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There were sausages, bacon, some tomatoes and lots of bread, also scrambled eggs. Aria smiled. This was not going to help with her weight. No, it was not.
“Thank you.”
“I know there’s a lot of food, but it’s good.”
Aria picked up her knife and fork and wondered what Jase would say about the breakfast she was eating. It didn’t have a single piece of fruit or whole wheat bread. Cutting into a piece of sausage, she took a bite and smiled at Maddie.
“It’s good, right?” Maddie asked.
“Yes, so good. I don’t think Jase will be happy with me.”
“Jase?” Maddie frowned and then her eyes went wide and she smiled. “Gym Jase?”
Aria stared at Maddie. “Gym Jase?”
“Yeah, the guy who owns the gym. Personal trainer type of guy?”
“Yeah, that’s him.”
Maddie chuckled. “Isn’t he so sweet? When I went into the gym, determined to lose every single pound and inch, he was so nice about it. I always worried that I’d be laughed at and humiliated, but Jase is such a sweet guy.”
“Do you still go to the gym?”
“Hell, no. Bull doesn’t want me to go.”
“How come?” Aria asked.
“A mixture of reasons. He loves my curves and I don’t think he can stand the idea of me being alone with another guy.”
“And you don’t mind that?” Aria asked.
“No, I don’t. I love Bull. It’s strange, I know, but it is what it is.”
She looked at the other woman and Aria saw the love shining in her eyes. She was happy. That was a good thing.
“I’m surprised Grant is happy with you going to the gym,” Maddie said.
“He’s not. In fact, he got himself hired at the gym, I think? I’m not exactly sure what Grant does or doesn’t do.” Aria shrugged.
“Yeah, when Bull and I were going through a rough patch, Grant was there for me. He even got hired at the diner.” Maddie held her hands up and laughed. “I have no idea how he does it.”
“You know Grant … well?” Aria didn’t know why she hesitated with this woman.
“I, er, I don’t know if you would say I know him well, but I do know him. We used to go to school together.”
“Grant said you and he didn’t always get along.”
Maddie laughed. “You can certainly say that.” She shrugged. “Did he tell you anything?”
Aria didn’t know if there was something he shouldn’t have told her. She didn’t want to get Grant in trouble or cause problems between him and Maddie.
“Growing up, Grant was a … er … he was a bully. You know, that was just who he was. He has kind of outgrown it now. Sometimes I think he’s a bit of a child and doesn’t seem to take growing up seriously.”
“I don’t think he’s that bad,” Aria said. “Not that I can say much about him. You’ve known him longer than I have, but when it comes to the dogs, he’s always there.”
She thought back to him at the veterinary practice with Andy and Phil. Yes, Grant flitted between jobs but he was always great at what he did. When he was around the dogs and at the shelter, he was in control. There was more to Grant than met the eye. Aria didn’t know exactly what it was, but she saw it in his eyes.
“That’s good,” Maddie said. “I know Grant can be an ass and mean, and he can be cruel, but when he allows himself to open up, to be there, he’s the best guy to have around.”
