Chapter Eight
Saturday mornings belonged to a different crowd.
The weekday professionals gave way to families, college students, retirees, and regulars who treated Langston Iron like a second home. Music drifted through the building while trainers prepared for the day's classes.
Raw was finishing a consultation when Eric walked through the front doors.
"You're actually here," Raw said.
Eric laughed.
"You sound surprised."
"I've heard every excuse in the book."
"Not from me."
Raw handed him a towel.
"Good. Let's see what we're working with."
As they walked toward the training area, Eric glanced around the gym.
"You know almost everybody."
Raw shrugged.
"They've been coming a while."
"No."
Eric smiled.
"They know you."
Raw didn't answer.
Instead, he walked Eric through a movement assessment, correcting his posture and explaining each exercise in plain language.
By the end of the session, Eric looked exhausted.
"I forgot muscles like this existed."
Raw laughed.
"They'll remind you tomorrow."
"I'll probably blame you."
"You should."
Eric grinned.
"Same time next week?"
"I'll put you on the schedule."
Raw was wiping down a bench when someone called his name.
"Mr. Carter."
He turned.
Malik stood near the entrance, dressed far more casually than usual in dark jeans and a fitted polo.
"You've changed clothes," Raw said.
"So have you."
"I mean for you."
Malik smiled.
"I do own something besides suits."
Raw looked around.
"No meetings today?"
"Not unless Brian's charity event counts."
"You are actually coming?"
"I told you I would."
Raw nodded toward the exit.
"I'm heading that way in a few minutes."
"I'll see you there."
Malik started to leave, then stopped.
"One more thing."
Raw waited.
"Kevin called you."
It wasn't a question.
Raw studied him.
"How'd you know that?"
Malik smiled without answering.
"I'll see you this afternoon."
Then he walked out.
Raw watched him disappear through the glass doors.
For the second time that week, Malik had answered a question with another mystery. Rich people’s behavior is what Raw thought it was in general.
The recreation center parking lot was already filling when Raw arrived.
Colorful banners welcomed visitors to the annual charity basketball fundraiser supporting adults with developmental disabilities. Volunteers directed traffic while music played across the outdoor courts.
Raw spotted Brian almost immediately.
He wore an event volunteer shirt two sizes too big and greeted people with the enthusiasm of someone welcoming guests into his own home.
"There you are!"
Brian hurried over.
"I thought you were going to beat me here."
"I had clients."
"I know."
Brian pointed proudly across the gymnasium.
"I've already helped set up."
"I can see that."
Cora approached more slowly, carrying a small container covered with aluminum foil.
"I figured you'd skip breakfast."
Raw smiled.
"You know me too well."
"I've been knowing you since before you knew yourself."
She handed him the container.
"Eat."
"Yes, ma'am."
Brian laughed.
"I told him the same thing."
Raw looked around the busy gymnasium.
"This is a good turnout."
Brian beamed.
"I think it's going to be the biggest one yet."
A few minutes later, another familiar voice carried across the room.
"Ramon."
Raw turned.
Malik extended his hand to Cora first.
"Mrs. Carter, it’s always great to see you"
"Cora is fine. I tell you that every time we see each other" she corrected warmly.
"It's nice to you again"
"The pleasure is mine."
Malik greeted Brian next.
Brian smiled broadly.
"Ramon said you still own the gym."
Malik glanced toward Raw.
"He gives me too much credit."
"I just help keep the lights on."
Brian laughed.
"Well...thanks."
Malik smiled.
"My pleasure."
Raw watched the exchange carefully.
There was no performance.
No polished executive routine.
Malik spoke to Brian exactly the way he'd spoken to everyone else.
Cora noticed it too.
"So," she said, "you finally convinced Ramon to take a day off."
"I'd like to say it was my idea."
"It wasn't," Raw replied.
"It rarely is."
They shared a quiet laugh as volunteers announced the opening ceremony over the loudspeaker.
People slowly gathered near center court.
Raw looked around the packed gym.
Clients from Langston Iron. Families. Community leaders. Volunteers.
For the first time, he realized people from very different parts of his life were standing in the same room.
He had a feeling the day was only getting started.