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“A little? I can’t remember the last time she’s taken a proper break. I gotta say her work ethic has always been amazing.”
“Must run in the family.”
“She gets it from me.” He smirks.
I chuckle. “But really, she’s doing well. I’m taking care of her. Making sure she’s eating and not pushing herself too hard.”
“Thanks, man. If you ever need someone to keep watch or help with anything, I have a few close friends on the West Coast who will drop it all to be here.”
“I’ll remember that. I’ve kept a close watch on the house, and things have been quiet since the accident. Really quiet.”
“I dunno if that’s a good or bad thing.” He lets out a ragged breath. “After the shit that happened to me, then Noah, and now Everleigh, I don’t think we can be too careful. It’s all kinda fucked me up a bit because I feel like as soon as things start lookin’ up, something happens to someone I care about.”
“Well, either way, I’ll do my best to watch over her when I can.”
“Let me put this number in your phone. If you think you need help with anything, and I mean anything, call it. I’ve already let them know.”
I hand over my cell, and he adds it in.
“Thanks, Tyler. I’ll remember that.”
Tyler grins just as Andrew enters with his gloves tossed over his shoulder.
“Damn, I’m glad to see you,” he says, patting me on the back.
“Wow, thanks,” Tyler deadpans.
I chuckle as Andrew shrugs. Tyler waves goodbye and walks out.
“Ready to get to work?” I ask.
“Hell yeah.” Andrew slips on his gloves and steps into the ring. We go over stance and different blocking techniques.
The rest of the hour flies by. Between my lessons, I text Everleigh and check on her.
No news doesn’t necessarily mean good news when it comes to stalkers. Whoever tried to hurt Everleigh could be planning their next attack. Add Krystal into the mix of what’s already going on, and it’s enough to push my worry over the edge.
During my lunch break, I call Annie.
“Archer! Hey, brother.” She sounds excited but also tired.
“Can you chat?” I ask since I know she’s probably at work.
“I’ve been on break for about five minutes, so your timing is perfect. How’re things? How’s Everleigh?”
I fill her in, and she’s relieved by the news. She tells me about Sadie and how well she’s doing in school. It makes me smile.
“And how’re you doing?” I ask.
“I’m doing okay. Staying busy. Keeping Sadie occupied. Just doing the best I can. You know how it is.”
“I do.” My next client walks in. “I gotta get back to the gym, but I’ll talk to you soon. Be safe.”
“I will. I love you,” she says.
“Love you too. Give Sadie my love.”
“You know it. Bye!”
