Theo is wearing black leather motorcycle pants, the jacket hanging off the back of his seat, leaving him in a charcoal low-armored tank. They’re practically matching, except where Ciarán is tailored, Theo is grunge.
Ciarán spots me first. “Hey, loverboy.” I snort at that as Theo gives me a nod in greeting.
“You two slacking off work?”
It’s Theo who responds, “Had a couple hours to kill between appointments, so I asked C to meet me for coffee.”
“Cool, well, enjoy. I need to head back. Catch you guys later.” I give them a wave as I head off.
Back at the gym, Aiden is at the punching bag, sweat pumping out of him. He’s removed his top, and he’s just wearing athletic shorts and socks. Each blow to the bag lands with powerand precision. This is how I know he’s really stressed about everything. He’s always been like this; he has a habit of keeping his emotions in until he’s at a breaking point.
I catch his eye, and he comes toward the front counter, wiping his face with a towel. He throws his top back on as I slide a bowl across the counter. “Saw Ciarán and Theo at Split Pea,” I say conversationally.
A look passes over Aiden’s face so quickly I can’t place it. “What do you mean?”
“They were having coffee together.”
Aiden’s face turns murderous.
He rips the lid off his bowl and shovels a mouthful in aggressively, chewing too hard. “Didn’t know they were hanging out.”
“Okay… what’s the issue exactly?”
He drops his fork into the bowl. “No issue. Theo can hang out with whoever he wants.”
His tone is ice cold. I lean on the desk, watching him a little too long. “Seriously, what is your problem? I know it’s not with Theo, so what? What exactly is your issue with Ciarán?”
Over the span of our nearly twenty-year friendship, I’ve never felt annoyed with Aiden, but right now, he’s pissing me off.
“I don’t have an issue with him,” he shoots back. Then, in a flatter tone. “I don’t give a shit about him at all.”
My hackles rise at that, brows knitting in confusion as I look at my own food. This side of my best friend is so foreign to me. He’s never had a problem with anyone without reason. “Right,” I say, drawing the word out. “Well, maybe you should, considering how much he cares for your brother… and Rose.”
It’s a low blow, and I see it land, his nostrils flare, and he sets his jaw.
He avoids my gaze, grabbing the schedule sheet like it suddenly needs fixing. “Look, I shouldn’t have said that. I’mstressed today. We just don’t get along. He’s always with Gabe, practically followed him back to Willowrun from college. He’s going to be around you more now because you’re with Gabe, and now Theo.” He gets up and throws his barley-eaten food in the bin. “I’ve been forced to spend time with him for years; I feel like I can’t get away from him.”
I go to speak again, but he cuts me off, storming away. “Client in five.”
I groan internally. That whole interaction has left a bitter taste in my mouth. We’ll need to talk this out in the future when he’s feeling more levelheaded. I still don’t get his issue with Ciarán, but I guess I don’t have to. If Aiden doesn’t want to be his friend, that’s his choice. I just don’t think he realizes we’re all part of this little family now. There’s no getting away from Ciarán.
By the time early evening rolls around, I send Aiden home early to be with Rose. His mood hadn’t improved much after lunch, but he gave me a clap on the shoulder on his way out, better than nothing.
We were supposed to take turns trialing two new high-intensity interval classes, but I can manage it alone. The first one was tough, so I’m taking a breather before the next. My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I take it out, seeing a text from Gabe. A smile instantly lights up my face.
Baby: There’s an eighties movie marathon on this weekend.
Me: Fuck, baby. I love it when you talk dirty to me.
Baby: You’re ridiculous.
Me: Are we gonna cuddle all weekend? Sofa or bed?
Baby: You’re too easily pleased by eighties related things.
Me: It’s not the movies I’m looking forward to ??
Baby: Such a flirt.
