Runaway

The Price to Slay

Saturday! My favorite day of the week. You can sleep late, do nothing, go nowhere and wear your pajamas all day while you internet shop. Literally, my favorite thing to do. My girl charlie is curled up next to me just chilling and we don't have a care in the world. My phone starts vibrating and when I check the screen I couldn't be more excited to see who is calling. My best friend Jace!

"Hey babe, what are you doing?" Jace says

"Not much, just chilling in my jammies buying s**t I don't need off the internet. You?" I reply

"On my way to your house. So get your lazy ass out of bed and put on some gym clothes, I've signed us up for Saturday fitness Boot camp!" Jace replies.

"b***h, I swear to God you better be joking," I said, rolling my eyes.

About 5 minutes later I hear a knock at my door and sure enough, that fool is standing on my front porch in workout gear and bouncing on his toes with excitement. I swear if I didn't love that boy I would shoot him where he stands. I opened the door and let him in and the look on his face was one of disapproval.

"Girl, I called you and gave you a heads up. So why are you still dressed like you just rolled out of bed?" He says. "Because I did, I didn't think you were actually serious about working out. It's Saturday! Why on earth would I voluntarily ruin my Saturday to work out?" I reply. "Well you better get ready, cause we have to be there in 20 minutes." he snaps back as he pushes me towards my bedroom. I begrudgingly stomp into my closet and pull out a pair of pink, blue and green tie-dye leggings and a matching sports bra and throw on my Brooks running shoes to match, then head to the kitchen to fill my hydro flask with water.

"Do you at least have any good gossip to entertain me with?" I ask as we headed for the car.

Jace and I grew up in the same small town and have known each other since pre-school. So we know all the same people. He still somehow always knows the small-town gossip and drama, all while claiming to hate the town and will "never look back on that s**t hole", yet somehow knows everything that still goes on there. So if ever I want to know who is cheating on their spouse, has a new baby daddy, or went to jail for meth; Jace has all the answers. He is also an interior designer in the area and works for a large firm in Atlanta, so he also knows all the good crazy southern women gossip too. No need to watch the real housewives when your bestie has the inside scoop.

"So guess who just picked up a new client?" He asks me with excitement all over his face.

"Um, let me think... Julia Sugarbaker?!" I say sarcastically while tapping my chin.

"Smartass. Anyhow, you will never guess who it is!" he says.

"Oh really, well then spill. Who is this new mystery client?" I ask.

"Your Boss! The oh so fine Kaylex Alston! Apparently, he requested me by name. Did you recommend me for the job? If so, then thank you! This could be the biggest job of my career!" He says excitedly.

"Well I am thrilled to hear that you've been hired by Mr. Alston, but I had nothing to do with it. I've only interacted with the man once and he barely spoke. So the credit for landing this job is all yours." I say

"Have you been out to his home and met with him yet?" I ask

"No, the initial meeting will be Monday. He wants me to come by the office so we can discuss what he has in mind and schedule a time for me to go out to his home and take measurements. By the way, we should get lunch afterward, since I'll already be in your office about that time." Jace says

"Sounds like a plan. Now, let's talk about why you thought it was a good idea to sign me up for a Saturday workout boot camp?" I say

"b***h. I told you when you left that man we were going to upgrade you. To upgrade, you've got to be at peak performance. If you want to slay, you gotta pay." Jace pops off.

I just roll my eyes and go along. He better be glad I love him, or he would be dead right about now.

"After this, you owe me brunch. And when I say brunch I mean endless mimosas", I say.

"Deal!" he replied.

Minutes later we pull up to a local park that has an area with a cross fit area. It looks like its going to be hell. Especially for my highly uncoordinated ass. We start with stretches and a jog to warm up, then the instructor goes through the course to demonstrate how each section is done. We have to jump on large boxes, which I couldn't even do half of them because I'm so short. We continue to work our way through the course with the coach pushing us on. After two hours, I was lying on the grass panting, trying to catch my breath. Cursing my best friend.

"Please, for the love of Pete, do not sign me up for anything else. Also, you better treat me to French toast with whipped cream and the mimosas better be good." I say to Jace. He just laughs and reaches his hand down to help me up.

"Come on you cry baby, you know you enjoyed it" he replied.

"Ugh, whatever just take me to get food". I say and I reach for his hand to help me up.

We headed off to get brunch at a cute little place in a small neighborhood outside of the city. They had a nice outdoor patio and it wasn't too crowded. Perfect place to relax and catch up. Of course I ordered a stack of French toast with strawberries and whipped cream with a side of chewy bacon. Jace scrunches his nose at my order, he cant stand that I eat my bacon chewy. Then he orders shrimp and grits, another favorite of mine. While we wait on our food we start chatting about his new client, my boss.

"So, are you nervous about the Alston job? It's probably going to be your wealthiest client thus far, right?" I ask.

"Yeah, adding this to my portfolio could be lucrative for me. Especially given their social connections, but they've yet to tell me what the project is. Which is why I am meeting with Mr. Alston at the office monday. Usually I meet people in the location they want the work done, but apparently I need to bring in documentation and fill out some paper work before I am allowed on their property. Apparently they are extremely particular about who they allow on their property," Jace replied.

"I guess when your as wealthy as they are you tend to be more guarded," I say as I shrug my shoulders in reply. "Possibly. So have you met him? The supposedly devilishly handsome Kaylex Alston". Jace asked with his eyebrows raised so high they were about to disappear into his hairline.

"Once briefly, and it wasn't much of an impression"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, he was just cold and he seemed to be scrutinizing my appearance. It made me uncomfortable. I hate when a man makes me feel that way. I haven't experienced that since you know who."

"Oh... I'm sorry that's how he made you feel. But please don't carry your past into the future, that man is no longer around to tear you down."

"I know your right. But some days it still feels fresh."

"Oh babe, I know the anniversary is coming up. You know I am here if you need anything. Even if its just to get drunk and have a good cry."

"I honestly couldn't do life without you Jace."

"You bet your hot ass you couldn't!" Jace practically shouts.

"Hush, your making people look!" I slap his arm embarrassed.

"Good, maybe there's some hotties near by and we can get you laid." he says looking around the restaurant.

I cant help but roll my eyes at that. "The only hottie I want is this hot pile of French toast in front of me". Jace just rolls his eyes and laughs at my silliness.

After we finish our brunch Jace takes me back to my house so I can get a much needed shower.

As we get back to my place, I hugged my best friend and confirmed our lunch plans for Monday and wave him off from my front porch. I love that boy so much. Now for that not hot shower.