“I’m sore. But that’s not what’s important. How’s your mom?”
“She’s okay. The fucking prognosis sucks, but she’s alive and that’s what matters.”
“What did they say?” she asks as I search for my mom’s extra glasses in her nightstand.
I give her the lowdown, feeling another wrench in my gut as I do.
“Damn, Nate, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I’m sorry I left you at the hospital, I should have said goodbye.”
“Don’t even sweat it. I needed to get home and elevate my foot anyways.”
“You think you’ll make it into work tomorrow?” I ask, finally finding the glasses. I grab her Kindle and a few more things on the list as Amanda talks.
“I don’t know, maybe I’ll swing by to grab my calendar. I’m going to have to cancel on some clients.”
“No, don’t do that. I’m sure Nash and I can figure it out.”
“That’s nice of you, but you don’t do private sessions.”
“I would for you.”
“Knock it off. You’d probably push them so hard they’d fire me. I have a friend that can cover for me. If you don’t mind I’m gonna call her and see if she can finish out my classes this week and I’ll reschedule my individual clients.”
“Whatever you say, you’re the boss.”
She laughs. “Technically you are, but whatever.”
“Shhhh, don’t tell my ego that. It’ll go straight to my head.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot about that ego of yours. It’s the size of Jupiter and totally uncontrollable.”
“You really do know me well. I’m gonna grab dinner for my parents. Do you want me to bring you anything?”
“Nah, honestly I just took a pain pill. I’m gonna crash, but I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. Lock your door.”
“It’s locked.”
We hang up and I like that she’s listening to me. She lives in a shitty part of town and for some reason thinks she’s untouchable. Maybe the kickboxing classes she teaches have gone to her head.
Sleeping in a hospital chair might be the most uncomfortable thing I’ve done in a long time. Checking the time, it’s 4:46am. I’m up before my alarm so I turn it off and watch my mom sleep peacefully. Her eyes are resting unworriedly, and I hope they stay that way. There isn’t an ounce of pain inside of her at the moment. That’s how it always should be. But when she wakes, that won’t be the case. Thinking of what her body is going through starts the anxiety rolling through my body. My throat tightens and the nausea settles in the pit of my stomach. I so wish I could take some of it away.
Overtaken by worry and exhaustion, I fall asleep. Jolting back into consciousness, I check the time – I’m now running late. I hop up, not bothering to change for work, and kiss my mom’s hand before bolting – I absolutely cannot be late opening the gym. Once on the road, I’m relieved traffic hasn’t started yet and I make great time.
Parking, I fly up the stairs and get the morning started. Things get going and time flies. My mind is blissfully blank. Maybe it’s because I’m busting my ass without Amanda here. Usually she handles everything on the floor. I’m more behind-the-scenes. But today it’s all me, as Nash is booked with back to back training sessions.
I finally get a few minutes to breathe and reality sets back in. I step out and call my dad. He sounds exhausted. “How are things?” I ask him, leaning over the railing of the stairs that lead up to gym.
“The same. I’m actually going home to sleep for a while. Your mom is making me.”
“Of course she is. Do you want me to go over there when I get off?”
“No, I won’t be gone but a few hours. She was going to get more tests done when I left. You should rest.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay. Any news on the rehab facility?” I ask him, noticing Amanda pulling into the parking lot.
“No, not yet, but I’ll text you as soon as we hear.”
We hang up and I head downstairs as Amanda’s car door opens and her big black boot hits the pavement next to her sleek back Nike running shoe. I can’t contain the laugh.
“I’m digging the boot, it looks good on you,” I tell her.
“Don’t be an ass, Nate.”
“For real, I like how you’ve matched it with your black Nikes that you always complain hurt your feet.”
She sticks her tongue out to me and I pull her into a big hug. She yelps in pain and I release my hold. “Be gentle with me, you fuck.”
“Sorry.”
“It’s fine. How have things been here? Is Olivia doing okay?”
“Yeah, she’s been great. Thanks for getting someone to cover.”
“Of course.”
We walk in and she heads to the studio to grab her calendar. On her way across the gym, I notice a few guys staring at her ass while she walks. If they only knew. “What’s up, man?” Nash asks, out of breath as I glare at the assholes that are ogling Amanda.
“Nothing. Are you cool if I get going?”