When I arrive at the stadium, I wave to Jim, our regular security guard, and swipe my card to let me inside, pausing after I’ve stepped through the threshold. Like always, it’s eerily quiet at this time of morning, and as I walk through the halls, the motion-sensor lights buzz, coming to life as I pass under them, bathing the space in a soft glow.
Setting my playlist to rock anthems, I go through the motions, running to warm up before working my way through my regular sets.
I’m nearing the end when the door slams behind me and I curse under my breath, sending out a silent prayer that it’s not one of my coaches, or worse, one of the guys from the group chat.
“Zane, my man,” Luke greets the back of my head and I visibly wince.
Of course it’s him.I’ve been working out alone at this time on a Tuesday for three fucking years and he chooses today to show up.
“Luke, how are you?” I glance over my shoulder, giving him a nod then resuming my position below the bar, launching into my final set of pull-ups.
If I think Luke’s going to tell me he’s good and leave me alone, I’m sorely mistaken.
“I’m much better than you, I hear.” He chuckles to himself. “How’s the cough?”
I snort out a laugh and my arms quiver. “I’m on the mend,” I croak out, forcing myself to complete one more rep before dropping my feet to the ground. “It’s amazing what a little hotlemon and honey will do.” I smile and grab my towel, wiping the sweat from my brow, throwing it back on my bag.
“Is that what you’re calling her? I like it.” Luke grins, his lips tight as though he’s giving me props for the creative nickname.
“It’s not a name, douchebag.” Though I internally smile at the fact that he’s not far off, honey to my Queen B.
“Okay. What do you call her then? And when are you getting married?”
“The fuck?”
“You missed practice for a woman, right? That usually means she’s special.”
“How… You know what? Never mind.” When it comes to Luke, I’ve learned he’s like a dog with a bone. May as well be honest, because he’s not giving up any time soon. “Sheisspecial,” I tell him, gesturing for him to spot me as I lie down on the bench. If he’s going to be chatty, the least he can do is assist in my workout. “She’s a friend,” I offer, hoping he’ll drop it.
“A friend?” He laughs, walking behind the bench press, standing in position as I begin my first rep, the weight slightly higher than I’m used to since I’ve got someone to spot me. “Why don’t you ask Reed howthatstory plays out?”
My muscles tense. “What story?” I grunt, playing dumb, and immediately regret engaging.
“The ‘we’re just friends’ bullshit. I give it a month.”
“A month?” A strained laugh bursts out of me. “I wouldn’t place that bet. It could be that long before I see her again.” If she has any say in the matter. If it’s left up to me, I’ll be seeing her before the week is out. I might even stop in LA on my way home from our game against Phoenix this weekend.
My thoughts drift to Blair’s mouth and I lose concentration, my strength wavering through my next press up, needing Luke’s help to get the bar into position as my muscles give out.
“What happened then?” he asks, concern marring his expression.
“Like I said. I’m sick.” I fake a cough and Luke blows out a raspberry.
“Lovesick, maybe. You need to get your head out of your ass or you’ll hurt yourself.”
“Thanks for the advice,Dad.” I sit up and shake out my arms, turning around, armed with an over-the-top smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“You do that.” He scoffs, as though I’m some careless child, and I can’t help but snicker. I care about things; my well-being just isn’t high on that list right now. I’m too caught up in Blair.
Waving him off, I shift my attention to the row of treadmills across the hall, mentally planning out my cooldown.
But Luke’s not letting it go. Even after I’ve walked away.
“Zane,” he calls out from the other side of our gym, still in the same place I left him, frowning when I turn around. “Bring a friend next time. You’re lucky I was here.”
“You’re right. Thanks. Same time next week?” I wink and he barks out an incredulous laugh.
While I may have been joking, I have a feeling these workouts will no longer be done alone.
