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He took a bite. Mama hadn’t been far off when she’d called it trash. The kale was good, but he knew it would be bland. Rhett checked his email while he chewed a bit of dry turkey, his laptop open in front of him. There were a bunch of work emails he could check, but only one caught his eye. Stanzi had emailed him about an hour ago. Inside was a polite and professional email asking him to recommend a light bodyweight workout she could do at home, since the gym was closed for the holiday.
Rhett laughed to himself. Stanzi was something else. Yes, there was a certain type that got hooked on his gym’s brand of fitness: the constant variation, high energy, loud music and community atmosphere. But Stanzi took it to another level entirely. She’d come faithfully, to either the weight-lifting program or a cardio workout—once even to the Spanish class—all week long, with no breaking or slowing in sight. She’d show up in her oversize, outdated T-shirts, black leggings and zero bling (no makeup, nails or drama) and put in whatever hard work Rhett threw her way. He constantly pitched her curveballs, just to see how she’d respond. During the Spanish class, he refused to clarify himself in English. “Why did you come to the Spanish class if you wanted to speak English?” he’d whispered. Stanzi had bit down on her lower lip, then simply rolled up her sleeves, pinned down the most experienced lady in the class and shadowed her for the rest of the workout.
Yesterday, they’d run out of barbells and he’d told Stanzi to give hers to one of the other women, who could lift more weight. Stanzi hadn’t argued, and had looked around the gym for about twenty seconds before she solved her own problem and grabbed a set of dumbbells.
Rhett emailed back that he admired her dedication, but she should be resting today. He’d barely taken a bite of his coarse, bland kale salad when she replied, insisting she just needed something toGet her heart rate up.
Sounded familiar. Rhett emailed back.Can I text you instead?He had her phone number, but didn’t want to overstep, even though he texted many of his clients.
Stanzi emailed back one word.Sure.
Why aren’t you resting?he texted.It’s Thanksgiving.
I know. Sorry to bother you. I’m not much into holidays. Feeling stir-crazy. Just want a distraction.
Me, either.Rhett smiled to himself. Why was he not surprised Stanzi wasn’t much of a holiday person?Do you have a jump rope?
Yes.
Ten rounds of 20 jumps, 10 push-ups and 15 air squats.
Thanks! I’ll hit that after the turkey digests.
Turkey? Thought you weren’t much of a holiday person.Rhett shook his head at himself after he hit Send. He should have just said, “Great. Enjoy.” Why was he getting personal?
I’m not. Socially, I mean. I’m still very much into the food. I’ve got a turkey, stuffing, potatoes and the works. Don’t be mad. You told me not to worry about the scale.
Mad?It was like he couldn’t stop himself.I’m jealous.
A longer amount of time passed before her next text, almost as if to register surprise.Why jealous? What are you eating today?
Rhett looked down at his shitty plate of food. Just some stuff from the microwave.
What? No.She added some shocked and sad emojis. You’re welcome to share my feast.
Rhett took a deep breath and quelled the urge to satisfy both his hunger pangs for real, home-cooked food and that part of his personality that he kept stowed away as best as possible—the one that wanted to do things he knew he shouldn’t do. The one that craved excitement and things that made his heart pound out of his chest. But who was he kidding? Stanzi had those magic hands, and his thigh was starting to act up again.
So you’re saying that if I meet you at the gym in an hour and run you through a quick workout, you’ll bring me some of your home cooking?
Stanzi texted back,Deal.
A long time passed. Long enough, Stanzi probably thought Rhett had blown her off or fallen asleep. Finally, as if someone else were choosing his words for him, he texted back,See you in an hour.
Just as long passed on her end. When his phone dinged, her text made him laugh out loud:Just went and got changed. See you soon.
