Chapter Three

Aaron

It’s only been a week but I feel like I’ve run myself ragged. I know I’m exhausted and I should probably take some time off but that isn’t going to happen. Not for a while at least. I’m not ready to face my problems just yet. Throwing myself into work isn’t exactly helping me get over Jason and the past but it’s the only thing keeping me sane at the moment. I’m afraid if I let myself think too much my insecurities and fears will drive me out of my mind.

My daily schedule is jam packed because of that same reason. I usually kick things off at three in the morning rehearsing the combo routine with my brother then after a shower, and breakfast that isn’t a granola bar; I head to the club to handle my side of the business for a few hours. My brother and I both have different parts of the business we deal with. I take care of the bar side and most of the employees. Dealing with vendors, food and such. He handles approving memberships, the books, and security. We both audition and approve any applications for new dancers. When lunchtime rolls around, I’m out the door. I stop by my favorite deli for a sandwich then it’s back home to squeeze in a solo rehearsal for a few hours if I’m not teaching a class at the youth center. After that, I try to get some sleep before heading back to the club that night.

So, as you can see, there’s no room for downtime. What little time I have I spend sleeping. If I were normal I probably would’ve collapsed from the strain by now but all I need is a good meal to get my energy back up. Still, I can’t help feeling like I’m driving myself into an early grave by working so hard. Which is probably why I’m awake a full hour and a half earlier than usual. My brain just won’t shut the fuck up. Oh well, might as well get an early start. Laying here isn’t doing me any favors.

There’s a knock on my bedroom door and before I can even get up to answer it my brother strolls into the room and crawls on the bed. Sometimes I regret giving him a key but today isn’t one of those days. He must have something on his mind if he’s here this early.

“What are you doing here so early, Ash?”

He fluffs up the pillow before flopping on his back and folding his arms behind his head. “I’ve got some news. I’m not sure if you’re going to like hearing it.”

Leaning up on my elbow I say, “Is something wrong?”

He shakes his head. “Not exactly. I was going through the new member requests yesterday and found one from Jason. Normally, I’d have just called and told you but I figured it would be best if I told you about it in person. I’m thinking about coming up with an excuse for denying his application but figured I should get your opinion.”

Jason applied for a club membership? I wonder why. Is he looking for me after all these years? If it’s just to apologize he can save it for someone who actually wants to hear it. Damn…I never thought I’d cross paths with him again and theoretically I won’t have to if Ashton denies his application but I’m not a total asshole. Who knows, he may not even be aware of the connection I have to the club. Taking a deep breath, I say, “Approve his application.”

Ashton raises an eyebrow at me. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah. It’s fine.”

“Okay then. So, what do you say to skipping rehearsal and going out for some breakfast?”

“Seriously? It’s not even two in the morning.”

“So? There’s IHOP.”

My brother and his pancake obsession. Swear the guy can name every restaurant within a 100-mile radius that serves pancakes and what time they open. There’s no point in arguing when he’s decided something. “Fine. We’ll go to IHOP.”

He lets out a whoop then jumps off the bed and flips on the lights nearly blinding me. “Come on, get dressed let’s go.”

When my vision clears, I see the t-shirt he’s wearing and have to bite back a laugh. It has a picture of a pineapple and a pizza slice on the front. The pineapple is straddling the pizza slice and the writing at the bottom says, “Shhh, no one needs to know.”

Reminds me of the coffee mug he keeps in my cabinet for when he comes over. Makes me laugh every time I see it. It has a winking muffin in a canoe on the front and says, “Hey cuntmuffin, why don’t you climb in your douche canoe, cry me a river, and float the fuck away?”

My brother is crazy but I love him which is the only reason I’m allowing him to drag me to an IHOP at bullshit o’clock in the morning. I’m in a non-adulting mood so I’m going with a clean t-shirt, cargo shorts and flip flops as my wardrobe for today. I keep a few extra sets of clothes and a pair of sneakers in my gym bag so I don’t have to worry about coming back to the house to change while the day wears on. As my brother and I make our way to IHOP my thoughts drift to Jason.

Why now? I was on my way to moving forward with my life, well on my way slowly. I know I sound pathetic, hanging on after ten years but I just can’t let go. I’ve found myself entertaining the idea that we might’ve been mates and that’s why I can’t forget but as soon as the thought appears I squash it down. The pain that comes with that line of thought isn’t worth me pursuing the idea any further than the notion it is. Things were going good for me, as good as they can and then he suddenly appears like a bad rash you just can’t shake. I know that sounds awful but it’s the truth.

Oh well, guess I’ll find out what he’s here for when he shows up at the club. I hope Ashton won’t be too hard on him. Knowing my brother like I do he’ll give Jason a talking to before allowing him anywhere near me. Which is something else I’m grateful for. I’m also grateful for the week long reprieve I’ll have before I actually have to face Jason. Once a membership application is approved it takes a week for the ID card to be made and activated. I’ll enjoy the reprieve while I can before I’m forced to face my past.