by Jamey Moody
“Don’t say a word,” Olivia said softly but firmly to Sofia. She still had the smirk on her face when Olivia measured her leg.
When they all finished with the measurements Frankie started the class. It took the rest of the time to find starting weights for each individual for the different lifts. The next class would start the actual program. Olivia was thinking this might be the time to schedule her one-on-one sessions with Frankie. If she hadn’t felt it before she certainly did today. There was no denying the connection between them.
“Looked like you were enjoying the measuring,” Sofia said as they left the gym.
“Was it obvious?” Olivia asked cringing.
“No, but if you didn’t notice Frankie was enjoying it just as much as you.”
“You think so? I swear Sof, I feel like there’s something there but, I know there’s no way she’ll ask me out after what I said to her.”
“Then you ask her out,” Sofia suggested.
“Why would she possibly go, after what I said?”
“You’ll never know unless you ask, you might be surprised.”
“No, when she turns me down it will make classes awkward and then what will I do? No way,” Olivia said shaking her head and unlocking her car.
“Ok but…”
Olivia held up her hand, “No buts.” Changing the subject she said, “Several of our classmates are getting together at that little bar down the street. Do you want to go?”
“Sure, nothing like a drink after a workout,” she said laughing.
They walked into the bar and saw three of the women that were in their class at a table in the corner. Veronica, Stacy, and Alice made room for them to sit.
“Hi ladies, it's Olivia and Sofia, right?” asked Stacy.
“That’s right, I’m Sofia and this is Olivia,” Sofia said, taking a seat next to Veronica.
“Hi everyone,” said Olivia sitting next to Sofia and Stacy.
Across from them Alice said, “So, what did you think of the class?”
“I can’t believe I joined the gym in the first place. Olivia dragged me with her the first day to get some information and I joined,” Sofia explained chuckling.
“That’s great,” said Veronica. “I’ve been coming almost since they opened and I love this place. Stella, Frankie, Desi, and Natalie are the best!”
“We’ve only been coming for a little less than a month but I can already see changes,” Olivia said, surprising herself. She thought about it and sure she’d lost a couple of pounds but she definitely could see improvements in her fitness and energy levels at work. Damn Frankie would really give me a hard time now, she thought smiling to herself.
“I’m sure you can, it doesn’t take long if you’re consistent,” said Stacy.
“I don’t know about you ladies but, I like the gym because I’ve made new friends. Even if I only see them here, it’s nice to know someone is around to work out with me,” said Veronica.
“That’s true. I actually met my girlfriend in the volleyball league at the gym,” Alice said smiling.
“Wow, really,” said Sofia. “I guess I’m not surprised, this is a great place to meet people,” she continued sliding her eyes over to Olivia. “What about the owners, what’s their story?” she added looking back at Veronica.
“Stella was married for years, she lost her wife 4 or 5 years ago,” said Veronica.
“That’s so sad,” said Olivia.
“It really was, I’m not sure what was wrong with her but, it hit Stella hard, she was gone for a while.”
“Wow, I had no idea. She’s so calm and thoughtful,” Alice said the others nodded in agreement. “And beautiful. You know, she’s one of those people that are beautiful inside and out.”
Veronica nodded in agreement, “Desi is single, I think. I haven’t seen her at the gym with anyone. And Frankie doesn’t have a girlfriend either. I heard her and the woman she’d been seeing broke up a few months ago.”
“They both could have anyone they wanted. They’re gorgeous,” said Stacy.
Olivia was getting more and more uncomfortable as the conversation continued. She didn’t feel right gossiping about Stella, Desi, and Frankie. I guess it wasn’t really gossiping but, something didn’t feel right about it. She turned to Sofia and said, “Hey, you ready to go. I have an early start tomorrow.”
“Sure. Ladies, thanks for inviting us. It’s nice to know someone else will be groaning from soreness along with me tomorrow,” Sofia said laughing.
“It was nice to meet you all,” Olivia said. “See you in a couple of days.”
“Are you two sticking with the evening class or the morning?” asked Stacy.
“I may have to switch back and forth depending on when I can get to the gym,” Olivia answered.
“Me too,” said Sofia.
“See you later,” Veronica said and Alice waved.
They walked to the car and Olivia said, “I think I’ll go back by the gym and schedule a one-on-one class tomorrow with Frankie.”
“Don’t be afraid, OK. Ask her out!” Sofia said getting into her car. Olivia smiled and waved and drove back to Your Way.
She went inside but couldn't see Frankie anywhere, so she walked to the back and looked in the gym. Stella was putting away balls that were lying around. Olivia picked up a basketball that was nearby as she walked to where Stella racked them.
“Hi Olivia, thanks for helping,” Stella said smiling.
“Sure. I was looking for Frankie.”
“She left after her last class. Anything I could help you with?”
“I was going to see if I could schedule a one-on-one session with her tomorrow. I need to do the ones that came with my membership when I joined.’
“Let’s go up to the front and we’ll see what she has scheduled for tomorrow,” Stella said.
On the way to the office Olivia said, “Are you the last one here?”
“No, there are a couple people in the workout room. It’s been kind of a slow night. Did you like the strength class tonight?”
“Yeah, there wasn’t much lifting tonight, but I think I’m really going to like it.”
“Good. That’s a great class. You might want to hit a yoga class in between strength sessions.”
“I will, thanks for the advice.”
“That’s why I’m here, to make your fitness dreams come true,” Stella said smiling.
“I like that. Who knew I’d ever have fitness dreams!”
“Let’s see, Frankie has a class at 5:30 tomorrow evening so she should be able to help you after that. Does 6:30 work for you?” asked Stella.
“That will work.”
“Okay, I’ve got you down,” Stella said entering Olivia’s information into the schedule on the computer. “Hey, look at that Olivia King, OK. I never noticed that before.”
“Yeah, Sofia likes to call me OK sometimes. It’s kind of confusing if anyone else is around,” she said chuckling.
“I like it,” Stella said.
“Thanks Stella, see you tomorrow,” she said, smiling. As she made her way to her car, Olivia realized she liked coming here more and more. Sure, she liked that she was getting healthy but, she really liked these people and this atmosphere. Who knew!
Chapter 4
Frankie looked at her schedule and frowned. “Hey, did one of you add a session with Olivia King after my class tonight?”
“I did,” replied Stella. “Is there a problem?”
“I need to leave right after class. I should have blocked it off and forgot about it.”
“I can cover for you,” said Desi.
“It’s not that. I’d really like to do it,” Frankie said, sighing.
“What’s the big deal, we switch out and cover one-on-ones all the time,” said Stella.
“I know, but Olivia is different,” answered Frankie.
“Oh?” questioned Stella.
“She’s kind of special to me.”
“Uh-huh, you want
to elaborate?”
“Well, at first she was here to lose weight and we had a conversation about appearance and,” Frankie said, becoming flustered. “It’s hard to explain.”
“Are you interested in her? I mean besides her fitness goals,” Stella said, raising her eyebrows.
Desi interrupted, “The first day she came to look us over I saw sparks fly.”
“You did?” said Frankie.
“Yes. Surely you felt it. I didn’t say anything because that’s also when Laura came by.”
“So, what’s going on Frankie?” asked Stella. “Is there something you need to tell us?”
“It’s not like that, Stel. She made the comment that I would never ask her out because of her weight. It really bothered me. Since then I’ve tried to make sure she understands there’s more to us, meaning Your Way, than losing weight and there’s more to her than a number on the scale,” Frankie tried to explain, albeit poorly. “Anyway, I’d really like to do the session.”
“I think I get it; you’d like to ask her out but can’t because she won’t believe you’re genuine,” Stella said.
“Not exactly, if I don’t show up, I’m afraid she’ll think I’m avoiding her because we kind of had a moment in class yesterday.”
“Well, she did ask specifically for you,” said Stella pausing. “Let me do it. I’ll make sure she knows it’s my fault and not yours.”
“’Thanks, I appreciate it.”
“But Frankie, you need to be careful. She’s a client and that comes first.”
“I know, nothing inappropriate has happened.”
“No one said it has; I’m glad you’re finally interested in someone,” said Desi.
“I didn’t say that. Besides, a lot of good it does me. She thinks I’m a shallow personal trainer helping people look good.”
“No one could think that about you. If anything your heart is too big,” Desi said.
“Anyway, Stella please tell her I’d be glad to work with her another time and I’ll see her tomorrow in class,” Frankie said.
“I will, Frankie,” Stella said. “And sorry for the mix-up, it’ll be alright.”
Frankie smiled, “I hope so.”
***
Olivia walked into Your Way dressed in a new pair of leggings and a coordinating tank top. Since joining the gym she’d bought several workout bottoms and tops and actually thought about what she would wear to each workout. She knew it was because she hoped to see Frankie. But she also knew she wasn’t Frankie’s type so why care at all. She looked around but didn’t see Frankie anywhere. Then she noticed Stella walking toward her.
“Hi OK,” Stella said with a twinkle in her eye.
“Hi Stella,” Olivia said, chuckling and shaking her head.
“I messed up yesterday. Frankie won’t be able to do your session so I’d love to fill in if that’s alright with you.”
Olivia was noticeably disappointed, “What do you mean you messed up?”
“I didn’t know Frankie had to leave early tonight. She’s really sorry because she wanted to do it.”
“Is she all right?” asked Olivia.
“Yes, I’m not sure why she had to leave but, I told her I’d fill in. If you’d rather we can schedule another time.”
She probably didn’t want to be near her after last night and left early on purpose Olivia thought. It was dumb to schedule with her anyway. She took a deep breath and said, “No problem Stella, I’d love to work with you.”
On the walk over to the workout room Olivia thought about Frankie’s touch, replaying it in her head since last night. Veronica said she was single but Olivia thought Frankie could have her pick of any woman she wanted. Why would she be interested in her? She may have been torturing herself with these mental gymnastics about Frankie, but she couldn’t deny the spark she felt whenever they were together and thought Frankie felt it too. Stop, she told herself firmly!
“That is quite an intense look on your face. What’s going on in that head of yours, OK,” Stella asked.
Olivia snapped out of it. “Sorry, I’ve just had a lot going on lately with work,” she said which wasn’t untrue, she had been busy with the new subdivision.
“I’m not sure I know what you do,” Stella said, getting them both a workout mat.
“I’m an architect.”
“Wow, that’s interesting,” said Stella nodding her head. “Was there something in particular you wanted to work on in this session?”
“I thought maybe my lifting form, but the yoga stretches you mentioned last night sounded good too,” answered Olivia.
“Has work been stressful lately?”
“Yeah, it’s always somewhat stressful. I’m designing the new subdivision just down the road from here.”
“Wow that does sound stressful. Designing a subdivision! That’s amazing, what does it involve?”
“Well, you have a few different house plans but what I’m trying to do is not make them all look the same or each a variety of one another. That’s what most planned subdivisions look like and I want this to be different. Of course, that makes things a little harder too, but I think it’s worth it.”
“I always wondered how they were planned. Have you ever meditated? It’s a wonderful stress reliever.”
“I haven’t much. I’ve tried a couple of times with little success.”
“Here, sit,” Stella said pointing to the end of one mat and sitting on the other end. “Let me show you a couple of easy techniques that you can do anywhere.”
“Okay, what do I do?”
“Find a comfortable position to sit, relax your arms, shoulders, and face. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in and release it slowly out your nose. Let’s take three big breaths and release them.”
Olivia did as she was instructed and found she relaxed more and more with each breath.
“Good. Now think of the tension in your body and with each breath you’re releasing a little more of that tension until you feel relaxed. Think of blowing it out of your body with each breath.”
When Olivia had taken and released three more breaths she did feel more relaxed.
“Do you feel relaxed?” asked Stella.
“I do,” replied Olivia.
“Do you ever find you have thoughts flying in and out of your head and simply want to calm them down?”
“Yes! That happens to me all the time,” Olivia exclaimed.
“It happens to me too. Sometimes you just want to turn them off and breathe.”
“Exactly!”
“This breathing technique we’re using can help. Want me to show you how?”
“Absolutely!”
“Okay, close your eyes and we’re going to breathe in and out as before, but this time I want you to focus on your breath. Follow it into your chest and out again through your nose. If you want, you can place one hand on your heart and the other on your stomach. Feel your chest and stomach rise and fall as you follow the breath in and out.”
Stella paused for Olivia to take several breaths. Then she continued, “Now keep breathing in and out and when a thought enters your mind simply release it and focus on your breath again. Imagine it as if the thoughts are bouncing off your stream of breath as you focus on in and out.”
Olivia concentrated on what Stella said. Sure enough thoughts of work came and went through her mind. And then there was Frankie. Thoughts of why she wasn’t here to do this session came and Olivia let them bounce off. The same thing happened with thoughts of last night at their strength class and even thoughts of their conversation that Olivia still thought about apologizing for. But then there was nothing. Just her breath. In and out, taking all the thoughts and tension with it.
“Okay Olivia, let’s take one more deep breath and open your eyes,” Stella said.
Olivia did as Stella said and opened her eyes. Stella was smiling at her.
“So, do you feel a little less stressed and more relaxed?”
“I do. That was as
good as a workout,” replied Olivia. “I mean, I’ve noticed that after a workout I feel a lot better, less stressed than before.”
Stella smiled and thought to herself that Olivia was definitely learning there’s more to Your Way than losing weight. “That’s how it’s supposed to work. Exercising, whether high intensity or low, is one of the best stress relievers out there. A lot of people don’t realize that.”
“I would be one of those people. I’ve learned to love working out, not just because I’ve lost weight but because it makes me feel good.” The more she thought about it, the more she owed Frankie an apology. She was right, there’s more than just losing weight.
“You can use this breathing exercise anytime. At work, in traffic, here. Simply take a moment and three deep breaths. I think it’ll almost cure anything,” Stella laughed.
“Thanks Stella. I will use this, especially at work.”
“Good. I’m glad I could show you something new. Tell me, Olivia, I know you’re taking Frankie’s strength program; do you have any goals that you’re working toward?”
“Not specifically. I know that’s something I should do, set goals. I think I know more now and have looked at the other programs you offer.”
“Sometimes it helps to have something to train toward, like a race, a game, or an event.”
“I stop in occasionally and watch a basketball or volleyball game in the gym, but I don’t feel good enough to play yet. I mean, eventually I might want to try.”
“Do you know how to swim?”
“I do,” Olivia looked at Stella questioningly.
“How about biking, can you ride a bike?”
“Sure I can, I love to ride bikes. I just haven’t done it in ages. Why?”
“Well, we help sponsor a triathlon every year. That would be a great goal to train toward.”
“A triathlon? Are you crazy? Me?”
Stella laughed, “My wife used to ask me that all the time. And no, I’m not crazy.” For a moment happy memories flashed through Stella’s mind and across her face.
“Oh no, I’m so sorry, Stella,” Olivia said, obviously upset.
“Don’t be,” Stella said, reaching out and putting her hand on Olivia’s arm. “These are nice memories, I loved it when she called me crazy.”