I didn’t bust my ass for four years and graduate from college two months ago just to fetch coffee, dig important docs out of the trash, or be someone’s personal secretary. I knew I’d be starting at the bottom and have to prove myself, but it’s a little difficult to do that when I’m the bitch boy.
Once I finish my reps, I grab a towel and wipe off my face. Working out is the only thing that keeps me sane these days. Between the demons from my past and the guilt I continue to live with, I need this outlet. Since I joined the real world of adulting, and college football is no longer an option, boxing has saved me.
“Not bad, Holt,” Max says, patting my shoulder. “A little aggressive today.” A couple of months ago, I started working out with a boxing trainer, but he’s already taught me so much. “Session’s over.”
I could go for another thirty minutes, but I know I shouldn’t overdo it again. The last time I insisted I was fine to continue, I nearly passed out from losing my own breath. My heart pounded so fast and hard, it couldn’t keep up, nearly causing an anxiety attack.
Though it wouldn’t be the first one I’ve had. And I doubt it’ll be the last.
“So how’s the internship treatin’ ya?” he asks as I remove my gloves.
Keeping my gaze focused on my hands, I grunt out my response. “I do what I’m told, day or night.”
“That brutal, huh?” Chuckling, he hands me a bottle of water, then grabs one for himself. Considering he’s been watching me for the past hour, I laugh.
“I want to do more,” I explain. “Get my hands dirty, use the shit I learned in school, and work on cases, but I know that’s not how it works.”
“You’ll be back at school in the fall, right?”
Putting the cap back on the bottle, I nod. “Yeah, grad school plus taking on internships and gaining as much work experience as I can will be intense as hell.” Just the thought of the insane schedule I’ll have makes my chest tighten even more, but it’s what I want to do more than anything.
“Wow, man. That’s quite impressive.” He grins.
“Don’t say that yet. I’ll probably flunk out before I even finish the first semester.” I snort, seriously wondering how I’ll manage it all. Thankfully, these are paid internships, though it’s not much. Unfortunately, that’s where my father steps in and plays the proud dad who’s footing the bill for my tuition. Outsiders say I should be thankful for his help, but I know I’m just a pawn in his career to make him look good. It gives him bragging rights that I went to a good university, had good grades, and landed an internship. However, he’s disappointed I didn’t follow in his footsteps and become an attorney too. He treats me as if his legacy will live through me even though I don’t want that.
“Doubt it,” he says. “See you next week?”
“You got it.” We bump fists, and then I take off for the showers.
Once I’m cleaned and dressed, I check my phone and see a group text from the guys. I’ve known them all since freshman year when we rushed a fraternity together. Brandon, Hunter, and Liam are my ride or dies, and I’m grateful to have them help balance the personal shitstorm that constantly fucks with my life.
Brandon: Drinks tonight? Meet at 8.
Hunter: I’ll try, I’m working late tonight.
Liam: I’ll see if I can fit it into my very busy schedule.
Mason: Don’t be a douche, Evans. We all know you’re sitting on the couch with your hand down your pants. In fact, I’m on my way home, so I better not walk in on you again.
Brandon: Again?
Liam: That was one time…
Mason: One time too many!
Brandon: I’m bringing Lennon, so could you both keep your hands out of your pants?
Liam: And for your information, I’m not even home. Currently preoccupied by a lady friend.
Mason: Then why are you on your phone if you’re sooo busy?
Liam: Fuck off. I have one free hand.
Brandon: Dude. Lennon read that.
Liam: Grow some balls, Locke. Going to be doing a couples massages next?
Brandon: Don’t be jealous, Evans. Open your heart to love, and you could get a couples massage too.
I snort at the thought of Liam being with any girl longer than a weekend.
Liam: Hard pass.
Mason: Just leaving the gym. Meet you guys there.
Liam: Come pick me up before this chick ties me up and does some weird, freaky shit to me.
Mason: HARD PASS.
Brandon: Thought you liked that?
Liam: Fuckers. Hate you both.
I chuckle, shaking my head as I stuff my phone in my pocket. Liam’s been my roommate since we moved out the summer after freshman year. We didn’t want to live on campus anymore and found a three-bedroom house close enough to walk if we wanted. The following summer, we added a third roommate, but she’s busier than both of us, and we hardly ever see her anymore.