Page 76 of Mr. Red

“Morning sweetheart.”

I sit next to him on the couch, staring at the blank wall.

“Why do you always stare right there?” He furrows his brow.

“It feels like there should be a fireplace there.”

“It’s kind of hot. Isn’t this a rental?”

“It’s a rental, but it’s crisp in the mornings. A fireplace should be there.”

He responds with a grunt.

I continue waking up, going over my day and checking my itinerary. I’m teaching two yoga classes, training three clients, and it’s the first night we’ll be starting the remodel. Then I’ll come home and get ready to go over to Matt’s.

After a cup of coffee, I head to the shower. Matt joins me. We head out to the kitchen for breakfast, and I make my famous “facon” and eggs with cardboard toast Matt has seemed to start loving. I don’t get any complaints anymore, at least.

And then we’re off separately to work. I like the little couple bubble we’ve created, but I should really get together with the girls soon. They’re going to think I’ve deserted them.

~

At the end of the day I head to the front door of the gym with our new keys and lock it, ensuring everyone is out first. I turn around to Lana, Paige, and Jason, who are all waiting by the front desk to get started on our first improvements. Jason didn’t have to stay, but I’m glad he wanted to help too.

“Okay, I have tarps in the office,” I start. “Let me get those. Paige, grab the tape so we don’t get paint where we don’t want it. We’ll pull out the carpet after we paint. It can be its own version of a tarp since it’s so hideous. I can’t wait to get rid of that stuff.”

“You got it,” Paige responds.

Once everything is covered and prepped, I turn to the group. “Okay, everyone, grab a brush. Let’s get this over with.”

“Oh come on, Scar! This is exciting! We can finally make the gym look modern instead of...green.” Paige states.

“Forest green is the worst color for a gym—and it was painted this way for years.” I shake my head. “This light gray is going to be perfect, Paige.”

“I know, I know. I’m magnificent! You don’t have to tell me twice.”

“I didn’t tell you once,” I mumble.

“I heard that! Lucky for you, I’m not paying attention to that comment. I happen to be on cloud nine.”

“Try cloud four hundred,” Jason pipes in.

I’m laughing, Lana is smirking, and Jason is ignoringthe terrifying death stare Paige is giving him.

“I havenotslept with four hundred guys.” She stands taller. “You’re one to talk! You had three dates this week, each with a different guy. You’re just jealous because I got two more than you.” She turns and starts taping the door, even though it doesn’t need any more tape.

“Puh-lease. Icouldget as many guys as you, but I have standards, babe.” Jason raises an eyebrow.

“Okay, okay. This is getting too harsh.” I try to calm the room with my hands. “We all love each other, remember? Anyone can date who they want, however many times they want. Relax. Actually, Paige, start taping the next room so we can keep this project on time. While the primer is drying, we can start a different room.”

“I’d be happy to.” Paige leaves with her nose held up to the sky.

I finish painting my little wall and then go to help her in the next room. Jason and Lana stay and continue painting.

“So, did Mr. Red tell you he’s in love with you yet?” she asks.

“What? This isn’tThe Bachelor.We’ve been dating for a month. Of course, he hasn’t said that. But hedidagree we’re official. I have a boyfriend. Or manfriend.Youmight call it a dick friend.”

“Dick friend? I like that.” She bobs her head up and down.