Page 34 of Hearts on the Table
“Seems a little early in our non-relationship to meet the parents,” I commented after he popped my door open.
He frowned, kicking at one of the back tires on the Jeep. “I was talking to yours just last week.”
“Ah, well, nevermind.”
“Ma,” Sam chided, holding the gym door open for me. The woman behind the desk looked up. His mother had a shock of hair dyed a bright, boxed-copper shade. Freckles and wrinkles lined her tan skin.
“The fucking screen is frozen on the inventory page again. And we don’t even sell any fucking inventory here, so why does this fucking screen even exist? Sorry, dear.” She smiled at me asSam began clicking around on the computer. “Just one moment and I can sign you in. Technology and I don’t mix.”
“Try that.” Sam swiped the barcode on his keychain and tapped a few buttons. “There you go.”
“Well, thank fuck. I thought I was going to get fired on my first day.” She winked at me. “Alright, sugar, you give it a try.”
Sam’s mother pumped her arms when I swiped without incident. “Hell yes! Oh, and look at that. Your name’s Elaina? I have a dear, dear friend named Elaine. Moved down to Florida a few years ago. Couldn’t take the cold, you know.” She leaned in closer. “Started dating some younger man. Not even in his fifties.”
“Get it, Elaine.” I grinned. Sam gave me a look, warning me not to encourage her.
“Oh, sugar, that’s what I said! Anyway, I’ll let you two get to your workout. I’m June, by the way, Honey. I’m helping Will out a bit. Let me know if you need anything while you’re here!”
“Nice to meet you, June.”
“You, too!” She waved as Sam led me further into the gym.
“Your mother curses like a sailor.”
“I really didn’t know she’d be here today.” Sam glared as Will strolled up. “A little warning would have been nice.” Will shrugged.
“We needed the help. I’ve been going crazy.”
“Yeah, about that,” I scowled. “I tried to register for a class on Tuesday and the system said it was full. I thought I was your favorite regular?”
“You are, obviously. Text me next time and I can just write you in. Always a spot for you.” Will winked.
“Stop flirting.” Something about Sam’s growly voice really worked for me.
“She started it!”
“She’s allowed.”
Will’s jaw dropped. “Bullshit. She gets preferential treatment over your own brother?” He scowled when Sam didn’t answer. “Right. Okay, you’re going to pay for that. You’ll all pay for it!” He clapped his hands before ordering us into a brutal set of sprints.
I took a quick shower after the workout. When I stepped out of the locker room, Sam waited for me across the gym, also showered and dressed in a cotton t-shirt and khaki shorts. He was in deep conversation with Will and Connor, but his attention snapped to me as soon as I stepped into the gym. My skin tingled where his eyes scanned me from head to toe.
“You ready?”
“Wait, we haven’t worked this out. I’ve got clients all day. I don’t have time to take it down to the shop.” Conner nodded a greeting at me as I sidled up to them.
“It’s a slow leak. It needs a patch, not a trip to the mechanic.” Will scoffed.
Sam clapped his brothers on the back. “I’m out. If our mother gets a flat later, it’s on you.” He stepped away. From the groans and choruses of denial from his brothers, you’d have thought he had told them to cheer for the White Sox. He grunted in annoyance.
“Everything alright?” I asked, waving to June as he led me back outside.
“Mom’s tire pressure is low again. They’re whining about who’s going to fix it.”
“Let me guess, that’s usually more your thing.” He squinted as I ducked into the passenger seat, holding the door open with one hand, the other braced on the hood of his car. I’d caught him off guard.
“Maybe.” He looked at me for another moment. “You like croissants?”
