Free InSight by Polly Iyer

hold,” Abby said. He did, and by the end of 400 meters, Luke sounded like he had emphysema, and Abby was pulling him.
    “Man, I’m out of shape,” he wheezed, “but I’ll catch up. Should’ve quit smoking sooner. Give me a few weeks.”
    “You’re gonna need more than a few weeks to catch up to Abby,” Jackie said, “but go for it. You need the exercise.”
    They all laughed again, but Abby knew Luke took the challenge seriously. She wouldn’t be surprised if he started practicing nightly before next week. She’d know after the first lap.
    Luke put his arm around her. “What do you say we shower and change and go shopping for some running shoes? If I’m going to give you a run for your money, I’ll need the right equipment.”
    Abby groaned at the pun.
    “There’s an athletic shoe store next to Barnes and Noble. We can grab a cup of coffee after.”
    “I won’t be much help with the shoes, but I never turn down coffee. I can pick up a few audio books while we’re there. A good mystery novel before bed clears my mind of other people’s problems.” She showered and changed into jeans.
    After Luke bought his shoes, they sauntered into the book store, where the rich aroma of coffee wafted through the air. Luke guided her to a seat at a small table and ordered two cappuccinos.
    “I think the last year softened me,” he said. “I didn’t realize how out of shape I am.”
    Abby reached over and touched his muscular arm. “You don’t feel out of shape to me. Take it from someone who does a lot of feeling around.”
    “I’m not pushing, understand, but if you’d like to feel a little more later, I’m available.”
    A smile accompanied her racing heart. “I’m not trying to be a tease, Luke. This is all so new to me. I’m scared and confused.”
    She felt him wipe something from the corner of her mouth. He took her hand. “No explanation necessary. This is new for me too. It’s turning out to be a hell of a year.”
    Luke’s affectionate public display surprised her. Most men were embarrassed to show affection in public. She hadn’t anticipated this side of him.
    “You—”
    He stopped in the mid-sentence. She didn’t have a clue why until she heard the silky voice.
    “Hello, Luke. Surprise seeing you here.”
    An uneasy quiet followed and silky voice repeated her greeting.
    “Oh, hi, Claire,” Luke said as he slid his hand off Abby’s.
    “Long time no see,” Claire said.
    “I guess it has been.”
    “You’re looking…well,” she said. “Actually, you look great. How’ve you been?”
    “Been doing okay. How ’bout you?”
    “Keeping busy. You still with the department?”
    “Still there.”
    Abby began to feel invisible as she listened to this primer in small talk, when silky voice said, “Aren’t you going to introduce me?”
    “Sorry, of course,” Luke said. “Abigael Gallant, my ex-wife Claire…”
    “It’s still McCallister. I haven’t been able to part with it yet. Pleased to meet you, Abigael.”
    The bottom dropped out of Abby’s stomach. She’d never given a thought to Luke’s ex-wife and wished she didn’t have to think about her now. Why should she feel like that? After all, Luke and Claire were divorced and he was sitting with her. That meant something, didn’t it?
    “The pleasure’s mine,” she managed to say, even though her mouth went dry as a bone. More silence. She assumed her lack of precision eye contact gave her away.
    “I see you’ve been shoe shopping,” Claire said.
    “Yup. Running shoes. Abby put me to shame this morning.”
    “Really,” Claire said.
    Abby heard the strain in Luke’s voice. Idle chat was not his long suit. Nor hers.
    “Gallant,” Claire said, her tone questioning. “Now I recognize the name. Very pleased to meet you, Doctor. Your name crops up in the paper when you consult with athletes. I’m always impressed.”
    “Thanks. I never issue those press releases. I wish the reporters would leave those guys alone.