Jay could always focus on work. It was his superpower. He could work in any situation or location, no matter what was going on in his life.
So why was he struggling now?
He’d worked out in his home gym to settle his mind, and all he’d gotten was sweaty, and he still had a head full of questions.
Blue and a half sister. Two women were consuming his thoughts. One he knew, the other he didn’t.
He wasn’t sure if he wanted to contact Hazel Davis, because what if she was like his mother? What if she wanted nothing to do with him?
Blue had been nudging him to do something, but he couldn’t make himself.
It was easier to remain oblivious than to find out the person you were related to was a monster.
Giving up on work, he stepped out of his front door and started walking. He’d made it halfway down his street when he heard the thud of feet hitting the road. Turning, Jay found the Duke brothers. Just what he needed.
He thought seriously about sprinting back to his house and locking the door. But he’d never been a coward and wasn’t about to start now.
“Handy that he’s dressed for running. Move it, Haddon,” Brody Duke wheezed, reaching Jay.
“I’ve had my workout today.”
“W-we’re training,” Ryder said, sounding as breathless as his brothers.
“For what?” Jay asked.
“Good health,” Ryder wheezed.
“Move it,” Dan said, nudging Jay in the back.
“Since when have you cared about good health?”
“Since we heard that there is a 5K run happening in two months and you get to eat as many pies as you want if you enter,” Brody said.
“At the end, I’m hoping,” Jay added.
“Well, duh,” Sawyer said.
“Plus, there is a prize for the winners,” Ryder said.
“Which is?”
“Free breakfast for two months anywhere in Lyntacky,” Sawyer said. “And you can bring a friend.”
“I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: This town is weird.”
“Damn straight,” Ryder said, slapping him on the back. “Now move your scrawny ass, Haddon.”
“And that’s the only reason you four are out here when you could be home watching the game?”
Brody’s sigh was loud.
“His kid,” Ryder said, pointing at Brody, “has a bet running with this little shit in her class, who is constantly annoying her, that we couldn’t beat his father and uncles.”
“Now it makes sense. Ally asked you, so you’re training to make sure she wins her bet,” Jay said. “After all, heaven forbid anyone says no to her.”
“That won’t be me,” Sawyer added.
Jay started to run because he knew they’d stand there and nag him until he did.
