Briar
“Morning,” I say as I roll off the couch. Thorn is up and grumbling about being sore.
“Morning,” he mumbles.
“I’ll make you a protein shake if you want to go throw on your workout clothes,” and he heads off to the bedroom to get dressed.
I whip him up one of his favorites, blueberry and kale.
He comes back out with his bag, dressed for the gym.
“Here you go,” I hand him his drink.
“You’re the best,” he murmurs.
“I’m going to shower and dress quickly and then I’ll take you to the gym,” I say and rush off to do that. I’m done in record time, and thirty minutes later we’re at the gym.
“I hurt everywhere. My body is on fire,” Thorn whines a little bit.
“This is what you wanted. It will take a while for your body to get used to it,” I state and he nods.
“Briar, do you like Kingston?” he asks me and I turn to face him.
“Yes, I think I do. He’s a really sweet guy and has been good to us,” I say.
“I think Holden has a crush on you,” he says.
“He’s cute and nice, I think.”
“Just be careful with whoever you date. I don’t want to see you get hurt,” he warns.
“You’re a good brother, always looking out for me,” I say.
“That’s what I’m supposed to do,” he states as I reach over and ruffle his hair.
“Hey,” he protests.
“That’s what sisters are supposed to do,” I chuckle.
He smiles and I love that. It makes me smile.
We haven’t smiled in a long time.
He waits as I get ready and then we head to the gym.
Holden
“Hey Briar,” I say as she steps in the door to the gym, ignoring the look from Thorn.
“Holden, hi,” she smiles at me.
“You look nice today,” he says, eyeing me up and down.
“Well, thanks. Nice tattoo,” she nods at my arm. I think this is the longest conversation we’ve had.
“Thanks, gotta get back to training or Kingston will kick my ass,” I say as I head off to the cage.
I think I hear her say enjoy. I wish I could say I would. Maybe one day, she’ll come to my fights.