Chapter Three — Nico and Bobby
The pool deck is warm and echoing with splashes, the sharp scent of chlorine hanging in the air. Bobby finishes his last lap, water streaming off him as he grips the edge of the pool. He’s breathing hard, but there’s a proud little smile tugging at his mouth.
He reaches for his phone on the towel rack and calls Alexis.
“I’ll be right there,” she says, slightly breathless. “I’m about three blocks away. Had Dunkin with Cindy.”
“Okay. See you in a bit.”
When the call ends, Bobby stares at the screen a moment longer than usual. His fingers fidget with the towel. Something in his expression shifts—worry, quiet and heavy.
Nico notices immediately.
“You did awesome today, dude,” Nico says, tossing him a fresh towel.
“Yeah… thanks.” Bobby’s voice is flat, distracted.
Nico crouches beside him, lowering his tone. “Bobby, I’m more than your therapist. We’re friends. What’s wrong?”
Bobby hesitates, eyes drifting toward the entrance as if expecting Alexis to walk in early. “I’m worried about Alexis. She’s acting weird. She said she’s at Dunkin and coming to get me now.”
Nico’s jaw tightens. He knows exactly why Alexis is acting strange. He knows exactly what’s weighing on her.
But it isn’t his place to say it. Not yet. Not until she decides.
He forces a calm smile. “She’ll tell you when she’s ready.”
Bobby nods, but the worry doesn’t leave his face.
Moments later, Alexis walks in, her steps quick, her smile too forced to be real. She waves at them, but her eyes look tired—haunted, even.
“Here comes Alexis,” Nico says gently. “Do you need me to push you outside?”
“Not yet,” Bobby says. “I want to get this done first. I need to renew her membership. Would you work out with us?”
Nico raises an eyebrow. “You’re recruiting me now?”
Bobby grins. “Yeah. Why not?”
Alexis approaches, brushing damp hair from her face. “Hey. Bobby wants me to renew my membership so we can all work out together.”
“You’re right,” she admits. “It’s something I’ve put off.”
“It’ll be nice to work out with you both,” Nico says, and there’s a warmth in his voice that makes Alexis look away for a second too long.
“Great. I’ve gotta go back to my car and get my wallet,” she says, heading toward the exit.
As soon as she’s out of earshot, Nico’s phone buzzes.
He glances down.
A message from an unknown number.
His stomach drops.
“Time is up. By 5:00 p.m. today make your choice. End it with Brianna or the proof is sent.”
Nico’s pulse spikes. He looks around the pool area instinctively.
No one is watching him. No one is near him. No one should know anything about Brandon’s mess.
But someone does.
Someone who is everywhere and nowhere at once.
He pockets the phone quickly before Bobby can notice.
Across the room, Alexis stands at the front desk, renewing her membership. She forces a smile at the receptionist, but her hands tremble slightly as she signs the form.
They schedule their first workout session for Monday morning at 9:00 a.m.
She turns back toward Nico and Bobby, unaware that the clock is ticking down on something far bigger than a gym membership.
Something that’s already in motion. Something she can’t see yet.