by Lanee Lane
"Dinner's ready!" My mom called from the kitchen.
I braced myself for the upcoming hour or so. My mom was a great cook, but no food was worth the headache I left with every time I went.
The dinner started out fine. My brother talked about work and an upcoming trip he was taking with his friends. My dad talked about a car he was fixing up. Then the conversation spun to me.
"Penelope, have you talked to Alec?"
"Why would I have talked to him?"
"You two dated for a long time. I thought maybe at least you still kept in touch on Facebook or something."
"No mother, I haven't talked to Alec since we split. I have nothing to say to him."
"That's such a shame. I think you two could work it out if you gave it a chance."
I had a death grip on the fork in my hand. My appetite vanished.
"There’s nothing to work out mother. I don't love him, and he clearly didn't love me."
"Love can grow dear."
"Not with his kind of love."
I made quotation marks with my fingers around love. Loving every woman he laid eyes on.
"He was young. Young men have big sexual appetites. He would settle down eventually."
Dear Lord, did my mother just say sexual appetite?
I had to get the hell out of there and fast.
"Okay, well it’s been fun, but I have to go. I have a lot of meetings tomorrow and I want to go over my presentations."
That was only partially a lie.
"Penelope, sit down and finish your dinner."
"Oh, I'm finished. Thank you for having me."
I shot my brother a look of good luck and booked it to the front door. I could only take my mother in small doses and I had hit my limit for the week.
***
I was laying on my couch with one of my latest book boyfriends when my phone vibrated.
Reed: Hey, hope you're having a great Sunday.
I was not expecting to hear from him, especially not so soon. I couldn't help the fluttering feeling in my stomach.
Me: Hey, It had a rocky start, but it got better. How about yours?
Reed: It's been nice. Just been relaxing and recharging.
Before I had a change to reply another message popped up.
Reed: I couldn't get you off my mind.
I squealed like a schoolgirl. Not my proudest moment but, hey.
Me: Really?
Good one Penelope, so smooth.
Reed: Yep, I had a great time with you both training and having coffee.
Me: I had a nice time too.
Reed: Will I be seeing you at the gym again soon?
Me: Noel and I are supposed to do Zumba tomorrow. That’s if she doesn't flake on me again.
Reed: Great, I'll be sure to be there.
I didn't know what else to say to that so I decided not to text back. I put my kindle down. There was no way any book could compare to Reed.
Monday came, and I had non-stop meetings. By the time I left work the last thing I wanted to do was go to Zumba. I knew I needed to though. I had also given some thought to personal training and decided I would give it a try. I planned on talking to Reed about it after class.
When I got to the gym Noel, and I went straight to the room where Zumba was held. We stood in the middle of the room. Close enough to see the instructor, but not in the very front. Music began to beat through the speakers. The instructor was yelling out counts and moves as we attempted to follow along. The songs ranged from upbeat hip-hop to authentic Latin hits. I got lost in the music and the movement of my body. I may have found my thing.
When the hour was over, we were dripping with sweat. I chugged my water while we exited the room. As soon as we were in the common area, I saw Reed waving from the front desk. The brunette from the other day was trying to get his attention, but his gaze was on me.
I grabbed Noel's arm, and we headed his way.
"Hey ladies, how'd you like Zumba?"
"I loved it!" I replied before Noel for a change.
She nodded in agreement. Her eyes ping-ponged back and forth between Reed and I.
"Awesome, I'm happy you’re finding things that you like."
"I am. I also wanted to talk to you about the personal training."
"You decided to do it?" His voice sounded so hopeful.
"Yes, I want to give it a try and see how I like it for a while."
"I'm so glad to hear that. Would you want to go to dinner with me and we can work out the logistics?"
I could feel Noel's eyes on me staring holes into my head. I was afraid of an Alec repeat, but there was no denying I was attracted to Reed. I hadn't been this in tune with a man since Alec. I could keep it casual, nothing too serious. That way I could enjoy his company and not worry about getting hurt.
"Okay, I'd love to have dinner with you."
"Great, I'll call you later this week to set it up."
"Sounds good."
I couldn't wipe away the smile that formed on my face as we left.
The Kiss
Tuesday passed without a word from Reed. When we went to the gym on Wednesday we didn't see him then either. I hated to admit that I was feeling disappointed. Even with my initial hesitance I’d gotten my hopes up. Everyone likes a little attention from time to time.
My phone rang and Noel's face popped up on my screen.
"Yes, Noel."
"That's no way to greet your bestie. Have you heard from lover boy yet?"
"I'm still deciding if you deserve the title of best friend back. Nope, still nothing. Maybe he was just being nice and I won't hear from him."
"Girl, the way he was looking at you, he was not just being nice. He will call. He might just not want to seem too eager."
"He didn't seem too worried about that before."
"He's a man, who knows what his logic is. If you don't hear from him in the next few days, you should call him. You have his number."
"I'm not going to call him. What would I say?"
"Hi? What do you mean crazy? You ask him about the training session. He might be waiting for you. You have been playing hard to get."
"I'm not playing hard to get. I don't think he is chasing and I'm not trying to be caught."
"Keep telling yourself that sweetie."
There was a beep on the line indicating an incoming call. I pulled the phone from my ear to see who it could be. It was probably my mother, and she could wait.
"Noel! It's him, what do I do?"
"You get off of the phone with me and answer. How do you function on a day-to-day basis without me?"
"I don't know what to say!"
"Start with Hello. Now bye. Call me and tell me what happens."
I clicked over to the waiting phone call.
"Hello?"
“Penelope?”
"Yes, it's me."
"Hi, it's Reed. How are you?"
"Hi, Reed. I'm doing well. How about yourself?"
"I'm fine. I'm sorry it took me so long to call you. Things have been crazy busy at the gym. I've picked up a few extra clients while one of the other trainers is out of town."
"No worries, I know how it can be with work."
"So, I wanted to see if you would like to have dinner on Friday night."
"To talk about personal training?"
"Among other things."
What the heck did he mean by among other things? Did I even want to know? You know what they say, curiosity killed the cat.
"Such as?"
"I want to get to know you better. On a more personal level."
Crapola, what did I say to that? A more personal level...that could mean anything. I wasn't sure just how personal I wanted to get.
"Hello, Penelope? Are you still there?"
I guess I was silent longer than I realized.
"Yep, still here."
"I don't mean to scare you, and I do want to help you meet your health goals, but you have to know I'm interested."
/> "Actually I don't. I'm not all that experienced with this kind of thing."
"I find that hard to believe. A beautiful woman like you must have plenty of guys pursuing you."
Take me now, please.
The man was too smooth for his own good. Did he really think I was beautiful?
"No, I'm afraid not."
"Well lucky me then. Less competition to win you over."
I had no reply. I was a little shocked at this new discovery.
"How about I pick you up at seven on Friday?"
"O-okay."
I gave Reed my address, and we said our goodbyes. I immediately called Noel. I was going to need her expertise.
It felt like I blinked my eyes and it was Friday. Before I knew it I was rushing home from work at five to get ready. Noel came over the night before and helped me pick out an outfit and accessories.
We decided on a simple a-line cut black dress. The top was cut lower in the front showing a little cleavage. I paired it with some red stilettos. Noel said it gave a sexy pop of color. Whatever.
I was taking a last look in my full-length mirror when there was a knock on my door. I took several deep breaths to try to calm my nerves. When I opened the door, I was taken aback.
Reed stood there in a pair of dark wash jeans that hugged him in all the right places. He had a dark blue button up tucked in showing off his narrow waist. In his hand was a bouquet of lilies. I loved the fact that he didn't go with the traditional roses.
"Good evening, these are for you." He held the flowers out and I graciously took them.
"Thank you so much. They’re beautiful."
"Just like you."
He smiled down at me and my heart went into overdrive.
"I'll just put these in water and then we can go." A few minutes later we were out of the door.
The restaurant was one I had never been to before. The atmosphere was very elegant. I was happy I went with the dress. It was just nice enough for the place.
Our waiter took our orders and then Reed turned his attention on me.
"You look lovely tonight." His voice held so much sincerity.
"Thank you. You look handsome yourself."
The smile that lit up his face was magnificent. I could get used to that smile.
"So, let's get the business out of the way. What fitness goals do you want to achieve?"
"Well, I want to lose weight."
"Why?"
Was he freaking kidding me?
"Because I'm fat."
"You are not fat. Please don't talk about yourself that way. When you are trying to get fit, you need a good motivating reason. Something like to be able to run longer, build muscle, or be overall healthier. Things like that."
"I do need to be healthier overall. There are a lot of health issues in my family."
"Now that's a good reason. I think we should start with two sessions a week and you can choose a class one or two other days. That way you and Noel can still work out together as well."
"That sounds good."
We discussed a schedule and payment. I knew he was low balling me on prices. I would just have to slip him extra.
"Now that we’ve got the business out of the way let's talk about you. Are you in the market for a man?"
Okay then, I guess we were going to jump right into things.
"Not really, I mean I guess if the opportunity presents itself I'm not opposed. I'm not actively looking, though."
"So let's say I would like to see where this goes. Would you be open?"
"You’re awfully straightforward."
"I learned at a young age that life is short. You have to take chances and go after what you want. I don't want to live with what-ifs and regrets."
I sensed there was more to what he said. His demeanor changed. His smile vanished and his face was somber when he said those things. Maybe he’d been hurt before too.
"I'm a little more cautious. My last relationship was pretty toxic. I've overcome a lot of the damage, but I'm still leery."
I'm not sure what made me open up to Reed, but it felt right.
"Any man that treated you like anything less than a queen did not deserve you."
Before I could even think I blurted out, "Why me?"
"Beside the fact that you’re gorgeous, something about you just pulled me in. I can't explain it, but I feel it."
I felt tears forming behind my eyes. I blinked my eyes to hold them back. No one had ever said anything so sweet to me. I knew I was hooked.
We rode back to my apartment in silence. The only sound came from the radio. When we reached my building Reed opened my car door and walked me to my door.
"I enjoyed spending time with you tonight, Penelope. I would like to take you out again soon."
I tipped my head back to stare up at him.
“I'd really like that too.”
His hand reached up and cupped my cheek at the same time his gaze slid to my mouth. My lips parted in a hopeful invitation. Slowly his head bent toward me. Then his lips were covering mine.
The Invitation
"Noel, he freaking kissed me!"
"Child, you should be wishing he did more than that."
"Um, no. I didn't even know how to react to it."
"I hope you kissed him back at least."
"I did. I couldn't do anything, but kiss him back."
"What was it like?"
“Only like the best kiss I've ever had. His lips were so soft and he really knew what he was doing. It felt like it could be my first kiss all over again because no other has ever compared.”
Noel whistled.
"That's a keeper right there."
As soon as I’d gotten home, I called Noel. I couldn't believe the way the night ended. The whole night was perfect. Reed was such a gentleman.
"How am I going to focus on working out when I'm concentrating on not jumping his bones?"
"I vote for jumping his bones. That could count as a workout."
"Bye Noel." I hung up the phone to the sound of Noel making kissing noises.
***
Reed and I had set our first training session for Monday evening. When I reached the gym, he was waiting for me at the front.
"Hey," I greeted him.
"Hey to you." His signature smile was directed right at me. I could get addicted to that smile.
"I just need to go change and I'll be right out."
"Take your time. I'll be over by the stretching area when you’re ready."
I quickly changed into my workout clothes. I’d ordered some new things online to wear to my sessions with Reed. I couldn't deny that I wanted to look cute while working out with him.
When I exited the locker room Reed was sitting on a mat stretching. I headed over and sat down across from him.
"Did you have a good day?"
I was touched that he would ask me about something as simple as my day. Alec never showed any interest in those kinds of things.
"Busy, but very productive. How was yours?"
"Pretty much the same as yours. Better now that you’re here."
I was starting to think I’d have a permanent smile on my face anytime I was around him.
"So I was thinking we should set a fitness goal for you. Something that you can use to measure your fitness level that doesn't revolve around the scale."
"Okay, what did you have in mind?"
"There is a 5k color run in a few months. I think your goal should be to run the whole thing."
The look on my face must have been comical because Reed laughed.
"I don't know why you're laughing. I don't run. There is no way I'm running a 5k. However far that is."
He let out a chuckle. I was glad he found this so funny. Hardy-har-har.
"It's just over three miles. That isn't too far. We’ll train and build up to it."
In what world is three miles not far? Maybe in my car while I drove beside him as he ran.
"You're so handsome. It's
a shame you’re insane." I tisked and shook my head.
"You think I'm handsome?"
Was he for real?
"I think everyone that sets eyes on you thinks you're handsome bud. Besides, is that all you took from what I said?"
"Can you blame me? Getting a compliment from you is the hardest thing I've ever done."
I rolled my eyes. I complimented him plenty. Just not to his face.
"So what I'm thinking is we mix running with weight training. Sometimes we'll throw something different in for cross training."
"Fine, I guess," I'm sure my lack of enthusiasm was dripping from my voice.
Our training session went by quickly. We started with seeing how much I could run currently. Which to no surprise was very little. We ended with weights and called it a night.
When I was walking out of the locker room, my phone rang. It was my mother. She was the last person I wanted to talk to, but it had been a while since I talked to her so there was no point in ignoring it.
"Hi, mother."
"Penelope, how are you?"
I made my way to the front desk where Reed was. I placed my hand over the mouthpiece and whispered "my mom." He gave me an understanding nod.
"I'm fine, finishing up at the gym."
"You're still at that? Good to see you finally follow through with something."
I gritted my teeth. I guess graduating college with honors and landing a great job right after was mediocre.
"Yes, I'm still at it."
"Hmm. Well, I'm having a party in two weeks. You are expected to attend."
Oh goody..
"What’s the occasion?"
"I just thought it would be nice to get our friends together. The weather is starting to heat up so we can have a nice set up outside."
My mom was all about keeping up appearances. My parents weren't rich, but they weren't hurting for money. My mom liked any opportunity to flaunt what she had to her so-called friends.
"Sounds... nice. I'll check my schedule and get back to you."
"Clear your schedule and be there."
Without another word, the phone clicked and my lovely mother was gone. I threw the phone in my gym bag. I was not pleased with the party. These things always resulted in me feeling like crap about myself. I was never dressed well enough. My hair was never right. I was never pleasant enough. If there was a flaw to be had, my mother found it and pointed it out.