“I have to admit her lifestyle makes me cringe,” he said. “I’m not sure how much exercising she does. When I’m visiting, I’m taking time out to get my training in the best I can. Then we’ll go for a walk.”
“And now he can exercise even better when he visits. I put a home gym in for him.”
There went the silence thick enough for her to slice through with a machete.
“A home gym?” Roark asked. “You’re joking, right?”
“No,” Warren said. “She surprised me with it today.”
“I got myself a top-of-the-line treadmill that I will use,” she said proudly. “Even if it’s only walking on it. I’m not so sure of the weights. That thing looks like a spaceship if you get in the center of it. I’ll just admire my boyfriend while he’s using it.”
“She’s going to take notes,” he said. “It’s better than videos.”
“Oh yeah,” she said, rubbing her hands together. “There will be some videos involved also.”
“That’s enough for your father’s ears,” her father said.
“Did Emma give you anything else?” her mother asked, winking.
“Mom, Dad just said I can’t talk about it.”
“And she’s back,” Roark said, laughing.
“She gave me a signed copy of one of my favorite books from Steve Spencer.” He turned to her. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but that was a better gift. The best gift of all is Emma is letting me help her with her current book.”
“Okay,” her mother said. “That’s it. Who are you? Where is my daughter Emma French, whom I birthed in thirty hours of labor?”
“Come on, Mom.”
“No,” her mother said. “I need to hear this because it’s news to me. Warren is helping you with a book?”
“He is,” she said. “I’m writing it. Though I think he could put together a fierce story himself. He’s given me a lot of ideas. Did I tell you all he’s a true crime podcast nerd like me?”
“Yes,” her father and mother said at the same time. Which meant she’d done it more than she could count.
“Well, he is. We like to talk about mysteries and crime.”
“I think that’s great you’ve got that in common,” Chelsea said.
“Me too,” she said excitedly. “Few other people I’m around care that much unless they are into my books. Which I can proudly say I’ve converted Warren into a fan. Maybe not quite up to Steve Spencer, but I could get there.”
There was a lot of laughter at that, and she turned to see Warren smiling.
He wouldn’t get it, but it was fun to put that jab out there to her mother.
“Training camp should start soon,” her father said. “I won’t bother you with a million questions about what you do or anything like that. Not even players and what they are like. I’ve got to imagine your schedule is going to be tight though.”
“It’s officially starting in three weeks,” he said. “I’ve been at the facilities for a few weeks working with other players. I need to get ahead of it. I’ve been working one-on-one with the rookies.”
“You didn’t tell me that,” she said, frowning.
“You haven’t asked,” he said, nudging her with his arm.
“Emma,” her mother said. “Why don’t you help me bring out some snacks? Your father will be grilling soon.”
“I can do that,” she said. “What’s for the main meal?”
“We are having steak and blackened fish on the grill. Both are easy and quick,” her mother said. “There are plenty of sides. Chelsea brought dessert.”
