CHAPTER TEN
SCARLETT
The soft morning light creates a subtle glow through the apartment. The hum of my fan breaks the dead silence, whilst stirring the remaining scent of last night’s jasmine candle. Outside, the world is already alive – the sound of dogs barking and car doors closing. Fuck, what time is it?
I grab my phone off the nightstand and check the time. Shit, it’s already ten?
I slump back down, pulling the sheets back up and over my shoulders. I can’t stop thinking about Levi and his face as he was leaving the studio after our last session. His olive skin tinged crimson, his eyes downcast unable to meet my own, and his posture slightly slouched.
Seeing him so disheartened made my chest feel heavy. I’m not too sure why that is exactly. As much as I dislike him and his cocky attitude, I really do want to help him get better in time for the season. I can only imagine how important this is to him.
I sigh to myself, ridding my thoughts of Levi, before climbing out of bed.
It’s a beautiful summer day in Seattle, so I decide I’m going to make the most of it by getting in a good workout before I need to get to the studio.
Making my way across my room to my dresser, I pull out some black exercise shorts and a white sports bra, sliding them on before heading to the door to pull on my white sneakers.
I step out into the hall, closing the door with a soft click.
Once I’m on the first floor, I move through the lobby toward the street. I step out, taking a huge breath of fresh air. It's quarter to eleven now, more than enough time for a good run before I need to get to the studio to meet with Levi.
I set off at an easy pace down the quiet street, ‘Without Me’ by Eminem playing through my headphones. The warm air brushes against my skin, a light sheen of sweat starting to coat my skin.
I need to think of a way to really get through to Levi – to get him serious about Pilates and get him good in time for the season – and I think I know just the thing.
I slow to a stop outside the local coffee shop by the studio, The Daily Grind.
It’s situated between two taller buildings, a little hole in the wall type of vibe.
The old hand painted sign swinging softly above the old, rustic door frame.
It’s always such a homey vibe here, and I think that’s why I instantly loved it when I first visited.
As I make my way inside, my heavy breathing starts to even out, the cool air being a nice reprieve. The sweet smell of pastry and the earthy smell of coffee assaulting my senses, the humming sound of chatter and the hiss of the espresso machine feels calming – just what I need before Levi Carter.
I order without thinking – my beloved caramel macchiato and almond croissant.
As I wait for my name to be called, my gaze sweeps across the small space before my eyes catch on none other than Levi. Except, he’s not alone.
A woman is sat beside him, their interaction seeming somewhat familiar.
With long, blonde curls cascading down her back, a heart shaped face complimenting her golden hazel eyes and red lips – she’s beautiful.
My heart skips a beat before settling heavier in my chest, but I can’t really figure out what is causing the feeling.
Levi looks up and catches my eye, his eye twinkling with amusement, the corner of his lip lifting into a smirk.
I make my way over to his table as he leans forward slightly, his elbow resting on the table, his chin resting in his hand.
He calls out, “Fancy seeing you here.”
How does he always manage to be everywhere I go?
“Well, I could say the same, although this cafe is right by the studio, and I clock on soon, so you shouldn’t be all that surprised.” I shoot back.
“Life is full of surprises.”
“Ah! I see that’s why you’ve made a habit of falling off the reformer now.”
His eyes widen slightly, his mouth a perfect ‘O’. The mystery girl's head moves back and forth between us, almost like she’s at a tennis match, an amused look displayed on her face.
He changes the subject, “I see you’ve been for a run this morning?”
I arch an eyebrow slightly, “Obviously.”
We maintain eye contact, a slight challenge to one another before I hear the barista call my name, “See you soon, Levi.”
I turn and walk back to the counter, grabbing my to-go cup and bag before leaving to head straight to the studio.
…
LEVI
I watch as Scarlett leaves before turning back to Gigi to find her watching me curiously with a small grin on her lips.
Rolling my eyes, I don’t let her get a word in. “Don’t even think about it.” I reply, picking up my coffee and taking a sip.
She arches a brow at me, her grin widening. “So… That’s her?”
“Don’t ask questions you already know the answer to.” I grumble, leaning back in my seat and crossing my arms over my chest.
“She’s pretty.” Gigi continues, obviously not picking up on the fact that I’m done with the conversation. Or simply just not caring either way.
I shrug, averting my eyes. Like that’s going to make anything better. “Irrelevant.”
She sighs dramatically, though, still not willing to let this conversation pass. “So, when’s your next session?”
I purse my lips as I contemplate telling Gigi how I'm feeling. That I don’t want to go back. And I decide to just lay it all out there. Who can I tell, if not my own sister? I make a show of looking at my watch before responding, “In a couple of hours. I’m not going, though.”
Her eyes widen, jaw dropping open slightly. “Levi. What do you mean you’re not going?”
“I’m not dealing with that bullshit anymore. Coach can give me a different plan that’s not… that.”
Gigi’s brows furrow, confusion taking over her face. “Levi, you need to take this seriously. You can’t let your career end like this.”
I wave her off. “I’m done talking about this, Gigi.”
She stares at me a moment, before shaking her head at me and standing. “I have to go and meet with Bennett now about some appearances coming up in a few months. Go to that session, Levi.”
She strides out of the cafe, leaving me to sit with my thoughts – and she’s fucking kidding herself if she thinks I’m going to spend one more second in a session taking orders from Scarlett Quinn.