“Tyler. Don’t fucking start this again, okay?”
He clenches his jaw, and I know he wants to say more, wants to fight me on this. But he just looks off to the side and shakes his head.
“Fine, Gage. Have it your way.”
Instead of finishing our workout together like we normally do, I walk off to the mats and stretch. Yeah, it’s shitty for me to leave without saying bye, but I’m too pissed. He knows my one rule: never, ever bring up our dad.
I finish stretching and head into the men’s locker room to clean up. When I check my phone, I tap the TikTok icon and see a slew of unread messages. I start to delete them, but then I stop when I spot a message from @sweetcheekscreamery.
Hello! Yes, I’m totally serious. Would you be willing to chat with me about helping me go viral on TikTok? Also, my sincerest apologies for how long and rambling my prior message was! It was kind of a rough night lol
I smile at the reply. It’s so damn adorable. I still have no idea who this person is that’s messaging me. But part of me hopes it’s that cute blonde in the video I saw earlier.
Before I hit the shower, I reply.
It’s all good, no worries. Hope things are better for you today. Before we start talking about this, can I get your name? Also, is this you?
I link the video of the blonde woman scooping the triple waffle cone. I get a response almost immediately.
My name is Becca Briarwood and yes, that’s me in the video.
I grin to myself. I knew it. And god, even her name is adorable and sweet.
Nice to meet you, Becca. Look, instead of DMing back and forth, you wanna meet and talk in person? I feel like that would be easier. You could tell me exactly what you’re looking for and I can figure out if I can help you.
Before I send it off, I stop myself. I have no idea if I’ll be able to help her. I’ve never had this kind of request before. But something about this woman intrigues me.
Because you think she’s pretty.
Yeah, that’s part of it. And yeah, I know that’s shallow as fuck. But that’s not the only reason.
I think back to her initial message, how honest and open she was. How she mentioned an ex who stole money from her and why that’s the reason she was reaching out to me. Maybe that’s the reason she got drunk, to drown her sorrows a bit.
I clench my jaw. I’ve never had an ex do that to me, but I know what it’s like to feel betrayed by someone who you thought had your back.
Yeah, I don’t know this girl from Eve. But there’s something about her. As I peel off my sweaty clothes and shove them in my gym bag, I think back to all those videos of hers that I watched. How she offers free ice cream to kids, how she gives senior citizen discounts, how she donates her time to the community. She seems really kind-hearted. She also seems to be in a rough patch. I want to at least hear her out.
I send the message, then hit the shower. By the time I’m dried off and dressed, she’s replied.
You want to meet? Like in person?
I chuckle.
Me:Yes, in person. I saw that your shop is in Denver, so I’m guessing you are too? So am I. You’re not far from my neighborhood. I could stop by tomorrow if you want and we can talk this out.
Becca:Okay, great! Can you come by before I open? Like around 9 in the morning?
Me:I’ll be there.
Becca:Perfect! Thank you! I’ll have a scoop of whatever flavor you want waiting for you
Me:Mint chocolate chip?
Becca:You got it! It won’t be as fancy as what you prepare in your videos, but I promise it’ll be just as yummy!
Me:That’s a big promise.
Becca:Ice cream is my specialty. Just wait till you taste it ;)
