Adriana had always been effortlessly fit, someone who could eat whatever she wanted and never seem to gain a pound. But now, with the slight softness in her arms, the curve of her stomach pressing just a bit more against her leggings, it was clear that wasn't the case anymore. Adriana tried to take another bite of food without a misstep but ended up with sauce on her chin.
Claire, sitting across from Adriana, was the first to speak up. She was short and lean, with sharp features and long, black hair that she always kept in a perfect ponytail. She had a way of looking effortlessly put together, her style clean and polished even in casual workout clothes. She had always been one of Adriana’s closest friends, and right now, she was watching her eat with mild amusement.
“You good over there, Adri?” Claire teased, raising an eyebrow as Adriana hurriedly wiped the sauce from her chin.
Adriana laughed, but there was a flicker of embarrassment in her expression. “Yeah, yeah. Just didn’t realize how hungry I was.”
Sitting next to Claire was Elli, a petite girl with blonde waves and a round, friendly face. She was the type who smiled often and leaned into conversations, always eager to add to the fun. “You’ve been eating like crazy lately,” Elli said with a grin. “Did track start back up or something?”
“Uh, yeah. Just need the extra fuel, I guess.”
And so did John, the only guy at the table, judging by the way he smirked. But he kept his mouth shut, which interested Taylor. He was tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in a casual hoodie and joggers, with short, dark hair that always looked just slightly tousled. He had the build of someone who played soccer or lifted regularly, but his easygoing demeanor kept him from being overbearing.