“Okay, but then you’re going to be on top.” I already got my physical activity time in for the day.
“Deal.”
15
CHASE
Dylan is my first unofficial coaching client—unofficial because I haven’t quite finished my course yet. There are still three modules, plus the certification exam. I offered to coach him for free for the next three months while I finish everything and get settled, in exchange for an honest testimonial to help me attract future clients. Dylan refused, though, so we settled on a reduced rate for my services.
It’s weird, this feeling of excitement over my work. I wait anxiously by my computer each afternoon until it dings, letting me know Dylan has completed his run. Even though he doesn’t provide comments immediately, I always open it right away to check how he did.
So far, it’s been a great relationship. He’s a hard worker, laid-back, and funny. Even when his workouts don’t go according to plan, he has a good attitude. I’m happy to be working with him.Happyandworkaren’t usually words that I use in the same sentence, unless there’s anotconnecting them.
It won’t always be this way. There’ll be some clients I don’t get along with, and weeks where entering workouts into a system, calculating paces, and doing all the administrative work feels more burdensome than anything else. But I can honestly say I’ve never felt this way about a job before. That has to mean something. At least, I hope it does.
Between coaching Dylan, getting through the coursework to earn my certification, setting up a website, and putting in twelve hours a week working at Tannenbaum Tales, I’m starting to feel like I have a purpose in life again.
It doesn’t hurt that Nix has restored a lot of that purpose to my life. He’s a great guy and an even better boyfriend. He’s patient, kind, and sexy—all the things I’ve ever wanted in a partner. He’s been working hard to make sure that I see Sleighbell Springs for what it is.
We even went to a drag show at Sleigh Queen. There’s another set of words I never thought I’d utter. I’ve, of course, heard of drag shows, but this was my first time going to one. It was both more and less exciting than I thought it would be, and because it’s Sleighbell Springs, of course, there was a little bit of Christmas cheer to it. In June.
Maybe it’s because the other parts of my life have made me so happy, or maybe this ridiculous town is growing on me, but it wasn’t so bad—either the Christmas aspect or the drag. If Russ gets out here to visit, we’ll have to take him. He’d love it. Plus, I think he’d enjoy getting to see how much I’ve grown in my time here. Trying new things. Not being such a stick-in-the-mud.
As much as I hate to admit it, his throwing me out of his living room was the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time. Maybe ever. Without it, I never would’ve come to Sleighbell Springs, would never have reconnected with Nix, and probably would have taken a lot longer to figure out anything about myself, like I have since I’ve been here.
I check my watch and close my computer for the rest of the day. Nix’s plumbing got fixed, so we’ve been spending the night back at his place. As much as I love the studio, it’s small and sterile. Nix’s home works much better for us. Now, I only spend time here during the day, so I have a place to study. Time to head downstairs for my shift. It’s a good thing, too, because I miss Nix. It’s only been a few short hours since he left for the day, but I already feel the loss. If someone had said something like that to me before, after only a week of dating, I would’ve called them needy.
Well, I guess I’m needy. The good thing is that Nix likes me that way.
“Come on, Nick. Time to earn your kibble.” The big cat looks up from his spot on the couch at the wordkibble. Yeah, I know the secret words to get his attention. I might not have any of thoseChurutreats he loves so much, but he knows that if he follows me downstairs, I’ll check that his bowl is full.
Nick races in front of me on the stairs, practically taking me out in the process. “Is that necessary?”
He glances back at me with a disdainful expression on his face. Guess that’s my answer.
My phone starts vibrating as I hit the back room. A string of text messages. The only person who messages like that, one incomplete thought after another, is my brother.
I owe him so many conversations and explanations. I’m not avoiding him, per se. It’s more than I don’t know what I’m supposed to say to him. He’d be happy for us.Probably. But there’s also this small part of me that knows how protective he is of Nix. What if he thinks I’m not good enough? Certainly, I haven’t done much to prove myself to him over the last few years.
Russ Haywood
Hey! Where are you?
I’ve got big news!
NIX
This year is extra special. I get to take Chase to his very first Pride. Well, maybe not his first, but the first where he gets to see himself and his sexuality represented. It’s a big honor for me, and I plan to make sure he gets to soak up every minute of it.
Yesterday, I made a quick shopping trip to pick up a bunch of fun items for both of us. Face paint, some t-shirts, and rainbow sunglasses. It’s a bit over-the-top, but I hope that Chase can relax and enjoy the event.
When my phone rings, I know it’s Russ before I even take it out of my pocket. We’ve missed the last few mornings of phone calls. Entirely my fault. The guilt makes my stomach churn. Not only because I’m skipping out on talking to my best friend, but because I’m doing it to spend a few more minutes naked in bed with his brother.
“Hey, Russ. Sorry for the busy week.” I barely get the words out before he interrupts me.
“I have a surprise for you.” Even through the phone, Russ’s excitement is clear.
“A good surprise?” With my best friend, I have to ask. It’s a lesson I’ve learned over and over again.
