Somebody to You

Ch. 41

Nick

A few days after Joe & I went hiking, we were in the gym one evening. We had plans that Saturday to hang out together since Damon wanted me & Demi to spend the night. Damon had been talking about it non stop since Joe told him we were coming over to Joe's house. Joe was on a weight bench & I was spotting him. "So, listen." I said as I helped put the weight back on the bench. "Damon thinks we're spending the night, so what if we make it like a camping thing? Just us guys in your backyard in a tent? Demi & Chloe can stay in the house." I mentioned as Joe sat up on the seat. "Then Damon is getting what he wants & you won't be weirded out by me sleeping in the same bed as your baby mama." I laughed. "And just so ya know, I wouldn't fuck her in your house, man. I have more respect for ya than that."

Joe laughed & nodded, bringing his water bottle up to his mouth, then took a drink. After he swallowed, he spoke. "I appreciate that, bro. Anyway, camping could be fun. We haven't gone camping in forever. God, we used to camp out in our backyard all the time when we were kids. And then when we were in high school we would sleep in the tent but we'd have girls sneak over." He laughed & I laughed with him, remembering the memories fondly. Joe & I had an amazing childhood. Our parents were incredible & may not have had a ton of money, but raised us to be good people. At least I thought we were good. I'm sure there are some who would disagree. Joe & I never went without & we always had fun. I remember more good memories than bad & not too many people can say that.

"So we'll clean off the camping gear at Mom & Dad's tomorrow?" I asked him & he nodded. "You done or you want to do some more?"

"I'm done. I'm getting hungry." Joe said as he stood up.

"Let me do a few minutes at the bags, then we can go." I said as I walked to the punching bags. Joe followed & held the bag while I punched it for several minutes. I took a breather & cleared my throat. "Can I ask you a question?" Joe was taking a drink of water & nodded as he swallowed, looking around the bag at me. "When did you know you wanted to marry Chloe? How long had you been together?"

Joe wrinkled his forehead as he watched me, curiously. "I don't know. I mean I knew early on that she was special & I felt like she could be the one after only a few months, I think. But you always say I fall too fast, so what do I know?" Joe chuckled, shrugging his shoulders.

I played with the string on my gloves as I laughed, nodding. I gave Joe a look that told him to hold the bag so I could take a few swings. After I stopped hitting it, I started taking off my gloves. "Okay, I think I'm done." I cleared my throat again. "Would you think I was nuts if I said I was thinking about a future with Demi?" I asked, not looking up at Joe.

Joe laughed, so I looked at his face. His eyes were wider than I think I had ever seen. "Wait. What? Are you thinking of like proposing? To Demi?"

I took a deep breath & smiled. "I think so. I mean I don't think I would ask her now, since we've only been together a few months, but I've been um... I've been looking at rings & doing some thinking....some planning." I smirked.

"I can't believe it. Like I'm seriously flabbergasted right now." Joe's mouth was still hanging open.

"Why are you flabbergasted?" I heard Jay ask as he came into sight.

Joe & I exchanged a look and we both said, "Nothing."

"Come on, guys. Aren't we friends?" Jay asked, crossing his arms.

"You think we're friends?" I asked him, a slight smirk on my face.

"Aren't we?" Jay looked a little hurt.