Page 110 of Take Hold of Me

Forcing myself to respond, I say, “Yeah, pretty busy today.”

“Have you heard from David? How’s he doing over in Charleston?”

“Spoke with him last week.” Or so. “He’s good. He likes his house and says he’s enjoying the different climate.” When Leo looks hungry for more info, I add, “And the food. Says he’s put on ten pounds due to the great restaurants.”

Leo laughs. “Addie would’ve had something to say about that. She was strict about sticking to a good health regimen.”

A smile tugs at my lips imagining how Three would’ve reacted to David’s description of Charleston’s culinary options. “Yeah, she could get on your case.”

“So, how are you liking it here? I see you working out all the time.”

“That’s because you’re right there with me.” Okay. Nearing the end of my tolerance.

“True enough. Hey, when we’re done here, want to tackle the rock wall with me?” He always ends his days with a quick scramble up the wall.

“Nah. You go ahead and enjoy, though. I have to finish up some paperwork.” I stand, secure my towel around my waist and head for the door.

“Another time.”

Never. “Sounds good. See you tomorrow, right Leo?”

He gives me the thumbs- up and I leave him in the sauna. The members all try so hard to include me. Makes me almost wish I were the type of guy to reciprocate. I’m not.

Dressed again in the Complete uniform of a logoed t-shirt and shorts, I end up at the smoothie bar making small talk with the two newbies who, apparently, signed up following Zak’s pitch. I’m mid-swallow of my protein shake when one of them says, “Oh, I have to try that lip gloss.” She sighs. “If only I would look like her when I wear it.”

Do. Not. Look.

I close my eyes.HerFrench-accented voice drifts into my ears, coils down my body and wraps around my heart.

My eyes open and focus on the flat-screen just as Emilie says, “UC Cosmetics means Ultra Chic.”

My protein drink falls to the counter. “Shit!”

A Complete crew member rushes over to me with a towel and cleans up my mess. I offer a half-hearted “sorry,” and walk away.I’m good at walking away.

My legs carry me into one of the unoccupied classrooms. I close the door behind me and sit. This room doesn’t see much use, but I think it would be a great seminar room. Guest lecturers on all areas of health and wellness. I’ve been kicking this idea around for a bit, and I think the members would like it. Maybe I should put Zak on developing it.

My eyes scan the blue walls and land on the photo of the pier at sunset that I purchased in the Caymans. When Emilie missed Rose’s bridal shower. I couldn’t bear to hang it in my apartment, so I put it here. It reminds me of everything I can’t have. Don’t deserve. The fact that she’s missing from the photo underscores that fact.

I stare at the image, letting my mind go blank. Concentrating on my breathing, I slip away from myself.

The ringing of my cell phone moments later brings me right back to harsh reality. Pulling it out of my pocket, Mom’s name greets me.Hell no. I’m not in the mood to deal with whatever sob story she’s peddling now. I reject the call. My brief respite has been broken.

Abandoning the classroom, I walk toward my office when the receptionist rushes over to me, cordless phone in hand.

“Wills, it’s your mother.” She thrusts the phone toward me. “She says it’s urgent. She’s at the hospital.”

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