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“Would love to see it.”
“Same time tomorrow?” Trevor asks, wiping the sweat from his brow.
“Yeah.” I nod. “I got you down for the month.”
“Awesome, thanks!” He grabs his gear bag and leaves.
Tyler enters, smiling. “He’s doin’ great already. But how’re you doin’?”
A big cheesy grin meets my lips. “This is the best job I’ve ever had.”
“Love to hear it. Just wanted to make sure. I mean, if you were having second thoughts, I’d respect that too.”
“Hell no. I genuinely like it here. The town, the gym, the people. It’s everything I never knew I needed in life but did. Funny because if you would’ve asked me to move somewhere like this years ago, I would’ve not only said no but fuck no. Weirdly enough, it already feels like home.”
“Good to hear, man. I know how important it is to have the proper time to focus on yourself without any outside distractions. For me, the gym opening was all I focused my energy on. Noah helped me remodel the place. But after a while, he realized that he enjoyed working with his hands and building things. I guess what I’m saying is if you find something else you wanna do in life that you’re more passionate ’bout, I support it.”
“Thanks, Tyler. That means a lot.”
He clears his throat. “So how’s living with Everleigh?”
I knew this conversation was coming.
“It’s fine,” I say.
“You two seemed close this morning.” His intense gaze pins me in place.
My heart races, but I try to keep my breathing steady. Any time I think about her, the thoughts consume me. My silence draws on as I try to figure out the correct answer, and he eventually speaks up.
“While I don’t wanna sound like a dick, I still have to protect my sister. No matter how old we get, I’ll never stop being her big brother. Rushing into any relationship, but especially with her, is a bad idea. She isn’t quite ready for the whole marriage and babies lifestyle, if ya know what I mean.”
“Oh, I’ve noticed.” It’s no wonder she’s the last of her friends to do either.
He continues, “I’d hate to see one of my close friends get hurt, and I don’t wanna see my little sister heartbroken.”
“I know.” I meet his eyes.
Though he laughs, he adds, “And I don't wanna have to punch your face in if you were the cause of it.”
I roll my eyes but agree with the sentiment.
“I wouldn’t do anything to make you that pissed,” I assure with Everleigh front and center in my mind. We’ve grown close, and I can’t deny that. She makes me laugh and doesn’t let me stay inside my shell for too long without calling me out. I wish I could make her happy, but I’ve never had a serious relationship. And while she makes me want the idea of more, I’d probably mess it up.
Tyler interrupts my thoughts. “Anyway, I’m glad you’re happy here and liking it so far.”
“Yeah. It’s not half as bad as I was anticipating.” I grin.
Smith waves at Tyler before excusing himself.
The air in the room feels thick as I think about everything. Right now, as hard as it is, I know I need to force her away. Everleigh has admitted she has issues when it comes to dating as well.
Hurting her would be one of the biggest regrets of my life right next to betraying my best friend. The thought makes me feel guilty. Everleigh’s burrowed herself under my skin, and I don’t know how I’m going to wash the thoughts of her away. But damn, I’m going to have to try.
Needing to get out of here, I leave the gym before my next client arrives.
The temperature has dropped to the fifties. The sweat on my back feels cold in the weather, but I keep walking.
Eventually, I pass the boutique and know Everleigh’s inside working. I'd love to go in and say hello, but I don’t want to give her the wrong impression, not while I’m already questioning everything. Pulling my eyes away, I keep moving forward until I’m standing outside the coffee shop downtown.
