smirk playing on her lips. “We’re just having fun. And what about you? You said you’re not single? The guy from the MedTalks? I’ve been dying to know.”
“It’s a temporary thing until I go back home.” The words feel awkward as I say them, like I’m trying to convince myself as much as her. But Greyson’s not the settling-down type, even if I decide I might want to stay tangled up with him. So it’s dangerous even to consider.
I can feel heat rising to my cheeks, betraying my cool exterior. Liz has always had a way of cutting through nonsense and diving straight into the deep end. She’s protective. She knows my track record isn’t stellar when it comes to men. I have trouble trusting, and sometimes my choices reflect that as if I’m deliberately choosing those unworthy of my heart. With Greyson, though, it’s different, or at least that’s what I keep telling myself. We have rules and an endpoint. This is just for fun. No risk.
“Uh-huh.” Liz eyes me skeptically.
But I brush aside her silent warnings, focusing instead on the soothing swirl of wine in my glass and the sun casting shadows across the deck.
“How long are you planning to stay tangled up with this guy?” She looks at me over the rim of her wine glass.
I chuckle. “It’s not serious, Liz. I’m protecting my heart. Promise. I’m heading home as soon as Mom gets out of rehab.” I’m not even sure what home means right now. My life is in a perpetual state of limbo.
“But when is that?” She leans forward.
“Honestly? I don’t know.” I take a sip of wine, savoring its fruity taste. “My boss has been great about me working remotely, but there’s going to be a final install soon. He was freaking out over this weekend’s integration. I should have been there.”
“Job security at least, right?” Liz tries for a smile.
“Maybe.” I exhale slowly. “My contract’s up for renewal soon, and they’re not looking to implement any more new software. Before I left, we talked about a few things, but I’m not sure what they’ll have for me.” The uncertainty of my professional future is another layer in all of this that I’ve not previously admitted to myself or anyone else.
“Promise me you won’t stay here in Paradise. It’s a nice place, but it’s not where you belong. You’ve got too much going for you to be stuck in this little town with no options for work.”
Paradise is small, but it hasn’t felt stifling. I wonder if she’s right. Or what if home isn’t where I thought it was anymore?
I nod. “I promise. There aren’t enough opportunities for growth.” Paradise is a beautiful escape, but it’s not likely to sustain my life.
“Good.” Liz seems satisfied with that. But then she narrows her eyes. “You look tired. Have you been sleeping, or does Dr. Tall, Dark, and Hottie keep you up all night?”
Laughter bubbles from my chest. “You think you’re funny, don’t you?”
She raises her eyebrows, and her question lingers in the air.
“Maybe a little of both,” I admit, rolling my eyes. Sleep has been elusive, but not necessarily for the reasons she’s implying. It’s hard to rest when your mind is a tangle of personal and professional uncertainties. And yet, there’s no denying that Greyson has been a significant distraction.
“Uh-huh.” Liz’s smile is knowing, and I can tell she’s not buying my attempt at nonchalance.
“Let’s not talk about me,” I deflect, setting my wine glass down. “What about you? How’s the new fling?”
Liz clears her throat. “I need to get a tan, and I saw that swimming pool out front.”
I raise an eyebrow in turn. So that’s how it’s going to be? “What are we waiting for then?”
We head back inside, and Liz drags her suitcases down the hall into my mom’s guest room. The sheer volume of luggage is comical. “I thought you were only staying the weekend?”
She laughs, unfazed by my teasing, and unzips a suitcase to pull out an array of bikinis so colorful they could rival a tropical sunrise. “We have to take advantage of this weather,” she insists, holding up a swimsuit that looks specifically designed to challenge the sun’s brilliance. “Pool or lake time is a must.”
“Fine,” I agree, already anticipating the cool embrace of the water against my skin. We retreat to our respective bedrooms to change.
When I step out, bikini-clad and ready, Liz zeroes in on my hip. Her eyes narrow slightly. “What’s that bruise? Are those marks left by fingers?”
“Greyson gets a little enthusiastic,” I say, brushing off her scrutiny, though I’m aware of how it sounds.
“Enthusiastic, huh?” Liz claps her hands together, her face lighting up with mischief. “Dish. I want to hear everything.”
Shaking my head, I deflect her demand for gossip. “ I don’t kiss and tell,” I remind her firmly, though the corner of my mouth twitches. I know she won’t let it go that easily, but some things are better left unshared, even with your best friend.
“Boo, you’re no fun,” she pouts playfully, but there’s a sparkle in her eyes that tells me she’ll be on the lookout for any slip-up, any inadvertent reveal. It’s a dance we’ve perfected over years of friendship, pushing boundaries and then pulling back, always protective of each other’s secrets.
“Come on,” I say. “Let’s catch some sun before dinner.”
I hoist the pool bag over my shoulder, its contents a jumbled assortment of sunscreen bottles and fluffy towels. Liz trails behind me as we navigate to the communal pool. It’s not just the lake view outside my mom’s unit that makes this spot special.
We’ve just settled onto loungers, the sun generous in its warmth, when I hear the familiar chirp of an incoming text.
Greyson: Is she here yet?
My pulse races. It’s ridiculous, really, the way a single text can throw me off balance. He makes me feel too much, want too much. And I know that is not good for me.
Me: She is. We’re down at the pool. Catch up with you later?
Greyson: My brother Beckett is here, and we thought we might come down. Is that okay with you?
“Mind if Greyson drops by? He’s got a brother in tow.” I watch Liz’s reaction closely.
Her face brightens. “The more, the merrier!”
Me: Bring your own towels. And tell your brother that Liz is seeing someone .
A few minutes later, two figures approach, strides confident, presences magnetic. Greyson hasn’t bothered with a shirt, his board shorts hanging low on his hips, and there it is, that glint of metal from his nipple piercing catching the sunlight like a wink. I wonder when he got that. I’d love to know the story. Beside him walks his mirror image, or close enough to pass for one, which must be Beckett.
“Hey, Trinity. This is my younger brother, Beckett. I wasn’t sure if I introduced you the last time you saw him,” Greyson says, his voice smooth as the water that beckons a few feet away.
“Nice to meet you,” I say, extending a hand.
Liz, ever the embodiment of confidence, rises from her lounger, curves hugged perfectly by her bathing suit. “Could use some help with my sunscreen,” she tells me.
“I’d be happy to assist,” Beckett offers, stepping closer.
Liz turns to him with a grin.
“Trinity,” she says, eyeing me with a teasing lilt in her voice that I know all too well. “I could practically toast marshmallows over the heat you two are giving off.”
Greyson just laughs, a deep, easy sound that ripples through the air. I feel myself blush and turn away, pretending to be very interested in the pattern of light on the pool tiles.
“And you’re a doctor?” Liz asks Greyson.
“We’re both doctors, actually,” Beckett clarifies with a modest shrug.
“Double trouble,” Liz murmurs. She turns to me, eyes sparkling. “Trinity, you didn’t tell me they were also devastatingly attractive. I mean, look at them!” She gestures grandly.
“You’re not wrong,” I concede.
Greyson’s smile is all charm. “Glad I made the cut,” he says, his grin widening.
“Please stop.” I groan, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach that his presence brings.
“Speaking of cuts, what’s with the nipple piercing?” she asks.
I can’t help but roll my eyes.
“You know, I have my own piercing,” she mentions casually.
Beckett’s eyebrows shoot up. “Oh really? Do tell.” He leans closer.
He’s not serious, of course—or at least I hope not—but it’s enough to draw a laugh from Liz.
“Sunscreen. Now,” she declares. She turns, and with a fluid motion that speaks of utter confidence, slips her bikini top over her head, baring her skin to the sun.
My gasp of surprise is drowned out by the laughter around us. “Liz!” But she just shrugs, tossing her top to the chair with a carefree grace.
“Trinity, they’re doctors,” she says, as if that explains everything. “If they haven’t seen a pair of tits before, that’s a problem.”
Greyson doesn’t miss a beat, his smile turning appreciative as he takes the seat next to me. “I love having the pool here,” he admits. “Though I must confess, I never venture in.”
“Scared you’ll melt?” Liz teases, passing him the sunscreen.
“Something like that.” Greyson chuckles.
A little while later, Liz has thankfully put her top back on, and she and Beckett are splashing around in the pool, laughing and having fun. Greyson lingers by my side, his voice lowering to a more intimate register. “Will you be by later tonight?”
“I already told you, I can’t. I’m staying at Mom’s with Liz tonight.”
His disappointment is a cloud momentarily dimming the brightness of his expression, yet I hardly notice. My attention is already drifting back to Liz, who’s laughing at something Beckett has said.
“Do you guys want to go out with us?” Greyson asks.
“We can’t,” Liz says from the pool. “We have a girls night planned.”
Liz and Beckett get out of the water and reach for towels.
“All right then,” Greyson says. “Have fun tonight. Liz, I’d love to take you both out to dinner while you’re here, or we can do a barbecue at my place.”
“We’ll let you know,” Liz says.
Greyson nods, and there’s a subtle shift in the air as he and Beckett walk away, leaving Liz and me to the tranquility of the pool.
“You know, if you want to stay with him tonight, you can,” Liz offers.
I shake my head. “I’ve spent almost every night with him for the last two weeks. He can manage alone for a few nights.”
After a few more minutes of sunbathing, we gather our things and visit the locker room before heading back to the elevators and upstairs.
I twist the key in the lock and push open the door to my mother’s condo. Liz trails behind me, her fingers still combing through damp hair from our post-pool shower.
“Okay, so what’s the plan? Dress up and hit the town, or…?” I raise an eyebrow, leaving the question hanging as I toe off my sandals.
Liz flops onto the couch, stretching like a cat in the sunlight. “Honestly, I just want some downtime with my BFF. Let’s order pizza, veg out, and talk about everything.”
“Sounds perfect,” I agree. The idea of getting dolled up again after time in the sun holds no appeal.
Our phones buzz almost simultaneously, and we exchange a look. Greyson’s name flashes on my screen. “Please tell me that isn’t Beckett.”
Her face wrinkles. “No. I’m a PT. I don’t date doctors. I know better. ”
I look down at my phone.
Greyson: You looked good enough to eat in the bikini today.
“Well?” I ask her.
“It’s Alaric. He wanted to meet up with us if we go out tonight.”
“And does that mean you’ve changed your mind?”
“No way,” Liz says. “Order that pizza. It’s a girls’ night. We don’t need any men to bother us.”
I smile. “Agreed.”
Me: Thanks. Have fun with Beckett tonight.
I dial the local pizza place and order a spinach and mushroom pizza.
Greyson: Let me know if you change your mind. I can come by and entertain you later. Winking emoji.
Me: Liz will be plenty of entertainment. I promise I’ll see you after she heads out on Monday.
The wait for pizza feels shorter with Liz here, filling the space with laughter and anecdotes from work. When the delivery guy buzzes downstairs, we’re ready with cash and our appetites.
We’ve just settled into a comfortable silence, savoring the cheesy goodness, when Liz sets her slice down and levels me with a knowing look.
“Greyson’s drop-by at the pool was pretty smooth, don’t you think?” she teases.
I roll my eyes, trying to keep my tone light. “He asked if you were here. I think he wanted me to meet Beckett. I saw his brothers in the garage last week, but he didn’t really introduce us. He has three brothers, and I think he’s tightest with Beckett.”
“Uh-huh.” Liz isn’t buying it. “You can tell yourself it’s casual, but I’ve seen the way he looks at you and the way you look at him when you think no one’s watching. You’re not just sticking around for your mom, are you? Because from where I’m sitting, this guy isn’t a fling. Usually when a guy gets like this, you break it off.”
Heat creeps up my neck, and I take a defensive sip of my drink to buy time. “I’m here for my mom. Greyson’s just…a bonus.” My voice wavers slightly, betraying more than I intend.
Liz grins, leaning back against the cushions triumphantly. “Oh, he’s definitely a bonus. But don’t wait too long to figure out if he’s more than that.”
Her words hang between us, a challenge and a warning all at once. I have to wonder if she might be right.
When we’ve finished the pizza, I flick off the last light, the glow of the television painting shadows across the room. Liz and I nestle into the plush comforter on my mother’s king-sized bed, a fortress of pillows propped behind us.
“Okay, what’s it going to be? To All the Boys or The Holiday ?” I ask as I scroll through the streaming service.
“Start with To All the Boys ,” Liz suggests, wrapping her arms around one of the throw pillows. “We need something sweet and uncomplicated.”
“Uncomplicated sounds perfect,” I murmur, pressing play. As the opening credits roll, I’m grateful for this moment of simplicity amidst the chaos of the past few weeks.
Liz chuckles softly at the movie’s first punchline, and I join her, our laughter mingling. We’ve done this a thousand times before, since the time when life was less about responsibilities and more about which nail color to choose for Friday night.
As the plot thickens and the characters fumble their way through teenage love, my eyelids start to droop. I’m aware of Liz beside me, her presence comforting. She’s seen me at my best and worst, and right now, she’s the anchor I didn’t know I needed .
“Trinity, you’re missing the best part.” She nudges me with her elbow.
“Hmm?” I force my eyes open to see the protagonist’s grand romantic gesture. “Right, sorry.” A smile tugs at my lips, but the warmth of the bed is too inviting, and my resistance to sleep is futile.
With the familiar cadence of cheesy dialogue and predictable plot twists playing softly in the background, I surrender to rest. My thoughts, worries about Greyson included, dissolve into the quiet comfort of my mother’s bed and Liz’s steadfast company.