8
Layla
I’m at a local gym that was just a quick drive from the cabin. I’m finishing up my fourth mile on the treadmill when I spot a tall, very toned male from behind in expensive-looking designer shorts and a fitted shirt that’s tight enough to highlight every muscle in his back and arms. I realize almost immediately that it’s Liam. I probably would have recognized that dark, wavy hair from behind anyway, but I catch a glimpse of his face in the mirror, confirming it. Man, this really is a small town.
He’s loading some weights onto the bench press with a friend who is even taller than he is, and I can’t help but notice the veins protruding on his tan, tattooed forearms. I try not to stare too much from across the room, but there are only so many things to look at when you’re running long distance on a treadmill. I usually prefer to do my runs outside, but I draw the line at running in the snow when the temperature is near freezing. I notice that he never seems to glance in the mirror like most guys tend to do a little too much when they’re at the gym.
I finish up my run and then head to the squat rack farthest from him and his friend. I don’t know why I don’t simply go say hi. It’s not like he’s a stranger. I actually have his number now.
I crank up the music in my earbuds and try to get in the zone. Every now and then, between sets, I sneak quick glances to locate Liam. He and his friend have been bouncing between machines, so it takes me a moment to locate him on a treadmill. I don’t let my gaze linger for too long, hoping that he doesn’t catch me looking. I turn back to my machine.
After my last set, I’m unloading the weights when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I instinctively think it’s Liam, and I freeze for a moment before turning around to face whoever it is. Luckily, I’ve already checked the mirror several times prior to this, just to make sure my hair and face aren’t looking too crazy. I’m not trying to create any false illusions that I haven’t broken a single sweat, but I also don’t want to look too messy.
It’s not Liam. A guy around my age with shaggy blonde curls is standing in front of me, a wide grin across his face.
“Can I help you?” I ask, trying to hide my disappointment.
“I was just wondering if you’re done. Mind if I work my way in?
“Oh. Sure. I was just finishing up, actually.”
He stays where he is, practically boxing me in against the mirror. I’d have to weasel my way out to the left in an awkward maneuver to get around him.
“Thanks. Saw you doing some sets. You’re pretty impressive,” he says, looking me up and down, making my skin crawl. He doesn’t even try to hide it.
“Uh … thanks, I guess. Anyway, I should be going.” I say, beginning to move past him.
“Wait,” he says, putting his hand up against the mirror, trying to make himself look bigger than he is.
Now I’m annoyed, and I’m about to go off on this guy. I give him a look that says I’m done with his bullshit and move to push his arm out of the way.
He looks taken aback as my elbow begins to push his arm away, and just as I’m about to be free, I see Liam standing behind him, towering over us. I freeze. I assume Liam saw what went down. The guy turns slightly, realizing someone is behind him.
“All done, sweetheart?” Liam says, flashing me a wide grin.
“Uh…yeah,” I stammer, playing along, completely caught off guard.
Liam holds his hand out to me, leaving my escape path wide open, and without thinking, I take it. I don’t miss the murderous look he throws back at the other guy as he leads me away.
We turn a corner and stop near the front desk. “I had that handled, you know…”
“I know. That’s why I didn’t do anything worse. I saw you handling it all on your own.”
“But you cut in anyway?” I ask, more out of curiosity than anything.
He shrugs, smirking down at me like he’s keeping a secret. “I guess.”
He doesn’t offer any further explanation.
I steal a moment to take him in in all his sweaty glory. My body has a carnal reaction to him as he stands there looking down at me with his veiny forearms crossed, sweat glistening on his temples and neck, and his cap turned backward. He’s close enough that I can smell a hint of his delicious scent. Not too overpowering.
“So, how’s the vacation going so far?” he asks casually.
“It’s good. Really nice not working off a schedule for a little while. Just doing what I want.”
“I get that,” he says, but doesn’t elaborate.
“No sign of the truck yet,” I blurt out.
“It’s okay. We’ve been looking around at a few places. I haven’t lost hope yet.”
“I’m still keeping an eye out for it too. Big J seemed so distraught over it.”
He looks touched. “Thank you.”
I nod. “Well, I should get going. Thanks for almost saving me.” He looks like he wants to say more, but I turn and head for the exit. I sneak one glance back and find him talking to the front desk staff, gesturing toward the weight room we were previously in. He doesn’t look particularly happy.
**
I spend the rest of the afternoon at the cabin reading, drinking espresso shots, and eating a bunch of sweets that basically cancel out my workout, kicking myself for leaving the conversation the way I did. At least his number is saved in my phone, so I can text him if I really want to. I hesitate though, feeling unsure of what I really want. He is hot, sure, but I just fought through what was easily the hardest year of my life, finally coming out of it feeling somewhat okay. But would something casual with him even be possible now? I’m not so sure.
My phone rings, pulling me from my thoughts. It’s Grandma. She almost never calls me, so I take it immediately.
“Hello?” I answer.
“Layla. How are you dear?” She sounds in good spirits today. She was surprisingly still quite healthy after her stroke years ago, but a few years back she was diagnosed with dementia. She doesn’t call me as much anymore, and when she does, she usually doesn’t even remember that her daughter is gone. I’m ashamed to admit that I avoided her for a while after the accident. I couldn’t take having conversations with her where she thought my mom was still alive. It was too painful.
“I’m doing great, Grandma. How are you? I’m actually back visiting Lake Tahoe right now,” I reply.
“Oh, that’s lovely dear. I’ve never been there. Is it beautiful?”
“Yeah, Grandma. It is.” I sigh.
“That’s lovely, Sandra.” It’s not the first time she’s called me by my mom’s name. It doesn’t bother me so much anymore.
“Yep. I’m staying for a whole two weeks. I’m going to do all sorts of fun things. Wish you were here.”
“Oh, that’s nice sweetie, but I have a date later with Larry from my hall. Wish me luck!” She hangs up without waiting for a response, and I let out a controlled breath. It wasn’t the worst call we’ve had this year. At least she seems to be having a good time down there. I wonder if there really is a Larry from her hall or not.
I put my feet up on the couch, rubbing my temples, then decide to take a nap.