The rhythmic beat of music pulsed through the gym, and Susan moved through each exercise with laser focus, her body pushing to keep up with her racing thoughts. Frustration surged with each repetition, and she felt the tension build, but the burn in her muscles was a welcome release.
"Whoa, slow down, girl," Caroline's voice pulled her back to reality. Her friend was giving her a raised eyebrow from across the row of weights. "What's got you so tense?"
Susan paused, catching her breath, and forced a casual shrug. She couldn't exactly open up to her friend about the gang boss she'd gotten herself involved with, so she managed a small smile. "Just... work stuff." She lied, and knew as the words left her mouth that Caroline would not believe her as she was such a terrible liar.
Caroline gave her a knowing look but didn't press. "Right. Well, from the way you're going at it, I'd say it's more than just work, but I won't pry." She grinned slyly. "You need a distraction. Like, an actual distraction. From a guy. Tall, charming, ready to sweep you off your feet."
Susan rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. I don't need a guy to fix my problems." A guy was already the cause of her current problems. Why the hell would she want to bring another into the picture? "Besides, even if I do need a distraction, why does it have to be a guy?"
"No, but it wouldn't hurt to have someone to, you know... take the edge off." Caroline waggled her eyebrows, clearly enjoying herself. "You've been here for a while now, don't you think it's time for you to meet new people?"
Susan just shook her head at her friend's insinuation and went back to her set, trying to brush off her friend's words. Oh, but she'd met new people. The kind of people Caroline wouldn't even imagine. The kind who wouldn't leave her alone, she thought as she remembered her last conversation with Leo. It kept her on her toes, and the fact that he'd somehow found a way into her apartment sent shivers down her spine.
She almost beat herself up for letting him drive her home the other night, but then she remembered that it didn't matter. Leo already knew where she lived, so it wouldn't have made any difference. She couldn't exactly go to the cops now after what she'd done. It'd be like telling on herself, but now she wondered how much Leo was going to push her before he left her alone. At least her brother was out of the loop now, so that at least was a silver lining, even though she'd be paying for it.
"Helloooo…. Earth to Suzy," said Caroline interrupting her thoughts. Susan turned to look at her friend, who had a questioning look on face, "What are you thinking about so intensely that you spaced out like that? Work again?"
Before Susan could reply, a voice interrupted them. "Hey there," a man's voice cut in.
Susan looked up, startled, as a good-looking guy with a friendly smile approached. He had a lean, athletic build that looked like he was no stranger to the gym himself. His hair was a dark brown, slightly messy but in that intentional way, and his eyes were warm, a soft hazel that seemed to hold a hint of humor. He wore a fitted grey T-shirt that showed off toned arms and broad shoulders, paired with black joggers that fit snugly around his waist. His sneakers were clean but well-worn, hinting he was a regular here. A subtle chain peeked out at his collar, catching the gym's bright lights.
"Hi," he said, offering a friendly smile that crinkled the edges of his eyes. "I'm Jeremy." He glanced between Susan and Caroline, but his attention was mostly on Susan. "I just... noticed you over here, and thought I'd come say hello."
"Oh," Susan managed, caught a bit off guard. "Hi."
Caroline's eyes lit up mischievously. This was her chance, and knowing Caroline, Susan knew she would seize the opportunity, "Hi, Jeremy! I'm Caroline. This is Susan." She gestured toward Susan, grinning, then subtly nudged her.
Jeremy's smile widened. "Nice to meet you, Susan. I'm sorry to come over here and interrupt like this, but you look so beautiful and I just couldn't help myself."
Susan managed a smile and tried not to blush too hard, "Urm… Thanks I guess. It's nice to meet you too,"
Jeremy smiled back at her, and Susan had to admit to herself that he was quite charming.
"I haven't seen you around here before. Are you new?" Jeremy continued.
Susan shook her head, "I've been here a few times, but I guess I'm still kinda new,"
"Oh," said Jeremy, and he flashed another smile at her, "Well in that case, I'd love to be one of your new friends. Maybe... I could get your number? We could hang out sometime."
Susan hesitated, but before she could refuse, Caroline was already nodding enthusiastically. "Of course, she'd love that."
Throwing her friend an exasperated look, Susan relented, fishing her phone out and punching in her number. "Here."
"Great, thanks," Jeremy said, flashing her another smile. "I'll give you a call soon."
As he walked away, Caroline clasped her hands, looking proud of herself. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it? He seems like a good guy—a healthy distraction."
Susan sighed, shaking her head. "I can't believe you just did that."
"Oh, come on, you needed a push," Caroline laughed. "Besides, I was doing you a favor. Maybe a nice guy like him is exactly what you need right now."
"Do you also have one of these distractions for yourself? Or is it just me who needs one?"
A blush crossed Caroline's features, "Well, since you asked. Remember that guy I met at The Summit?" she asked, then continued when Susan nodded, "He and I have gone out on a few dates and I actually kinda like him. And speaking of The Summit, when do we go back? I had so much fun that night and I can't wait to do it again,"
"Too bad, because I don't think we're going to be going back there any time soon," Susan replied.
"Buzz kill," said Caroline.
On the drive home, Susan found herself replaying the moment with Jeremy in her mind. Maybe Caroline was right. Maybe Jeremy would be exactly the distraction she needed—a reminder that she didn't have to live under Leo's shadow. He'd seemed kind, respectful... safe. Completely different from the arrogant, dangerous man that was Leo Spencer.
She allowed herself a small smile. Maybe a date with someone like Jeremy would finally put her mind at ease—and keep her heart where it belonged.