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“How’s Jurgen?” I asked, changing the subject.
“He’s great. Stay-at-home dad now. Our daughter Addison is so sweet.”
“I’d love to meet her sometime.”
“If you allowed children at the wedding, you would,” he teased.
“I’m sorry. It would be so hectic with kids around.”
“Ryleigh, I’m kidding,” he said, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You’ll do great.”
“Thanks. Will you be here tomorrow?”
“I guess I could come. Oliver won’t be home until Friday night. I hate when he’s away.”
Brad checked his watch. “I’m knocking off for the evening. My assistant manager can close up the gym tonight. Want to grab something to eat?”
“Can I have what I want?” I asked, my eyes gleaming with mischief.
Brad raised an eyebrow. “I’m not your parole officer.”
I grinned wickedly. “I feel like being naughty tonight. Maybe a grilled cheese with bacon.”
Brad scowled, but his eyes twinkled. “I’ll stick to protein and a salad.”
“You’re so good,” I said, shaking my head.
“That’s what Jurgen keeps telling me.”
“He should, considering he has his sugar daddy taking care of him,” I teased.
“More like he’s taking care of me. The gym is doing great, but Jurgen has become quite the day trader. Meet you in the lobby. I have to lock my office.”
As he walked away, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of gratitude for having someone like Brad in my life. Even on the toughest days, he had a way of making everything seem a little brighter.
I didn't bother showering, just threw on my gray sweatshirt. It was still drizzling and cooler now that evening was settling in. Brad and I headed to the American Café next door to the gym, where they served my favorite—grilled cheese on Texas toast.
We chatted over dinner; the conversation was light and easy. I told him about my wedding dress, making him swear to secrecy since he occasionally ran into Oliver at the gym. Just as we were finishing up, my cell phone rang.
“Finley, what’s up?” I answered.
“Sadie’s in labor. I’m at the hospital,” he said, his voice tight with urgency.
“Which one?” I asked, my heart skipping a beat.
“Lenox Hill.”
“How far along is she?”
“It’s coming fast. She’s almost at seven centimeters.”
“I’ll be there soon. I’m leaving now,” I said, quickly ending the call and shoving my phone into my purse.
“I have to go. Sadie’s in labor,” I told Brad, my voice a mix of excitement and anxiety.
“Congratulations! You’re about to be an aunt,” Brad said, smiling.
I dug through my purse for money, but Brad stopped me. “What the hell are you doing?” he asked, frowning.
