Page 163 of Gym Bros
“Look, I don’t give a fuck,” I tell him. “You know me.”
“People can be really hateful,” he says.
“So can I,” I assure him.
“What if no one wants to fight you?”
I sigh. “Would that break your heart?”
“Would it break yours?”
Granted, I’ve never thought about it that way, and I guess I should. “Listen, let’s talk about it later. It’s not like I’m going pro tomorrow. No one’s heard of me.”
“Okay, sorry. I didn’t mean to get all deep.”
“I’ll text you when my dad leaves, okay?”
“Okay,” he says. “Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
I’m showeredand dressed for dinner when I come out of my bedroom to find my father staring down at his phone screen. Beauty is on the floor near his feet, asleep. I walked her right after I got home. It was just around the block, but I think we’re all recovering from the last few weeks.
“Hey,” I say, having a seat on the couch.
“Ready?” he asks.
“In a minute. I wanted to tell you something.”
He slides his phone into his pocket and folds his arms, nodding for me to go ahead. It’s not an intimidating pose for him or anything. He makes it look casual and stylish.
I take a deep breath and come out with it. “I’m in a relationship with Calyx.”
His face doesn’t move for a long few seconds. Then he blinks and lifts his brows. “Oh,” he says with the barest hint of surprise, like he was going for surprised but couldn’t quite manage it. “A romantic relationship?”
“Yeah,” I say.
“How long’s that been going on for?”
I frown at him. This isn’t what I expected. Not that I had any expectations, but it wasn’tthis. Sort of a cold, emotionless interview.
“Right after my birthday.”
“I see. And how’s it going?”
“Did you talk to him or something?”
“I saw you at the facility earlier,” he says.
“Are you surprised?” I ask, because I still can’t tell.
“Yes, actually. I’m not thrilled either, so…”
“Why not?” I ask.
“Calyx is…well, you don’t strike me as his type. I don’t want you getting hurt or—labeled.”
“Calyx is what?” I ask. “Out of my league?”
