Theo grabs a towel, wiping his forehead before turning to Aiden. “Your brother’s event was great, by the way. Will he be doing more?”
Aiden blows out a measured breath. “I don’t know, I hope so. He did a great job. Always did in the past, too.”
There’s a big smile on his face, full of pride and love, but it drops in record time when Theo says, “Nice, I’d love to go to more. Hey, have either of you got Ciarán’s number? I meant to ask for it, but we all got carried away talking.”
Aiden’s face turns thunderous. It’s one thing to have an issue with Ciarán himself, but does he expect Theo to snub him out of solidarity?
Aiden just gives a clipped, “Nope.”
I shake my head. I want to tell Theo I could ask Gabe for it, but I don’t dare in front of Aiden.
We settle back into our workout, but there’s a weird tension around us now. Aiden’s at the punching bag, and I can feel the vibration of each slam of his fist. Theo raises a brow in question, and I shrug. Because seriously, fuck if I know.
We drop back into sets.
Afterward, I dig in my bag for my notebook. “I’ve been thinking we could add additional classes,” I say. “Something lighter, maybe yoga.”
Aiden gives me a surprised look. “You, mister, ‘I love to lift,’ want to lead yoga?”
“Well, I don’t know if I’d be the best person to lead it, but I think it could do well.” I shrug. “I think it could help people, beyond physical health.”
What I don’t say is I think it would be something Gabe might like. I see how relaxed he can be after running or dancing. Something like yoga could do the same for him or others struggling with their mental health.
Aiden stares at me, head tilted and a crease in his brow.
I clear my throat, fiddling with the edge of my notebook, avoiding his eyes as they bore into me.
Theo nods. “Not everyone wants to sweat it out.”
“Exactly,” I mutter.
Aiden claps my back. “Good idea.”
“Don’t tell anyone I have those,” I laugh awkwardly. “It’ll ruin my rep.”
“Your rep is cheesy music, it’s already ruined,” he shoots back, and I give him a scowl.
When Theo heads for the showers, me and Aiden stay at the desk, working through admin. I have my laptop open, going through a new schedule.
“Can I ask you something?” he says, still looking at the schedule.
“Always.”
“What’s going on with you and Gabe?” My shoulders stiffen.
“Nothing.”Unfortunately, I think to myself. “We’re just getting to know each other again. I care about him.”
Not a lie.
Okay, so maybe that’s lie adjacent. Not technically false, just emotionally misleading on my part.
“You care about him… in what way?” He keeps his eyes on the clipboard, jaw tight, and for some reason, that makes me even more nervous.
My palms grow sweaty. “Jesus, Aiden, you’re killing me here,” I say, shifting in my seat, my heart galloping. Is he going to be angry with me if I tell him how I feel about Gabe? I don’t think he will be, but I can’t shake the nerves. I can’t lie to him either, though. “I care about him in the way I always have… and more. I think he’s special.”
Aiden lets out a low, contemplative hum. His grip on the clipboard eases slightly. “Yeah. He is. And if he never feels the same about you? That’s okay with you?”
“Of course.” I swallow roughly. “I just—” I drag a thumb along the desk edge, eyes fixed anywhere but his. “I want to be someone he feels safe with. If that’s all it ever is, that’s… stilleverything.” And I mean that. He doesn’t have to choose me for me to choose him.
