Don’t Mind If “I Do” by Everly Ashton
Twenty-Four
Mazzy
The next morning, Nick agrees to take me with him to work out so I can join his gym. I’ve been running a couple times since I moved in, but I miss using the weights at the gym.
Nick’s waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs when I come bounding down. “That’s what you’re wearing?”
I glance down at myself. I’m wearing a black sports bra with matching leggings, gym bag slung over my shoulder with my sneakers, a drink, and a towel. “Um… what’s wrong with this?”
He blows out a long breath, shaking his head and pushing a hand through his hair. “Nothing. Let’s go.”
I follow him out of the house and into his vehicle. The gym ends up being less than a five-minute drive away. When we arrive, Nick leads me to the reception counter where a guy a little younger than us stands, giving us a big smile.
“Hey, Nick. How’s it going?”
“Good, Leo.”
They shake hands over the counter. Leo’s eyes rake over my body and I think I might know now why Nick had an issue with my outfit. “And who do we have here?”
“This is my wife.” Nick’s voice is to the point. “Mazzy, meet Leo. He runs things during the day here.”
“Hi, Leo.”
He blinks in surprise and looks between us. “I didn’t know you were married, man.”
“It’s recent.” Nick shifts his stance.
“Congratulations to you both. I’m assuming you’ll be joining us then, Mazzy?”
“Yes, I’m here to sign up.”
“Great. Let me find someone to cover the desk and we can go into the office to get all the paperwork filled out.”
“Sounds good.” I nod.
He heads into the gym, which I see through the glass wall behind him. Rather than go into the gym like I thought he would, Nick stays put with me.
“You can go start your workout if you want. You don’t need to stay with me.”
Nick turns to face me. “I’ll go with you.”
“It’s really no big deal—”
“I said I’d go with you. Leo hits on every woman who comes in this place. I’m surprised he still has a job.”
“Well, it’s not like I’m going to do anything.” Seriously? Is that what he thinks of me?
“Maz, I know that. But I don’t want you be in an uncomfortable position in a room alone with that man.”
Two things strike me. The first is that he referred to me as Maz. The second is that his protectiveness is kind of sweet.
“Oh, thank you.”
He nods, and we wait in silence until Leo returns.
Once all the paperwork is filled out, Nick and I go our separate ways in the gym—me going to the treadmill for twenty minutes of cardio and Nick heading to the rower. We end up at the free weights at the same time, so we lift side by side. My weights look puny compared to his.
“So did you give any more thought to what your passion might be?” Nick asks while doing a bicep curl.
I straighten up from my squat. “Not really. I’m not really sure where to start.”
“Why don’t you start by listing all the things you enjoy?” He grunts as he picks up a heavier weight.
I move into some pulsing squats and look at him. “Is this you offering to help me figure it out?”
I hope he’ll say yes. It reminds me of when we used to be so close, we shared all our hopes and dreams with one another.
“Sure. I can’t have my wife be some layabout. That doesn’t fly out here.” It’s clear from his tone that he’s joking, and when I look at him in the mirror, he’s grinning.
“Okay well, I like food. I like animals, working out, raising money for charity, reality TV, kids. I always enjoyed painting.”
He nods to indicate that he’s heard me but doesn’t say anything while he lifts his weights.
“I know. Not much to work with.” I frown and walk over to pick up a weight to work my arms.
“Sure, there is. I think you just need to explore these interests further.”
I shrug before I start my squat to shoulder presses. “Maybe. I mean, I don’t think it can be anything too involved because I want to continue my charity work. I do enjoy it. I just feel like I need something that’s just for me too.”
“Listen, I know I don’t like the lifestyle we were born into, but I don’t want you to think that I see your charity work as something you do for show. I know how much you care about helping people.”
I stop moving, surprised to hear him say that. Shocked really. In our time together since we reconnected, I’ve only ever gotten the impression that he sees me as some spoiled little rich girl. And though that description isn’t exactly untrue, I’d like to think I’m not that stereotype.
“I appreciate that, Nick, thanks.”
He smiles and sets down his weights. “I’m going to do my cardio now. Will you be ready to go after that?”
“Sure thing.”
Maybe there is hope that Nick and I can find a new version of our friendship.