There was truth in his friend’s words. He’d been coasting for the past two years, keeping a simple routine of work, exercise, and visiting family. But in the last week, two tornados had entered his life, knocking things off-kilter. Becca’s schooling and coming-of-age drama was colliding with Victoria’s project and proposed affair schedule. It was usually during these times of heightened stress, John’s inability to concentrate became a problem. When he tried to balance too many things, something always fell. It was another frustrating reminder that he had to work twice as hard as the average person to complete the same task.

“Have you talked to Jessi about her?” Chris asked.

“I normally would, but I don’t want her to think I’m more distracted than usual. She’s expecting a fairly intact child by the time she gets back.”

“I’m just saying, it might help to have a woman’s opinion. By the way, Jessi’s divorce is final right?”

John raised a brow as he stared down Chris. His friend, a known serial monogamist, was always itching to find his next ex-girlfriend. Even though he’d known Jessi as long as he had John, the idea of his best friend sniffing around his sister made John clench the bench beneath him. Better that than Chris’s neck. “Choose your next words wisely.”

Chris abruptly stood and walked behind the heavy bag, the swagger in his walk matching his lopsided grin. “You think she’s ready to start dating yet?”

“Chris...”

“I’m sorry, I’m back to your dude-bro friend.”

“I’m ready for the next circuit,” John said, standing up.

Chris laughed. “Just pace yourself, old man Donovan.”

“Oh man, that was so fun,” Becca said, practically skipping down Main Street. “I got to practice fight this kid named Patrick and I kicked him in the balls!”

John furrowed his brow. “I know that feels like something you’d want to brag about, but let’s refrain from shouting it on the city sidewalks.”

“Dante said that I’ve the perfect legs for kickboxing,” she said in a rushed voice. “He said I’ve got reach.”

They were on their way to The Coffee Hound to celebrate her first class with one of those frappe monstrosities. Hearing her jabber on about fighting in a sanctioned manner made John proud of her even if she was now a terror to the boys in her class. He was also relieved to think about something other than Victoria. “My sweetie is going to be known for her reach.”

“Plus, I’m already more flexible than most of the class. I can kick over my head. Ooh, look at that dress!”

John laughed as Becca stopped at a storefront window and examined a pink cocktail dress. He could relate to her shiny-object distraction. “That’s pretty cute,” he said, casting it a brief glance.

“Hey, that’s your friend, Victoria,” Becca said.