Laugh it off

I let out a laugh — a real one, maybe a little too loud — and nudge his shoulder lightly with mine.

“God, Ryan, you’re terrible,” I grin. “What would Monica say if she heard you offering other kinds of distractions?”

His smile flickers, just for a split second, like I caught him off guard. There’s this tiny flash of disappointment in his eyes — so quick I could’ve imagined it — but then he’s right back, easygoing, playing it off.

“Hey, can’t blame a guy for trying to lighten the mood,” he says, smirking. “You looked like you were about to start brooding again.”

“Oh, I’m always brooding. It’s my natural state,” I shoot back, rolling my eyes dramatically.

He laughs at that, leaning back and stretching his arms over the back of the couch.

“Yeah, I can see that. Brooding queen. Maybe I should start calling you that at the gym. Make it a thing.”

“Sure. Right after I start calling you ‘Flirty Trainer Guy’.”

We both crack up at that, the tension breaking like a bubble popping. Whatever that moment was — it’s gone now. Or at least, we’re both pretending it is.

Ryan picks up the remote and flips to the comedy he’d found earlier.

“Alright, Brooding Queen, let’s see if this can make you smile without me risking my life with Monica.”

“Deal,” I grin, settling back into the cushions.

As the stupid movie starts up, I sneak a glance at Ryan out of the corner of my eye. He’s focused on the screen, relaxed, that charming, easy smile back on his face like nothing happened.

And I can’t help but wonder — is this just how he is? Does he get like this with the women he trains? All friendly and supportive, saying the right things, throwing in just enough charm to make them feel seen, special? Or is there more to it?

I shake my head at myself and focus on the screen.

Don’t overthink it. Just enjoy the damn movie.