“What if I say no?”
“You won’t. Trust me, I know you. You were probably waiting for something to do today.”
“You’re an ass.”
“I know. Now get your sexy ass ready and you better be waiting on the curb for me.”
“Don’t call me sexy, you fucking weirdo, and I won’t wait on the curb for anyone.”
“Fine, I’ll pull in the driveway. But be ready, I’ll be there in ten.”
Hanging up, I wonder what in God’s name I’m getting myself into. He’s the polar opposite of me. He’s wild and outgoing, and that’s…just not me. But it doesn’t matter. He’s really been my only friend through all of this. Yes, maybe it’s because everyone still thinks I’m dead…minor hindrance on the social life.
I get dressed and head downstairs. My mom is in the kitchen making coffee. She looks tired, more so today than she has lately. But catching her up and in the kitchen makes me feel good. I know her seeing me all up and at ’em is what puts that bright smile on her face. “Hey, honey,” my mom tells me, pulling a chair out for me at the table.
“Thanks, Ma. I actually can’t sit. Nash is picking me up this morning. He needs me to look at a place for the new gym he’s opening.”
“Oh, that’s great news. I’ve always liked Nash.”
I can’t help but laugh under my breath. He has totally pulled the wool over my mom’s eyes. Then out front I hear his horn and kiss my mom on the cheek.
“Take care of yourself today, okay, Ma?”
She nods her head and I walk off. Looking back at her as I close the door, she has tears in her eyes. I know it kills her to see me like this, but this is the person that I am now. I close the door grateful that she didn’t follow me all the way out. Recently I asked her to give me some space and let me do some things on my own. Clearly, it is hard for her, but she’s doing well respecting me.
Nash has the music blaring in his huge truck. I just smirk as I walk to it and the first thought that crosses my mind is how in the world am I going to get into something so tall? It’s massive. Then the door flies open and I know obstacle number one is covered. Now, I don’t have to reach up and balance to open the door on one leg. He turns the music down and says to me, “You look so small down there. We really gotta get you on a workout regimen.”
“Hello to you too,” I tell him tossing my crutches in the back. Then with all of my strength, I brace my weight and hop up into his beast of a vehicle.
“You know I’m just fucking with you, right?” he says, backing out of my driveway.
“Does it matter? It’s the truth. I need to do something about my weight.”
“You know, man, I’m more than happy to help.”
“We’ll see,” I respond. “I’m getting my prosthetic soon and I think that will help with my motivation.”
“Cool.”
“So where’s this place?”
“Up north, in an industrial part of town, but not far from a suburb and the train into the city, so I really think there is potential with all of the commuters that work there.”
“So what’s your overall goal?”
“In no more than three months, I want the doors open to my own gym.”
“Wow, that’s really fast.”
“I know, but if I don’t put those deadlines on myself, it will never get done.”
“Why a gym? I don’t remember you being so into working out.”
“I wasn’t ’til I broke up with Erica. It was the only thing that got me off of the couch and made me feel remotely good about myself.”
“I’m sorry, man.”
“It’s okay. That’s why I think you would benefit from it.”
The rest of the drive we talk and reminisce. Hanging out with Nash like this reminds me why I became friends with him in the first place. He is genuine and just wants what is best for those closest to him.
It’s not long ’til Nash turns down a short alley and then parks, looking up at the building. “This is it,” he says.
I look up as well at the all-brick industrial building. Then we get out and Nash is greeted by who I guess is the realtor. “I’m Amesha,” she says, shaking his hand then mine. She must be in her twenties and is absolutely gorgeous. Right away I get embarrassed, standing here with one leg and skinny as fuck. That’s why I need to make a change, if I ever want Arion to look at me. I’m going to begin working out with Nash. I mean…I have to.
Heading through the back door, I follow Nash and Amesha listening to her explain all of the details about the building. It’s over five thousand square feet and one massive open space. Looking at Nash, there is a huge grin on his face. I can tell that this is exactly what he wants.
“So what do you think?” she asks Nash.
“I love it. What do you think, Nate?” he asks me.
“It’s awesome.”
“Good,” Amesha says. “There’s just one problem. The owner has decided he only wants to sell. I know when we discussed this place, we talked about you renting it.”