Page 106 of Stroked by (Stroked)
Facing Bodi, I say, “Looks like your girl is getting a chance.”
“Really?” he asks, his face brightening for a second before it turns back to neutral.
“Yeah, I’m assuming Bellini will be calling her in the next few days. Just warn Ruby that if she’s working for Bellini, then she’s going to have to have thick skin and if anything, Bellini expects perfection. I hope Ruby is up for it.”
“She is.” Bodi smiles wistfully for a second while he thinks about Ruby, and I wonder if there is more to their relationship than just friendship. “Thanks.” Bodi holds out his hand, and I shake it.
“Seriously, no big deal. I’m going to head off to the showers. I will see you at camp.”
“Yeah, take care.”
Hollis and I both take off toward the locker room, leaving Bodi to train some more; the man is a machine. I remember when I used to spend hours in the weight room, strengthening every muscle with precision. But that was years ago. Now, I do what I need to do and then get out of there. I have a girl to cuddle and a mental game to perfect.
“He’s strange. Can’t trust a guy who doesn’t laugh at my jokes,” Hollis whispers while looking behind us toward the gym we just left.
“Maybe because your jokes aren’t funny.”
Stopping his forward progression, Hollis stands in the hallway, not happy with my jab. “That’s not funny, man. Take that back. You know I say funny shit.”
I just shrug my shoulders, fucking around with him.
“You take that shrug back.” He points his finger at me. “You take it back right now.”
“How is someone supposed to take a shrug back?” I’m completely amused right now.
“By shrugging in the opposite direction, now take it back.”
“Shrugging in the opposite direction? Seriously? You know that would just be making the same motion. It’s all just up and down. I’m not taking it back. Now stop acting like a little bitch and let’s go.”
“Oh no,” Hollis holds up his hand. “You can shower by yourself today.” He says this just as someone walks by us, procuring a weird look in our direction.
Shaking my head, I hiss at Hollis, “Don’t make us look like fucking creeps. Christ, man.”
“Don’t blame me for what’s happening right now. You’re the one who didn’t agree with my ability to be funny. I’m the funniest fuck this side of the Mississippi.” Hollis walks by me, brushing my shoulder in the process.
Following behind him, I say, “If you were funny, then you wouldn’t have to point it out to everyone. Do you really think Jimmy Fallon goes around telling people how funny he is? No, he just shows it, he doesn’t say it.”
“Fuck Jimmy Fallon,” Hollis calls out and then stops. Turning to me, he shakes his head. “I take that back. I love Jimmy. You know,” he looks up at the ceiling in thought, “I’m actually jealous of Justin Timberlake and not because he has a voice of an angel, or the dance moves of a male escort, or how good he looks in a chapeau—”
“Don’t say chapeau, you dickhead.”
Hollis ignores me and continues, “I’m jealous because he can call up Jimmy anytime he wants. Or he can rap with him, putting Eminem to shame. Does Jimmy even know how good I can rap? I should make a video, maybe he would give me a chance at a bro-mance.”
There is something seriously wrong with this man.
“Maybe win another gold and then get on his show, I’m sure you can tell him then.”
Hollis snaps his fingers at me. “God, you’re brilliant. I will have my publicist get on that. Look out, J Tizzle. I’m coming for you.” Taking off toward the locker, Hollis walks away with more pep in his step.
Following behind him, I get another text. God, I hope it’s not Bellini.
Paisley: Won’t be over until really late. Bellini has me organizing her sewing room for a new seamstress that’s starting tomorrow. She wants her working in her house so she can keep an eye on her. I will have to take a rain check on dinner.
Fuck. I do something good for someone else and look what happens. My plans are ruined.
Reese: Get to my place as soon as you can. I need to cuddle the hell out of you tonight.
Paisley: Looking forward to it, handsome.
