He took a deep breath and stared Tobias right in the eye when he answered. “If that’s the favor you want, then I would be more than happy to change classes, but I think you should save it for something else. Especially since I have lots of background knowledge on a certain yoga instructor you might need help with.”
“And why would I need help?”
With that question, Cole furrowed his brows, looking far more serious than usual.
“I’m not saying youwillneed help, but sometimes it’s nice to have. It’s what friends do.”
As much as Cole drove him nuts, Tobias couldn’t help warming at the thought he considered Tobias a friend.
“And, hey, bonus for you,” Cole continued. “You mentioned starting those classes for kids? Abby’s sister Alyssa and their parents work in family law so she might be able to help you out with liability stuff or whatever you might need. I actually have no idea ifthe two things are related, but I figured I’d throw it out there. Her son, Colin, is six so maybe they’d even do your classes.”
That… was actually a great idea. Then he wouldn’t have to call a lawyer to set that up. Was letting people throw a party in his gym easier than making a phone call to a stranger? It shouldn’t be, but that was how Tobias’ mind worked. Plus, if Alyssa had a son Madison’s age, maybe they could arrange a playdate. Madison could always use more friends, after all. He didn’t want her to turn out like him. She was a lot more like her sociable mother, and he wanted to keep it that way.
Tobias sighed deeply before answering.
“Fine, you can have Abby’s going away party here, and I’m holding you to everything you said.”
Cole whooped and did a fist pump before pulling Tobias into a hug he didn’t return.
“You’re the best, Tobes,” he said as he pulled away.
“Thanks again, man. I’m gonna get out of here before you change your mind, but I’ll text you about details. You’re the best, Tobes,” he said as he retreated from the gym, not giving Tobias a chance to say anything else before he was walking out the door.
Tobias shook his head and chuckled. Cole may have been a pain in the ass, but he sure knew how to take advantage of a situation. At least, maybe this one would work out for him.
————————
Tobias, Madison and Grace were cozied up on the couch as they awaited the ball drop at midnight. Natalie returned to Colorado the day after Christmas and the house felt so much quieter without her.
They’d gorged on hot cocoa and what was left of the Christmas cookies as time ticked down.
There was still another couple hours to go, but both Madison and Grace were struggling to stay awake. Normally, Tobias would be in the same position, but his mind was racing with everything he wanted to discuss with Alyssa.
He figured he wouldn’t be able to talk to her about everything at the party, of course, since she’d be busy saying goodbye to her sister before she left to travel the world with her Italian boyfriend. But he figured he could ask her if they could set up a consultation to talk about his situation.
As he thought, Madison’s head bumped against his stomach. It seemed she was now having trouble holding her head up.
He adjusted her so her head was against his chest, sliding down the couch a little to give her a better angle. He figured once she was asleep, he’d carry her upstairs, but his mom had something else in mind.
“Maddie, how about you and me go to bed and we’llhave a slumber party in my room? We can watch the ball drop in there.”
Of course, Maddie was hit with a blip of energy that had her jumping off the couch. “Can Phil come with us, Gigi?”
Madison got so many toys for Christmas, but her favorite was a stuffed plushie of the Inferno’s mascot, Phil the Phoenix. It was a gift from Grace, and Madison hadn’t let it out of her sight since she opened it.
“Of course he can, so long as he doesn’t set my bed on fire.”
She giggled tiredly and spun around to give Tobias a hug goodnight. He squeezed her and gave her a kiss on top of her head.
“Happy New Year, Maddie-Moo.”
“Happy New Year, Oby. Give Phil a kiss, too.” And, of course, he did, right on his beak.
He stood to hug his mom goodnight too, and then two of his favorite girls were headed up the stairs.
Not particularly interested in the New Year’s celebrations, he turned on ESPN to catch some highlights and pulled out his knitting to keep his hands busy. They were talking about football when his phone buzzed in his pocket.
He was surprised to find a text from Chase.
