Page 22 of Addiction

“Jesus, Nora. You didn’t have to go to that extreme.” I chuckle. As much as it would have been nice to see them, I’m grateful they are not here. The last thing I want is a full-blown party.

Getting myself a water, I head over to where Mark and Grayson are standing at the patio doors, while the ladies gather around the kitchen island chatting.

“Well, you certainly smell better than the other day,” Mark jokes.

“Thanks.”

“Have you thought about what you want to do next? In terms of work?”

I think back to my conversation with Theo and getting myself a routine, planning out a future. “Well, I do have an idea.”

“Hit us with it. You never know, we may be able to help you out,” Grayson adds, giving me a knowing look.

“I want to open a fitness and rehabilitation gym.”

This isn’t the first time I have voiced this idea, but it’s the first time I’ve said it out loud to the people who are important to me.

“Okay. Tell us more,” Mark adds.

“I have a bit of money left over from the house sale. Nothing much but enough to maybe look into opening a small place. The rehabilitation gyms that are accessible now are overrun most times. Opening another one will not only bring business for me but a place for those who find the others crowded. I don’t expect it to be buzzing with people to start with. Hell, it might not even work out, but it’s worth a try.”

Not only will something like this keep me focused, but it’s also something I want to do in memory of Pop. I can’t bring him back, but knowing I can help others like him who need physical therapy to recover from whatever injuries is the best I can do. I wasn’t there for him and that’s my biggest regret, so now I want to be there for others in any way I can.

“And you’re committed to doing this?” Mark says, a look of determination in his eyes.

“Yes. I’ve never been more certain about anything. Plus, I took programs in business management when in St Brides. I’ve got everything I need in terms of knowledge; I just need to put it together.”

“Business management? You kept that quiet,” Grayson responds with a look of pride in his eyes. “Good for you, man.”

“Thanks.”

“You said fitness and rehabilitation. I take it you’re wanting to offer availability for both regular people and those in recovery of some kind?” Mark asks.

“Yes. I want it to be a place for anyone. I just have to find somewhere and see what I can offer at the time.”

“Would you consider a silent partner?” Mark's question surprises me.

“That would depend on who that would be?”

“Me.” There is no smile. No banter. Nothing that tells me that he’s joking with me. “Jackson and I may not be able to have you at Cole’s Security but that doesn’t mean I can’t help you out in other ways. It would be your business, of course, and I wouldn’t want to take that from you. But, if you want to do this and need a little help with finances in getting there, I’m offering to help you do that.”

I stare at him for a second, a little lost for words because this all seems so surreal right now. I look over at Grayson who is standing with a shit-eating grin on his face. “Is he fucking with me?”

“Remember what I said upstairs about letting people guide you? He’s said for a while he wants to help you get back on your feet. He’s serious.”

“Damn right I am.”

I’m fucking speechless.

Mark leans toward Grayson. “I can’t recall the last time I saw him lost for words. Can you?”

“I don’t think he ever has been. He’s usually full of shit.”

I chuckle. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Yes, is the word I’m looking for.”

“And you’re dead certain on this?”