This is my first attempt at fiction, inspired by a friend of mine who goes to the gym frequently.
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My name is Jim. I'm Mid 40's, salt and pepper hair, 5'11" 190 pounds. I have been married for 21 years and recently widowed.
I know that over the years I have let myself go. My drinking in my younger days have added a few pounds to my mid-section. Caring for my wife and making a living has not given me much time for myself. I know that emotionally and physically I have been drained. I look at the mirror and I don't see that skinny, 29 inch waist, body of my youth, and never will again! Its been a few years since my wife has passed, she was my love and my life. But looking back, those long conversations we had, I know she wants me to move on with my life. She wanted me to be happy, but I'm not happy with myself.
I have a friend, Ray who owns a gym and recently has had problems keeping reliable cleaning staff. He called and asked me if I would consider working for him for awhile. He needs time to search for a reliable crew, and in the back of my mind, I sensed he was trying to get me out of the house. He knew in my youth, I had worked at a bank on the cleaning crew. He also knew I had a high work ethic and could do the job. Working at night would keep me occupied, not allow my mind enough time to wallow in self pity over my wife's death. With it being winter, working out at the gym would be my best bet to get in shape. It was too cold out for me to do any walking outside.
I picked up the phone and called Ray. After a few rings Ray answered, "Hello, Ray's Gym."
"Ray, this is Jim," I answered. "I've been thinking over your offer and would like to help you out. But I need some help as well. I have not worked out in forever. If I could use your equipment, it would help me get in better shape, and I could come in and clean at closing time."
"Jim, I would really appreciate your help, and of course you can come in anytime you want to work out," Ray replied. "Can you start this week?"
"Sure," I answered. "I just need some help developing a work-out routine."
"I have someone in mind who would be great for you to train with. She is young, full of energy, and it doesn't hurt that she is good looking as well, he laughed."
"Don't worry about any cleaning supplies, I have everything you need here. Come in Sunday and I will show you around."
"I will be there, around 1 o'clock , Sunday," I replied.
It was a busy week, but I was looking forward to helping Ray out. It would get me out of the house, and keep my mind occupied. Sunday rolled around. I lay there in bed, hoping I would be able to work two job's for awhile. I've done it when I was younger, but even though my mind said I'm not that old, my body might say differently. I drag myself out of bed and stagger to the coffee pot. I'm a little apprehensive as I sip my coffee, not sure what I'm getting into. I arrive at the gym a little before 1pm and Ray is waiting for me.
"Jim, this is Debbi. She has been a regular for sometime now. You know we are a small gym and I personally trained her. She will work with you to get you back in shape in no time. Let me show you around, where everything is kept. I keep all the cleaning supplies in the back room."
"Nice to meet you Debbi," as we head toward the back.
I had no idea how right he would be! Debbi is 5'3", dark brown shoulder length hair. Bright hazel-eye's that light up the room. She is wearing yoga pants and a loose fitting sweatshirt, but I can see she has ample breasts. She looks to be mid twenties, ah well, to be twenty years younger, I muse. She is hot! I might like having a second job after all!
As we tour the gym, I keep stealing glances at her. She has started her work-out and I have a hard time concentrating on what Ray is telling me.
"Jim!" I look at Ray. "Sorry, I was a little distracted." He smiles at me as I continue to learn my cleaning duties. After showing me around, Ray tells me to come in around 8:00pm Monday, and that will give me time to work out before they close.
"Since you work during the day, I have asked Debbi if she could come in a little later in the day to help you work out. Of course I offered her a discount on her fee's, After I saw the way she was watching you when you weren't looking, I'm not sure that was necessary," he laughed.
Yea, right, I thought, what would she see in an older man like me. At least she is nice eye-candy and will make working out more enjoyable. I shake Ray's hand, "Thanks Buddy, this might help me out of my funk." I wave to Debbi as I leave, and she smiles and waves back. Hummm, I ponder as I head home.
Monday morning. As a service tech, my job keeps me on the run most of the day. I have little time to think of my new job at the gym. After work, I relax for awhile, the tv's on, but I can't help but thinking if I bit off more than I can chew. Working one job is ok, but working out, then cleaning the gym? Then the vision of working out with Debbi, erases any doubts, I have to try this. The conversation would be welcome, and I wouldn't be sitting at home by myself all night. Besides, I could lose a few pounds from my gut.