Page 27 of Outspoken

So…signing up for a free workout session with him isn’t weird—it’s simple. I want to lose weight, and Miguel can give me some tips.

It’s decided. I fill out the form, shove my phone in my pocket, and walk to the library, ignoring the jittery butterflies in my gut. After studying for an hour or so, I’ll find more safety pins to contain these rolls.You little bastards won’t be around much longer.

Chapter Eight

Miguel

“THAT’S IT?” CARLITA ASKS AS she steps off the treadmill, wiping the sweat from her brow with a towel. She recently dyed her hair fire-red, and it suits her personality completely.

“That’s it,” I echo, grabbing my own towel to wipe down the machine. “I know you’re going to miss me. You’ll be back.”

She squeezes my bicep, grinning with very cherry-red lips. “Yes, I’ll miss you. Will you miss me?”

“Definitely. We had fun, especially teasing Brody.”

She laughs. “Oh, yes. Too bad me and you never had our own fun outside this gym. You’re a tease.”

“I'm intimidated. You’re always complaining about guys not satisfying you. My ego is too fragile.” I give her a playful wink and she laughs again. “Seems your new man is doing the job if you’re flying across the world for him.”

Carlita's lips purse and her eyes sparkle with an affection I never expected from her. For years, she's been a solid cougar, bashing all relationships since she doesn’t believe love can last. Well, sheusedto believe that. With this new guy, she’s different. She’s flying to Italy to live with him, and I think she’s actually in love.

“He's okay for now,” she says, trying to appear indifferent. “I don’t like how he’s softened me, so we’ll see how long I keep him.” She pats the middle of my chest. “I won’t be here to give you advice, so make sure you protect this sensitive heart.”

“I said my ego is fragile, not my heart.” I drop the used towel in a nearby bucket, feeling tense.

Sensitive.I hate being this way, but I can’t change it. I tried acting like a player during one short period in my twenties, but it sickened me. I wasn't built to treat women like that. What I really am is hopeless.

Carlita cocks her hip and gives me a look. “Ay, my sweet Miguel. You’re a sensitive boy and you know it. I’m happy to see you out dating and enjoying yourself. Relationships are trouble. Stay single as long as you can.”

It’s my turn to give a look. “You can’t talk like that now.You’rethe one who fell head over heels and decided to play it monogamous.”

She blushes and tsks. “No one said love. I’m not in love. How foolish.” After messing with the waistband of her white leggings, she rolls her eyes with another tsk. “Yes, maybe I like him a lot. But life is unexpected and you have to adapt. I like being a single divorcée, but I’m seeing how this new change suits me. I thought I wanted to be single forever, but maybe it’s okay to settle down again.” She flicks her hair. “Too much talking. I need to go. You take care of yourself. Remember not to give your heart away so easily, cariño.”

“Más tira el amor que una yunta de bueyes.”

She says a loud, “Hah,” to my reference that love is strong enough to pull an ox.

We hug.

“I hope everything works out with your man,” I say.

She leaves with a sassy smile, and I’m left alone in a corner of the gym, staring at an empty treadmill.

Carlita's leaving marks the end of an era, but I should be used to clients coming and going by now. I've gotten used to it in my romantic life—women come and go.

Ineedto get used to it.

Feeling unsettled and out of energy, I walk to the locker room and grab the electrolyte water I had brought. I lean against my blue locker—palm pressed against the cold surface—and stare at gum stuck to the ceiling. So much has changed in just over a year. Well, for everyone except me.

About a year and a half ago, it was me, Brody, and Troy joking around at work and hanging at the club. Brody had a casual, on-again-off-again fling with Carlita, while Troy never kept girlfriends for very long. We were all usually in the same position—single. I was the only one who was serious, hunting for a forever relationship and failing, again and again.

Fast-forward: Brody is with his one true love, Carlita is running off with a man who captured her heart, and Troy…He was an asshole, and I have no idea what happened to him. He's probably still causing trouble somewhere.

The world is shifting while I remain still—a theme throughout my life. Change happens around me, never to me. Sure, I've had the usual life changes—growing up, graduating, and getting a job. But I haven't experienced change that brings me contentment or closer to my dreams.

I slam my locker shut, chugging water as I exit back to the main gym floor.Doesn’t matter.I’m embracing the 'bachelor life'—or the lonely, stay-at-home life. Most of my evenings and free time I spend with Mom, which is all I want right now anyway. But she insists that I keep dating. I protest, but then she forces my hand by calling Rico over. Once he’s there to give her company, she kicks me out of my own house. To make her happy, I sometimes go on dates. Other times, I drive around aimlessly. At least it distracts me from feeling sorry for myself—something I need to stop.

I have my health and my family. That’s enough and I’m grateful.

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