“He’s out for a run. He’ll be back soon.”
“Did he say how he slept last night?”
Art smiles. “I wish I could tell you, but I can’t. I haven’t seen Drew yet. I only know he’s on a run because it’s Thursday morning and he runs for five miles every Thursday morning. Drew is a very regimented person.”
Rose snorts. “That’s an understatement.”
“He follows a tight schedule, huh?”
“Oh yeah,” Art confirms. “Tuesday and Thursday are his morning run days. Monday, Wednesday and Friday are strength training days. He does yoga and pilates on the weekends. This is in addition to team practice.”
“Don’t forget the barn,” Rose says from across the room.
“The barn?” I ask.
Art points in the direction of the sliding glass door. “See the red barn over there?”
I lean over so I can look past Art. A large, red barn sits about twenty yards away. It is bigger than most barns I’ve seen and appears to be brand new.
“Yes, I see it.”
“Drew has a basketball court in there. Practices shots all day long.”
“Game days must seem like a day off for him,” I marvel.
Art shakes his head. “Not really. If it’s a home game, he’ll go out to the barn and shoot hoops for two hours. If it’s an away game, he’ll go to the local arena and practice there for two hours.”
“Doesn’t that wear him out?”
“He says it’s a warm-up.”
“His warm-up is more than my workouts,” Rose jokes.
“No doubt,” I agree. “Sounds intense.”
I jump when a deep voice behind me says, “I’m an intense person.”
I turn to see Drew standing in the kitchen doorway behind us. How did he sneak in the house without us hearing him?
Drew’s chest moves in and out as he catches his breath. Sweat is running down his face and shirtless torso. He’s wearing red basketball shorts and, of course, his signature shoes.
Art scoffs. “You’re intense alright.”
Drew lifts his hand to acknowledge Rose. “Hey Rosie. How are you this morning?”
She smiles. “Doing good. I have all your meals for tomorrow and this weekend in the fridge and freezer. I’m finishing up your breakfast now.”
Drew nods. “Good. I’m going to take a quick shower.”
Rose crinkles her nose. “Yes, please do.”
Drew walks out of the room and we all sit quietly for a moment.
“He seems to be in a good mood this morning,” Rose observes.
He does? How can she tell?
“Must have been all the sleep he got last night,” Art says with a wink in my direction.
I blush. “I hope so.”
“Don’t let Drew scare you honey,” Rose tells me. “A soft heart is hidden inside that man.”
Art snorts. “There is?”
Rose points a finger at Art. “Don’t start with me.”
I listen as Art and Rose go back and forth. Their playful banter makes me smile. Drew returns a few minutes later and takes a seat at the table. He’s changed into a t-shirt and another pair of gym shorts, navy blue this time.
“Perfect timing,” Rose says as she carries two plates to the table. I notice Drew’s plate has substantially more food on it than mine.
After Art and Rose’s warnings, I was scared I wouldn’t recognize my breakfast. I’m pleasantly surprised when I see an omelet and turkey bacon.
“This looks great Rose,” I tell her happily.
“Wait until you eat it to thank me,” she says with a smile.
“Do I want to know what’s in the omelet?” I ask as I pick at it with my fork.
“Salmon, onion, tomato, cheese, green peppers and kale,” Drew responds.
“It’s his Thursday omelet,” Art informs me. I can’t tell if he’s joking or not.
I’ve never had fish in an omelet, but I’m willing to give it a whirl. Art and Rose watch as I take my first bite.
“Tastes good,” I say after I finish chewing.
Art crinkles his nose. “Yuck. Too much healthy stuff for me.”
I could tell Art I will eat whatever is on the plate in front of me, but I keep quiet. Drew makes me nervous and I don’t want to draw too much attention to myself.
I nearly drop my fork when Art asks Drew, “How’d you sleep last night?”
I do and I don’t want to know Drew’s answer to this question. A lot rides on it.
Drew takes a drink of water and says, “Got six straight hours.”
I relax. For most people, six hours isn’t enough sleep. But based on what his attorney told me, six hours is excellent for Drew.
“Good,” Art says with a nod.
Phew! I may not be fired today after all.
Rose takes a seat at the table and I enjoy my omelet as I listen to my three tablemates discuss the stories on the news. I’m content until the news goes to commercial.
“Julie, why don’t you tell us about yourself?” Art says.
I gulp.
When I don’t immediately respond, Drew scolds Art. “Don’t be nosey Dad.”
Art shrugs his shoulders. “What? Julie is going to be staying with us for a while. I want her to feel comfortable.”
I’d feel more comfortable not answering any questions, but it makes sense for them to be curious about me. I’m a stranger spending the night in their home. I was hoping the questions would come later though, when I feel more at ease with all of them.
I wipe the corner of my mouth with my napkin and plant a smile on my face. “It’s fine Drew. Your dad is right. I’m going to be here a lot, so you should know a little about me.”
Rose, Drew and Art all stare at me. My stomach flutters. I hate being the center of attention.
“Well, um, I’m twenty-five years old. I share an apartment with my brother Jeremy. I was a waitress at Miller Lane before I took this job. I volunteer twice a week at a drug and alcohol rehab center and I’m in my final year of law school.”
There it is. My entire life wrapped up in four sentences.
Art grins widely. “A law school student? That’s great.”
Funny how law school is the thing everyone picks out about my life. Like it’s impressive.
“Yes. I only have five weeks left until graduation.”
Rose smiles. “I bet your parents are proud.”
My heart sinks. I don’t want to be a downer. “Thank you. I bet they would be.”
Everyone’s eyes narrow as they process what I’m saying. This is a common reaction when people hear my parents have passed away.
“You’ve lost both of your parents?” Rose asks gently.
I nod. “Yes. About ten, almost eleven, years ago now.”
“I’m so sorry,” Art says as he shakes his head. “I thought my boys had it rough losing their mother. But to lose both parents at such a young age. Do you have any other family?”
“Um, no. My only surviving grandparent passed away shortly after my parents. It’s just me and Jeremy now.”
Rose pats my hand. “So sorry honey.”
“I’m fine. Really.”