The Last Exhale by Julia Blues Page B

“Yeah, that would be nice.”
    I grab a handful of curls and plop them on top of my head with an elastic band. Wash the day’s makeup from my face. I do idle things in the bathroom, trying to figure out how to tell my husband I need him to drop the kids off in the morning so I can go for a run. A run with another man, but he doesn’t need to know all the details.
    He’s pulling back the covers when I saunter back into the room. “I’m thinking about running in the mornings before heading into the office. My legs feel trapped on the treadmill. I need to get back to what I’m used to.”
    â€œSounds like a good idea. You always did say you prefer the outdoors versus running inside four walls.”
    â€œExactly. Plus, these thighs act like they’re finally ready to lose their winter weight. I need to take them to the next level.”
    Eric lightly slaps my thighs. “I’ve noticed and I like.” He leans over, gives me a peck on the cheek.
    Though I appreciate the compliment, I wish he would’ve said something before I made mention of it. It’s like I have to point things out in order to get him to take notice. I scoop out some Vaseline from the jar in my nightstand, massage it into my feet, in between each toe. Put my socks on to seal in the moisture while I sleep. “I was actually thinking about going in the morning. You could drop EJ off at daycare and I should be back in time to get Kennedy to school.”
    His lips turn down, head shakes. “I’m all for fitness, but tomorrow’s a no-go.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œOfficer Bragg’s memorial service. Thought I told you last night.”
    â€œBabe, it totally slipped my mind. I thought you said it was Saturday.”
    â€œNope, tomorrow. I was hoping you’d make it.”
    Last night, my mind was so preoccupied with training Brandon that I hadn’t heard a word Eric said. I have no way of getting in touch with him to let him know plans—or in this case, demands—have changed.
    I tell my husband, “I’ll be there.”

15
BRANDON
    Andrew picks me up a few minutes after nine.
    â€œCan’t believe Melissa’s letting you out for the night.”
    â€œMan, I can’t either. She’s been keeping me hostage in the bedroom.”
    â€œThat’s not a bad problem to have, Bro.”
    He shakes his head. “It is when you feel like your sperm is more important than your love.”
    Nothing I can say to that. “Want a drink?”
    â€œNaw, I’ll grab something once we get to the spot.”
    I tell him, “Let me change my shirt first. We’re too old for this twin-dressing-alike foolishness.”
    He laughs. “Mom had us doing that nonsense all the way through high school.”
    â€œShe would’ve had us doing it in college too, if we went to the same school.”
    â€œYou ain’t never lied.”
    We both chuckle at the memory.
    After changing my black shirt to a white button down, I grab my keys. “I’ll drive.”
    â€œYou won’t get an argument out of me.” He subconsciously rubs the scar under his chin.
    My brother hasn’t been much of a driving fan since his near-fatalaccident over fifteen years ago after trying to make an eight-hour drive home for Thanksgiving with no sleep. NoDoz failed him not even two hours into the drive.
    I called him up a couple of nights ago to see if he wanted to check out a new over-thirty dance club and restaurant on the east side of town. Figured we both needed to get out for some male bonding.
    â€œIt’s pretty crowded out here,” Andrew says once we pull up.
    â€œSure is. One of my coworkers said it’s the best new thing in town for the grown and sexy.”
    I follow the cars going toward the side of the building until I find an empty spot. No sign of a ticket attendant gives my wallet a sigh of relief. Since I don’t have to