“This fucker wouldn’t understand that shit because he can’t keep a bitch. What happened to the influencer model chick you were dating. Did she dump you when she realized you’re a scrub who’s ideal of fun is Pilates and Scrabble game nights?”
“Well when I’m no longer feeling a relationship I end things. Unlike you whose over here collecting side chicks like infinity stones.”
“I think he’s trying to say your dick is for everybody,” Dante always leaned into an opportunity to instigate some shit.
Deion interjected. “You two are acting like some bitches. I’ma need y’all to wrap this shit up … bickering back and forth like two old biddies.”
My eyes telegraphed surprise. “Old biddies? That’s not a word you hear every day.”
“It sounds like something my grandma would say,” Dante agreed.
Deion’s jaw ruminated. “It means annoying nags.”
“Oh I know what it means. I’m just wondering why you’re saying it,” I teased.
Some of the other players chuckled. “Sorry Deck even I have to admit you should drop that word from your vocabulary.” Colin chuckled.
Deion rubbed his beard. “Can we just go inside and start stretching?”
Inside the studio reformer machines were set up for all fifteen players. I chose a one in the back away from Colin. Our instructor an outgoing blonde welcomed us to class. It was a private session just us and the trainer.
“I heard you lot were basketball players.” Her British accent caught me off guard. “My name is Stacy and I’ll be your instructor this afternoon. You all look big and strong but make no mistake this class is about to kick your ass.”
“Doubt it, sweetheart,” Colin shouted out to a smattering of laughs.
“I’m looking forward to breaking you.”
“Wait what?” Dante asked.
“Now remember this is a safe space so if you have to tap out or need to cry feel free.” She hit play on her remote and ambient music filled the room. “First we’re going to start with some footwork. Follow me, legs together toes on the bar.” She jumped on her machine.
The footwork was simple enough, the goal was to get us acclimated to the repetitive motions. I took Pilates classes regularly and was excited for us to ramp shit up. I’ll admit I chose this class because I knew most of the guys weren’t flexible and I wanted to humble a few of them. Yes, the purpose of the team event was to build camaraderie and what better way to do that than to watch each of them tap out one by one.
Halfway through the class and grumbles rang out from various players. We were tasked with holding the high bridge position. The position required us to bend backward with one foot on the bar and the other straight in the air. Players were quitting left and right. I turned my head and next to me Deion was in perfect form his eyes closed. This shit was light work for him which didn’t surprise me. He seemed like a man who appreciated that strength conditioning was more than just weights.
“Continue to hold.” Stacy’s voice was soft and calm.
Closing my eyes I released a deep breath pushing out the bullshit and accepting peace. My quickie getaway with Danessa was supposed to be Zen and relaxing but for most of the trip I was on edge. Mexico made me realize I was still madly in love with her. Okay let me stop lying, I knew that shit when she greeted me at the door of that first property several weeks ago. I’d had a couple of relationships since her but everyone else was just keeping her seat warm. Our kiss under that waterfall erased any doubts.
I loved her and I needed her to know it. But I was also terrified because she literally destroyed me. The breakup hit me hard. She changed her fucking number, blocked me on everything, and moved the fuck on. I had to have a few screws loose if I was ready to spin the block on heartbreak. Honestly, it should be fuck Danessa for life. Who was I kidding, if someonesaid I needed to wrestle a bear to get my girl back, I would douse myself in baby oil and get in position for a double leg attack.
Stacy’s voice interrupted my thoughts. “Great job guys. Even the ones who tapped out.” I surveyed the studio and found Pratt huffing in the back of the room. Pussy. “There are healthy snacks and drinks in the next room. Thank you so much for coming to Body Flex.”
After thanking Stacy for the excellent class I joined the others for refreshments. When I walked into the room, there was a round of applause. “That shit was hard as fuck. I loved it,” Dante shouted.
“That’s because Pilates works different muscles. This was a good class.” Deck gave the event a compliment and by extension he was complimenting me. I wanted the team to be pushed out of their box but I also wanted to pique their interest so maybe they’d check out another class on their own.
“Glad y’all enjoyed it. I’ve been attending these classes for a while now and it’s not about brute force, but it still requires strength and patience. You should have seen me at my first class, my legs got tangled in the machine. But look at me now … growth.”
“Sign me up. I’m down for another class,” Dante announced. I don’t really understand how Dante became my best friend on the team, but here we were.
“Me too,” Deion said checking his watch before brushing past me. Deion’s words shifted the energy in the room, and players buzzed about the next time we could get together for more stretching. Colin Pratt did not join in on the excitement. He just loitered in a corner, flashing me a dirty look.
Dante pegged me on my chest. “Anika said you went to Mexico.”
“Yeah, with Danessa.”
“No invite? I would’ve been down for margaritas by the pool.”
