Page 85 of I Blame the Alcohol

“Does he not know everyone can see him?” Lou starts to giggle as he drops the pose and resumes lifting like nothing ever happened.

I shrug, “I have no idea, but they all do it. Gym bros are a different breed.” Nudging Lou’s shoulder, I call out our next contender, “Pornstar moustache, 12 o’clock. Checking his teeth for lunchtime leftovers.”

Lou gasps, “He just pulled something out of his teeth and ate it.”

“Nothing like a protein boost mid-lift.”

We crack up, drawing attention from other gym patrons nearby. The late morning crowd isn’t as intense as the early-morning one, so I'm not too concerned about ruining the do-or-die atmosphere.

Lou’s still laughing as she wipes tears from her eyes, “Have you ever caught Cody doing something like that? He’s technically a gym bro, isn’t he?”

“Oh, for sure. You know the way he runs his hand through his hair?” I mimic the motion, making sure to pause at the top to flex my bicep.

“It’s a good move.”

“I’ve caught him practicing it in a mirror at home.”

Lou grins, “No way.”

“Yes way. The only reason I didn’t give him shit about it is because it’s one of my favourite moves.” I wink, “Outside the bedroom, of course.”

Lou’s cheeks flush pink just as a familiar voice reaches me.

“O’Brien! Hitting the gym before and after the sun comes up now, eh?” Unruly dark curls pop into my peripheral and I turn to my friend with a smile.

“Any excuse to see you, Stephen.”

He sighs, placing a hand above his heart, “Always knew you would come around. The ‘fro grows on you, doesn’t it?”

Lou laughs, drawing Stephen’s attention. His dark eyes sparkle as they take in my gorgeous roommate.

“And who might this be? Cody is going to be pissed he was so easily replaced.”

“This is Lou, my roommate. She’s dating Wes from the-

“Lacrosse team! Hell, I love that guy. The team gets to train in the high-performance gym, away from us mere mortals, but he always makes sure to stop by and say hi.”

Lou smiles, “That sounds like Wes.”

“Small world.” Stephen shakes his head, a huge grin taking over his face, “Taber University just keeps getting better and better.”

I laugh, “You’ve been here too long.”

“Maybe.” A thoughtful gleam brightens his eyes, “Where has Cody been recently? I haven’t seen him since before the break.”

Lou shoots me a concerned look, no doubt worried her gym efforts to cheer me up have been in vain. Pushing down the sudden heartache, I paste a smile onto my face.

“Tournament season is fast approaching. Practices are mornings and afternoons now.”

What I don’t mention are the extra classes Cody is having to take due to his injury first semester. Our mornings and evenings have been stolen right out from under us, and once tournaments start up, our weekends will be gone as well. Cody keeps talking about spending our nights together, but when he has to get up at 5AM every morning and doesn’t get home until 10PM, the last thing I want to do is take away those few precious hours of sleep.

We went from spending every waking hour together to scheduling hangout times once, sometimes twice a week if we’re lucky.

The whiplash hurts to say the least.

“Bummer. Do you two still find time to bicker?”

Lou laughs, reclaiming Stephen’s full attention.

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