Page 14 of The Other Guy

I smile at that. The way her eyes both soften and light up when she says it. “And where is he right now?”

“Home. I came for a visit to this guy,” she gestures over to Kyle, “but he’s crazy busy at work right now.”

“What’s he do for a living?”

“He’s a math geek. Molds young minds all day.”

“Teacher?”

“You guessed it.”

“You gave good clues.”

“Thanks.”

Grinning, I shake my head at her. She’s kind of a goober. Or something. I don’t know. I can’t say as I can picture her with a stuffy teacher, but then again, maybe this teacher isn’t stuffy. I glance at my phone and notice it’s getting kind of late. Late for someone who has to be at the gym by six a.m. “Well, not that you’re not a joy to talk to, but I need to get home. Early morning.”

“Oh, yeah? And what is it you do, Jack?”

“I run a boxing gym.”

“No kidding?”

“Nope. Not kidding. Boxing changed my life.” Which is actually a bit of an understatement. Also part of the long story that I’m not prepared to discuss right now.

“Interesting. Maybe I’ll have to check it out while I’m still here.”

I stand and put my coat back on then toss a ten dollar bill on the bar. I only had one drink so it should cover it plus the tip. “Please do. Something tells me it’d be a very interesting workout.”

She winks and gives me a little wave as I make my way to the door, shouting a goodbye to Kyle over my shoulder before I push through the door to the cold Michigan night.

I take a deep breath, the cold cutting into my lungs and making them burn. Maybe now that this guy got caught tonight he’ll stop with all the madness he has dug both of us into. I can only hope.

Just as I’m about to hop in my car to head home, my phone buzzes in my pocket and all I can think is that’s what I get for hoping.

And because I’m a glutton for punishment, and my curiosity is always getting the best of me, I reach for my phone and immediately wince.

Unknown: So that was a first for me. Bathroom sex in a bar. But I’m so glad you gave me your number so maybe we can do it again. This time in a bed. Call me? xx Aubrey

“Shit.”

I shut my door and groan, quickly adding a number into my contacts.

Me: Really, dude? Really? Bathroom sex?

Toolbag: What can I say? She didn’t want to wait.

Me: Sounds like she’s perfect for you. Why not give her your number?

Toolbag: Clinger. Stage 5.

Me: You do realize I could easily give her your number now that I have it, right?

Toolbag: Something tells me you won’t. Call it a hunch.

Me: I hate you.

Toolbag: No, you don’t. This is filling your life with so much entertainment.

I hate so much that he’s right.

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