Page 32 of My One

“Would you cover for me if I took a weekend to take Nic out of town?”

“Of course.” Easton did another set of reps. “I owe you anyway.”

“Nah,” I stated. “It’s what friends do.” We moved to the bench press, and I switched the weights to the amount I wanted.

“Where are you thinking of going?” Easton asked.

“I don’t know. The thought just came to me.”

“A weekend away will be good. Once Brooke is feeling better, I’ll probably do the same thing.”

“Nice. Any suggestions?” I laid back onto the bench, reached up, and grabbed the bar. Easton was behind me, spotting me as he spoke.

“Jersey Shore, Montauk, Ocean City, the Hamptons, Boston for some reminiscing on her part.” He paused, thinking. “Ghost hunting in Salem or what about the Poconos?”

“You just pull all those places out of your ass?” We set the bar back in place, and I sat up.

He grinned. “Just thought of places within driving distance.”

We switched places so I could spot him. “I’ll research those places and see what’s available.”

“Well, school will be starting soon, so people are probably getting all their last minute vacations in.”

“Shit. Speaking of school, how’s my niece doing?”

Easton grunted and put the bar back in place. “Hormonal.”

“Hormonal?” I laughed.

“Can we not talk about that shit?” He glared at me as though I’d done something wrong.

“Wait.” I chuckled. “She started her period?”

Easton groaned and stood. “Not going there.”

“Whatever happened to that boy she liked?” I asked to rile him up. I had to admit that talking to him was making me feel slightly better. Or maybe it was the endorphins from working out.

“Are you trying to give me a stroke?”

I threw my head back and laughed. “It’s an honest question. I want to know more about my niece.”

“No,” he retorted and started to walk toward the locker room. “You already know the answer.”

I did know the answer. Every Sunday at the Crawfords’ we all got the updated drama on Cheyenne’s life. Drama with girls, boy drama, softball drama. There was always something with her, even during her summer vacation. “Remind me,” I pressed.

“Fuck off. Your time will come.”

“Yeah,” I agreed with a smile.

“Wait.” Easton stopped walking. “Yeah?”

I shrugged slightly. “Nic and I recently discussed having a kid.”

“That’s great, man.”

We entered the locker room and went to our lockers. “I don’t want to jinx it. Whatever happens, happens, you know?”

He slapped me on the back. “Yep, I get it. For Brooke and me too.”