John wiped the sweat from his forehead with a towel as he watched Tiffany finish her final set of squats. She racked the bar and let out a deep breath, turning to face him with a smile.
"That was a rough one," she said, wiping the sweat from her brow.
"It looked like it," he replied, handing her a bottle of water. "But you're making great progress. I can tell you've been putting in the work."
Tiffany took a long sip of water before sitting down on a nearby bench. John joined her, and they both sat in silence for a moment, catching their breath.
"How's everything going with you lately?" John asked, breaking the silence.
Tiffany shrugged. "Same old, same old. Just trying to stay focused on my training and not let anything else get in the way."
John nodded, sensing there was more she wasn't saying. "Anything you want to talk about?"
Tiffany shook her head. "Nah, just trying to keep my head down and stay focused. You know how it is."
John understood. He had been in her shoes before, trying to balance his training with the rest of his life and school commitments, and all the drama that comes with it. "Well, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Tiffany smiled. "Thanks, John. I really appreciate that."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before John spoke up again. "Hey, have you thought about signing up for that meet next month? I think you're ready for it."
Tiffany's eyes lit up. "Really? You think so?"
John nodded. "Absolutely. You've been putting in the work, you stand a great chance of taking first place in it."
Tiffany grinned. "Alright, fuck it, let's do it." John laughed, standing up to go get the forms for her to fill out, and they continued talking as she did so. Eventually, they gathered their equipment and gym bags, and left to leave the gym. As they walked out, Tiffany hesitated, her feet shuffling nervously on the pavement. John noticed her hesitation and turned to her, waiting for her to speak.
"Hey, John...can we go somewhere and talk for a bit?" Tiffany asked, her voice hesitant.
"Sure, Tiff. What's up?" John asked, concern etched on his face.
Tiffany took a deep breath. "It's just...guys. I don't know, I'm feeling really frustrated lately. I lied when I said I wasn't distracted earlier, and I could use some advice, I think."
John nodded, sensing where this was going. "Okay, let's go sit down and talk about it."
They found a quiet bench in a nearby park and sat down. Tiffany fidgeted with her water bottle, unsure of how to start.
"It's just...every guy I date, they just want one thing," Tiffany finally blurted out, her voice tinged with frustration. "And it's not like I'm not interested, but they're so annoying about it. And then there's the whole muscle thing. It's like...guys just get so insecure about it. They're either intimidated, or they just want to fetishize it. It's like I'm never going to find someone who values me for more than that."
John listened quietly. "I can understand how that would be frustrating," he said finally. "But you have to remember that you're only 19. Most people don't find their partner until later in life. I mean, hell, I'm 31 and I'm not married yet." He said with a laugh. "And yeah, unfortunately, there are going to be guys out there who are only interested in one thing. But if you're patient, you will find someone who values you for more than that."
Tiffany sighed. "I know, but it's just hard sometimes, you know? And my muscles are never going to go away, so I'm always going to be dealing with this." Tiffany leaned against the bench; her arms crossed over her chest as she started to rant. "It's just so frustrating, John. I'm ready to lose my virginity, but every time I get close with a guy, I just get the ick. Like, I can tell they're just trying to sleep with me and nothing else. Or they're so insecure about my muscles that they act macho and ridiculous."
John shook his head. "They're something to be proud of. And yeah, there are going to be guys who are intimidated by that, but that's their problem, not yours. You just need to keep being yourself, and eventually, you'll find someone who isn't bothered by it."
Tiffany looked down at her hands. "Yeah, maybe... and there's something else," she said quietly. "When me and Steve broke up, he made fun of my muscles," Tiffany said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He told me I looked like a man."
John's expression darkened. "Well, that's just ridiculous. He's just saying that because he knew it would hurt you and because of his own insecurities. And for what it's worth, you obviously don't look like a man. You're a very pretty woman."
Tiffany looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Do you really think so, John?"
John nodded firmly. "Yes, Tiffany. You're a very pretty woman. And if you don't believe me, just think about how many guys try to hit on you at the gym every day."
Tiffany sniffled and wiped away a tear. "I don't know, John. I just feel so insecure sometimes. Like my muscles make me unattractive."
John put a hand on her shoulder. "Tiffany, there are plenty of guys out there who would find them attractive. But even if they didn't, that doesn't make you any less beautiful. You're a kind, strong, and amazing person. And anyone who can't see that isn't worth your time."
Tiffany nodded, her eyes downcast. "I know. It's just hard when all I seem to attract are guys who are bothered by them." Tiffany fidgeted nervously, trying to find the right words. "John, can I ask you something? It's been bugging me for a while."
John turned to her; his eyebrows raised. "Sure, what's up?"
"Why have you never tried to hit on me or sleep with me?" Tiffany blurted out, feeling embarrassed but needing to know.
John's expression shifted to one of surprise and then amusement. "Tiffany, why would you even ask me that? That behavior is disgusting. You're my friend and my trainee. I want you to feel safe and comfortable in our relationship. I would never want you to feel like you have to be on guard or watch out for me making a move on you. You know me better than that."
Tiffany felt a wave of relief wash over her, hearing John's words. "I know, John. It's just that... it's like you said, I've had a lot of guys in the gym hit on me and you never have."
John shook his head, his expression firm. "It's just about respect. You're a person with feelings and desires, not just an object for men to hit on. You came to me for help with powerlifting, and I want to see you succeed in it, without any distractions or complications. How are you supposed to trust me if you're always on guard around me because I'm trying to fuck you?"