Back in the living room, I pick up my phone.
Me:The room’s ready whenever you want to move in.
For the first time since waking, the thought of tomorrow doesn’t feel impossible. Fear still lives under my skin, it never leaves, but my friends left me with the strength to try.
4
NOAH
I fire off the text after I finish scribbling out a draft of the first week’s training schedule.
Me:Still good for me to come after work?
The reply comes almost instantly.
Gabe:Yes.
I stare, thumb hovering over the screen. Short and to the point. Okay then. I slide the phone back into my pocket. All of his responses have been like that. I know text isn’t the best indicator of tone, but he seems more distant than he ever was before. I hope he’s not regretting saying yes.
I turn toward Aiden, who’s adjusting the new shelving unit we assembled this morning.
“Schedule’s sorted,” I say, stretching my arms overhead. “You happy for me to post it online?”
Once Aiden mentioned this property was available, I wanted to make sure I could do everything possible to make ourbusiness work, so I learned how to set up a website and online booking system for the gym.
“Yeah, hopefully we’ll get a decent amount of pre-bookings before we even open,” Aiden grunts without looking up. “Still trying to get this thing level. Either the floor’s fucked or I am.”
I grin. “Probably the floor, if you were fucked, you’d be in a better mood.”
“Shut it, I’m in a great mood. Me, myself, and I are getting on just fine on our own,” he replies, crooked smirk in place while he wiggles his right hand, making me snicker.
“You’re a tool,” I tell him affectionately. “No dating, then?”
“Fuck no, my priorities are Rose and Anchor Strength.”
I can’t judge him for that.
He gives me an appraising look. “If you start seeing someone… I don’t know if Gabe would be okay with them in his space.”
As if I’d be able to consider another soul when Gabe’s around.
“No dating for me either,” I say simply, can’t exactly get into the fact that I’ll be struggling hard enough not to make moon eyes at his brother every day.
We work in companionable silence for a few minutes. He finally gives the shelf one last nudge and steps back. “Another thing done. You nervous about moving in?”
I shrug. “I wouldn’t say nervous. But it’s been a while since I’ve seen Gabe. It’s probably going to be pretty awkward at first.”
“Oh, it’s going to bereallyawkward,” Aiden says, laughing at my surprised face. “He’s still quiet, still turns pink if you try to compliment him. Still loves reading.” The soft smile on Aiden’s face shows how much he adores his brother—that particular smile is reserved for Gabe and Rose.
I nod slowly. “He always seemed... soft. And I don’t mean that in a negative way, he’s always been so gentle. Like an old soul in a way.”
Aiden nods, and his smile dims a little. “Yeah, that’s him. More anxious these days, though. Give him a chance to open up, he’s still working through a lot.” Aiden’s eyes cut to mine, and I give him a reassuring nod.
We fall into sync again—tools clicking, playlist running in the background. My thoughts drift to the apartment and seeing Gabe again after so long. I can admit to myself that it’s not just about needing a place to live. I could tough it out at The Inn while I kept looking for a rental. But when Aiden mentioned Gabe’s spare room, something lit up in the back of my mind. I want to see who he is now—and make sure he’s okay.
“Rose doing okay?” I ask after a while. “She’s gotten so big. Is it weird that I’m this excited to be part of her life beyond a phone screen?”
Aiden gives a hearty chuckle. “Not weird, I’m glad you’ll be in her life more, too. She’s good, perfect really. I can’t believe she’s two,” Aiden says, though a weariness creeps into his voice. “Lucy’s been flaking on us lately, though. Dropped her off early yesterday, then didn’t answer her phone when I called to ask if Rose had dinner there. I’m trying not to be an asshole about it, but it’s frustrating. I need to know Rose is okay when she has her.”
