SOL - Sit down

Fuck it. You and Riley need to talk.

You walk off the path, straight to the bench, and drop down beside her. But not too close.

It takes you a moment to realize your mistake. This girl has hair the same color as Riley’s, but everything else is different. Riley wears a tight ponytail because she’s an athlete, but this girl’s is fashionably loose. Riley’s figure is slim and streamlined from endless cardio, but this girl has round hips and such a full chest that her top is creased from it. Her body is softer, not as slender. Her face is more round. Riley’s eyes are piercing and green, but this girl has brown eyes.

She’s an employee, wearing pink shorts and a black polo shirt. Girls in these uniforms are everywhere; you’ve stopped noticing them.

She looks over at you in surprise. On her lap is a small container of sushi.

“Hi,” she says, and you realize that she’s less surprised by you joining her than how you look. You’re a little sweaty, a little flushed. She can probably tell with a glance that you’re a mess right now.

It doesn’t help your composure that she’s so attractive.

“Sorry. I’m sorry. I mistook you for someone else,” you say.

She smiles and shrugs. “No worries,” she says. “Are you OK?”

You nod, trying to pull yourself together. You should let this girl enjoy her break in peace, but you don’t move. You feel scattered.

“Adella, right?”

“Yes,” you reply, taken aback. But is it so strange that the employees would know the names of the players?

“Aha,” she says with a laugh. “You thought I was Riona from Blue Team.”

You open your mouth, but don’t know what to say.

“Wish I was,” she says with another laugh, picking up a piece of sushi with her chopsticks and popping it into her mouth. “Want one?”

You shake your head. You’re fine. And you don’t need to bother this girl.

“I’m sorry I interrupted you,” you say, and you stand up.

“I like company,” she replies, giving you another smile. “Good luck out there.” She twists and gazes toward the fields and her expression changes. You turn to look, seeing Riley and Lara on the path, holding hands. “Gross,” she says. “Absolutely disgusting. I’m so happy for her that I want to die. Oh, shit. Move.” She reaches out and grabs your shorts, tugging on you. You step to the side, blocking her from view. She chews her chopsticks nervously as Riley and Lara. Once they’re gone, she lets go and pats your hip. “Sorry about that. Thank you.”

“You know Riley?” you ask her, frowning. You don’t quite understand what just happened.

“Know her?” The girl snorts. “She’s my sister. But she doesn’t know that I work here, so don’t tell her.”