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“Hey, man. My season is about to end, and yours is about to begin.” He chuckles and drops his bag on the floor, then sits on the bench.
“Plan a vacation yet?” I ask, putting down the dumbbells and sitting on the bench across from him.
Easton Bailey is newer to Chicago too. He’s spent only a few seasons on the Colts. The best part of my apartment is being able to see him play from the rooftop. There’s a reason he won the Gold Glove award last year. His fielding is spectacular. Chicago loved him as soon as he stepped on the field. I know Miles Cavanaugh didn’t have the same luck when he came to play football for the Grizzlies. Chicago fans are hard to win over.
“I’m gonna head home to Alaska first.”
“Had enough sunlight?”
He chuckles. “Yeah, and the Chicago winter isn’t cold enough for me.”
“I’m sure the moose and the polar bears miss you.”
He shakes his head. I’m sure it’s not the first time someone’s made a joke at his expense about him being from Alaska.
“You should come visit. There’s always room in our igloo.”
I laugh and run a towel down my face. “Let me know which dog sled to take, and I’m there.”
“Fuck you,” he says, taking off his ball cap and running a hand through his hair. “If I knew where you were from, I’d give it back to you.”
I cover my heart with my hand. “That hurts. You don’t care enough to know where I grew up?”
“Sorry. I’m not a puck bunny who knows your favorite color and favorite meal.”
“Bailey!” Tweetie comes in, always one to make an entrance, and I see Henry behind him.
Ever since school started, it’s like we have Henry back. I’m not complaining about trips to Six Flags and the zoo with Bodhi, but I’m sure it’s nice for him to have some adult time. Then again, I’m not a dad, so maybe he’s upset Bodhi’s in school.
“Oh hell, I swear you have a tracker on me,” Easton says. He thumbs over his shoulder. “This guy shows up at the club I’m at last weekend, sliding into my VIP, drinking all my alcohol.”
Tweetie claps him on the shoulder. “You should be thanking me. That girl you left with was one I brought into the VIP area.”
Easton scoffs. “You’re acting like I don’t have game. She was eyeing me all night.”
“Because you’re Easton fucking Bailey. Every girl in the place was eyeing you at least once. I mean, after they saw the redhead at my side.”
Easton smirks and shakes his head at me. “That ego needs to be taken down a few rungs.”
I roll my eyes. “Tell me about it. He lives above me.”
“Shit, I’d be worried the floor was going to give.” Easton grins.
Henry sits next to me while Tweetie stands in front of the mirror, flexing. He kisses both of his biceps. If I didn’t know the guy, I’d probably hate him. But he’s joking, and he’s been a great friend and teammate to me so far.
“You think I’m the bad neighbor, Bailey? You should hear the moans coming from Magic’s place lately. He’s about to nail down a girl he met at a wedding.”
“Screw you.” I shake my head at Easton to not believe Tweetie.
“You’re never available anymore, and I know you’re with her.” Tweetie gives me a look inviting me to tell him he’s wrong.
“You sound like a jealous girlfriend,” Henry says, moving toward the weights.
“I’m a jealous friend. You’re raising a kid, he was my wingman.” Tweetie thumbs at me.
I point at Easton. “Guess you’re his wingman now.”
Easton holds up his hands and shakes his head. “Fuck no. I can’t keep up with the old man.”
