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I throw out the bait and wait for her to take a bite. It’s not unusual for us to grab dinner a few times a week. That’s what best friends do.
Well, I’m supposed to meet up with Austin later. I’ll make it up to you I swear.
Talk about a knife to my chest. Reading those words just made everything crystal fucking clear. No wonder he was smiling so big this morning; he’s got
plans with my best friend later. I don’t even know how to respond to something like this. Do I just say cool or have fun? I can’t say anything like that so I close out her message and walk slowly into the living room where Austin is waiting for me.
“You ready to go?” I reach for my keys. I’m reminded that Austin doesn’t have a key yet. I really need to get him one if he’s going to be staying here for a while.
“Hell yeah, I’m anxious to see what this is all about. I think I’ll drive, though, if that’s okay.”
“Yeah,” I mutter. “I know you and Tamilyn have plans later.”
“You don’t have any kind of thing going on with her, do you? Am I overstepping my boundaries or anything? Because I swear my intentions are not to fuck up anything. I came here to straighten up.”
“Yeah, that’s what Mom said…and no. You aren’t overstepping anything. We’re just really good friends.” Who happened to kiss last night. There it is, entering my mind all over again.
“Okay, man. If I do something I’m not supposed to, I want you to tell me.”
I nod and walk out the door with him, following closely behind. I watch him start his car before I turn my truck on. He backs out first and I follow him. He’s the one who talked to these guys last night so I’m assuming he knows where we are going.
I don’t bother turning my radio on. I’m just not in the mood. I’m kicking myself in the ass because Austin just asked me if I had any sort of claim on her and I lied and told him no. It’s not like it’s an actual claim, but fuck it. I’ve had my chance plenty of times over the last few years and I’ve managed to royally screw that up. Way to go, Ruston.
Within a matter of minutes we pull up to a building with a tacky rundown sign that reads Lou’s Gym. Austin jumps out of his car as soon as he shuts it off and I sit there in my truck wondering if this is something I really want to do. Austin knocks on my window, pulling me from my thoughts, and I turn the truck off and open the door.
“You ready, man? Don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts.” He smirks.
“No, I’m not having second thoughts. I’m ready. Let’s do this.” I lock my truck behind me as we walk toward the front door.
There are already a few vehicles sitting in the parking lot and I wonder just how many people train here. Most of these people are probably well-trained, and I know I’m going to look like a dumbass in front of everyone. Austin becomes the center of attention when the two guys from the bar last night notice him. They’re all shirtless. I guess that’s how they train.
“Hey, man, glad you could make it.” The blond guy standing before me is covered in as many tattoos as Austin has. “I’m Lance.” He turns to introduce himself to me.
“Ruston.” I nod.
“I’m Garrett, since this ass-hat doesn’t want to introduce anyone else.” I can’t help but laugh at the guy standing in front of me. They are both sweaty as if they’ve been here for hours. Maybe we should have been here sooner.
“Nice to meet you guys.” They all smirk and stare at me. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that, but what else are you supposed to tell someone when you first meet them?
“Come on, I’ll introduce you to Howard. He runs this place and will make sure you get set up.” Lance leads the way to an office on the left side of the building.
I follow reluctantly, still second guessing myself. No way in hell was I going to tell Austin that I wasn’t certain about this. I’d never hear the end of that shit. A broad shouldered man with blond hair sits at a desk playing on his phone. He looks up as we walk in and clears his throat.
“Hey, Howard, these are the guys I told you about from last night.” Lance beams as if he just won the lottery.
“Come on in, guys, we can talk. Lance, go find something to do. Why don’t you and Garrett go play Ring Around the Rosie, since all you wanna do is play around today,” Howard jokes. Lance grabs at his chest, pretending his feelings are hurt, and Garrett just rolls his eyes.
“Don’t make me tell my sister you’ve been mean to me,” Garrett retorts.
“Hell no. Ever since Whitney found out she’s pregnant again, she’s been on the warpath. I guess I’ll need to put a ring on her finger soon.”
Lance throws his hand up in true Beyonce style and waves it around. Oh my God, Austin has is joining a damn circus. A laugh escapes my throat and everyone turns to stare at me. “I’m sorry, that was just pretty funny.”
“Welcome to Lou’s, then.” Howard laughs. “We’re a big family. This is what we do besides the extensive training. Everyone here is at the top of their game and we pride ourselves on that. If you think you have what it takes to be part of this family, then we welcome you with open arms.”
I see Austin beaming from the corner of my eye. This shit is practically what he was made for. “I’m definitely interested, sir,” he says. “I have to be honest with you, I just moved here and mainly it was to get away from the path I was heading down. I was fighting for all the wrong reasons and I really think with training, I could be an asset to your gym. This just may be the purpose I need in my life.”
I gawk at Austin like he’s insane. He spoke as if he was in a job interview and his life depended on it. Howard focuses on him, though, probably replaying every word over and over again.
