Chapter 22 Nate
NATE
I got to the gym and headed to the locker room where Eric said he’d meet me.
I didn’t so much feel like working out as needing an ear to bend.
I considered Eric a close friend who would listen and wouldn’t judge.
He would understand and maybe offer advice.
I’d already changed into shorts and tank top by the time he walked in.
“Hey, Nate. Sorry I’m a little late. Got held up.”
“No problem.”
“You can start while I change, if you want. No need to wait.”
“Well, maybe, but can I ask you something first?”
“Sure.” He pulled out his shorts and tank, similar to mine. Our bindings would show a little on the side, but a lot of Lactin Brotherhood members worked out here, and we considered it a safe space for us. “What’s going on? Trouble with the boyfriend already?”
“Not exactly, but I helped him with something that was business- but also family-related, and I think I might have messed it up for him.”
“How so?”
“His uncle thought I was trying to scam him or something. So, I fucked it up simply by being there.” I threw my hands up. “That’s the last thing I wanted.”
“Huh…give me the details here.”
I went through everything that happened, including how excited Gilly had been and how crushed he was afterward. “I don’t know what else to do.”
“Is that your question?”
“I guess. What should I do?”
Eric pulled his tank over his head. “At this point, stay out of it. If Gilly needs or wants more help, he’ll ask. Otherwise let it go and let him work it out.” He clapped my shoulder. “I know the Daddy in you wants to fix everything, but even if he’s your boy, he’s still his own man and an adult.”
“I know. But it’s so hard.” I’d always struggled with where to draw the line which was one of many reasons I’d avoided relationships in the first place.
“Of course it is. Everything in life that’s worth a damn is going to be hard. Speaking of hard, let’s get busy.”
We headed out to the main workout space, and I knocked out a few bench presses, but then started leaking through the damn padding.
Fuck my life.