Page 118 of Gym Bros
“The fuck was that?” I ask.
“No idea. I don’t think I was even in my body for a few minutes.”
“Felt like you were.”
“Felt likeyouwere,” he says stupidly. It’s the kind of joke he never would have attempted three weeks ago.
“I feel like I need to find you some hot chocolate.”
“With Kahlúa this time?”
“Yeah, baby, I’ll get you some Kahlúa. Whatever you want.”
“Mm…I wanna go home with you.”
“Then let’s go home.”
The doctor clearsme for sparring Monday morning. I text my dad first to let him know because I have no doubt that when I tell Calyx, he’s gonna piss all over my parade.
My dad responds to my message with a thumbs up reaction emoji. Not even a text. I roll my eyes and email the medical clearance forms to the gym before I even start my car.
Once I’m on the road, headed toward the gym, my dad calls.
I answer the call on bluetooth. “Hey.”
“Sorry, I was on a call. So you’re good to go?”
“Yep.”
“How’s it feeling? You feel ready?”
“It feels great. Better than ever actually. I hate to say you were right about the yoga, but…”
“How is Calyx?”
I’m glad this isn’t a FaceTime call because I’m blushing. “Good,” I say and hope I don’t sound strained.
“Do you two get along?” he asks.
I glance at the car’s screen where the word “Dad” is currently displayed. “What kind of question is that?”
“I’m just wondering if you enjoy working together. If you’re friendly with each other.”
I’m scowling and flinching and wincing all at once. “I don’t wanna punch him anymore,” I say. “Does that answer your weird ass questions?”
Dad chuckles. “I guess. I’m just asking…are you making friends?”
“Oh. Well, if we’re gonna act like this is the first day of seventh grade, then yes, I’d consider him a friend.”
“Yeah?”
I’m not loving his tone, but I can’t put my finger on why.
“Do you have any questions for me, Dad, or would you rather call and talk to Calyx?”
He clears his throat and winds up coughing. Eventually he says, “I assume this means you’ll be fighting in November.”
“I’m not sure. No one’s mentioned putting me on a card.”
