Blow (TKO #3) by Ana Layne Page B

been here. He must have left not long ago. Maybe he just stepped out for a moment.
    Reaching for my phone, I text him.
     
    Hey man, where are you?
     
    I set my phone down and walk into the bathroom to relieve myself. I’ve needed to pee the entire way home. Why I didn’t before I left the office, I’ll never know. I walk back to my bed to find he’s replied. My gut just took a huge blow.
     
    I came to Tamilyn’s for a little bit. What’s up?
     
    Oh, nothing. I just got home. Wanted to see if you wanted to go grab a drink or something at Joe’s.
     
    I lie easily. I don’t want to go have a drink with him but I needed an excuse as to why I was inquiring about his whereabouts.
     
    We’ll have to reschedule that for sure. Next time, I’m in.
     
    Sounds like a plan.
     
    I toss my phone down and change into a pair of jeans and a polo shirt. I didn’t necessarily want to have a drink with Austin, but I sure as fuck don’t mind having one by myself. I’m going to Joe’s.
     
    ***
     
    I pull into the parking lot and let out a sigh of relief. I need a drink bad. I walk straight in and make a beeline for the bartender. I order a drink and lean against the bar as I take a big sip. Oh whiskey, do your job and take the pain away.
    “Ruston, right?” I turn to see Garrett next to me.
    “Hey, man, what’s up?”
    “I’m just waiting on Lance to get here. Raegan kicked me out of the house for the night and told me to go have a little fun. I’ve been by her side since Lucas was born so it’s a little strange to be here right now.”
    “I bet it is.” I chuckle as I take another sip of my drink. “So, Raegan and Lucas are doing good?”
    “Oh, they’re great. I love them to death.” He smiles as he turns to order a beer. “How are things at Lou’s? I took a little time away to be with them, but I should be back very soon.”
    I almost choke on the next sip of my drink. I figured that question would pop up but I was hoping it wouldn’t. “I, uh…I quit today. I don’t have a lot of time to do it like I thought I would. I work for my dad and I’m needed more at the office.”
    He nods in understanding. “I gotcha. That sucks, man. I love Lou’s. I couldn’t imagine my life without it.”
    “I hear you. I like it a lot. Well, the little bit I’ve seen, but right now just isn’t the time.”
    “No judgment here. Are you alone tonight?”
    “Yeah, long story. I won’t bore you. I just needed to clear my head. Things are so fucked up.”
    He raises his eyebrow but he doesn’t ask questions. “Well, just because you quit the gym doesn’t mean we can’t talk if you need a friend. I know how crazy shit can become, trust me. Raegan and I had our issues in the beginning but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I got her, and that’s all that matters.”
    “You think this is about a girl?” I ask, downing the rest of my drink.
    He raises his eyebrow again and I turn to order a new drink. He’s a fucking mind reader or something. It’s almost like I’m sitting in confession, but at the bar.
    “It’s always about a girl. That’s why we end up at the bar drowning our sorrows.”
    “But you said everything is good with you,” I counter.
    “It is, but once upon a time I came here to make all my stupid mistakes. Lance too.” Garrett looks up and waves his hand in the air. “Speaking of the devil, here he is.”
    “What’s up, man? Hey, Ruston.” He orders his beer. I nod and sip on my drink.
    “About time you got here. I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.” Garrett laughs.
    “You know pregnant women and their hormones. Hilary latched onto my dick and wouldn’t let go and I’m only ten minutes late, so fuck you. I still get to go to Disney, right?”
    I laugh at the two of them. I wouldn’t have minded getting to know them at the gym.
    “Where’s Austin?” Lance asks, breaking me out of my trance. For a moment, I’m able to pretend I didn’t understand him because of the