Page 11 of Just Another Meet Cute
“Remember?” My eyes flitted back and forth between Todd and the computer so many times I could feel my contacts sliding out of focus. “You wanted to check out the gym while we were here …”
Following my gaze, her face brightened and she nodded. “Yeah, I’ve been meaning to join one for a while. Do you think you could show me around?”
Todd rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know. I’m supposed to watch the front. But if you want, I can get one of the trainers for you.”
“Oh, I assumed that you were a trainer because you’re so …” Linh trailed off and leaned against the side of the counter toward him. Her fingertips tapped against the surface as she pouted. If anyone else did this, it would have looked totally obvious. But Linh’s wide eyes and slightly rounded cheeks made her look sweet and innocent. Gorgeous, but still innocent. “Are you sureyoucan’t show me around? I think I’d be more comfortable checking out the place … with you.”
I almost laughed and blew our cover, but thankfully I hid it with a loud cough. It didn’t matter though. I’m pretty sure I could have done a backflip and Todd wouldn’t have noticed.
Looking flattered, he cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses with one hand before glancing around. Finally, he came out from around the counter. “I guess I could. Most of the people who come here on the weekdays are regulars. They know what to do. Did you want to join us, Nina?”
“Oh, no. I’m good.” Trying not to be too offended at the relief on his face that I wasn’t joining them, I pushed Linh toward him like an offering. “Go ahead and have fun. I’ll stay here and wait for you to finish. Check my email or something.”
She beamed. “Should we get started?”
As Todd walked toward her, I cheered silently to myself and got ready to pounce on the computer to get a better look at Ian—no, Ryan’s—profile. But at the very last second—as though he knew what I was plotting—Todd leaned back and logged out. The screen instantly disappeared and was replaced with a screen saver of dogs playing in the park.
Crap.
I waited until they left before leaning across the counter to poke the computer mouse. The user login screen popped up.Double crap.
Now what?
Before I could figure out plan B on how to hack into the computer, a bell rang out over my head and a group of overly buffed guys came in. They were so busy nudging each other and laughing that they almost ran right into me, still draped over the counter.
The tallest one gave me an odd look. “Are you okay?”
My mind raced. “Of course. There was just a smudge or something here.” Smiling awkwardly at them, I dusted off the edge of the counter with my hand before backing away from the front desk. “Oh, darn, I’m already late for my workout with …”
Before any of them could say anything, I raced across the room and turned around the first corner I saw. In one swift movement, I plopped myself downon the first machine I could reach and tried to blend in. Thank God, leggings were usually part of my everyday outfit, so I didn’t stand outtoomuch.
Heart racing a mile a minute, my arms gripped the handles of the machine. Even though I wasn’t exactly sure what the machine I was sitting at was for, I knew it had something to do with legs. I attempted to push it forward with my feet, but it only moved up a few inches before slamming back down with a loud clang.
People turned to stare. I ducked my head to avoid their eyes.
“Uh, excuse me, are you using this machine?”
My head whipped around so quickly that I swear my neck made a loud crack. It instantly began to throb. “Sorry, what?”
A guy around my age leaned over from the machine next to me. His honey blond hair was cut close to his head, and I could almost see the beads of sweat on his scalp. He motioned at me again. “The machine. Are you still using it?”
“Oh. Oh!” I jumped up and wiped my hands against the side of my leggings. When did they get so sweaty? “Yeah, I’m done with … that. Be careful, it’s heavy.”
He flashed a half smile at me and sat down. “Thanks.”
To my surprise, the guy began pushing the bar with one leg. Back and forth. Back and forth.
Realizing that I had been staring at him for at least a full minute like I was hypnotized, I coughed and turned away as my eyes scanned the gym. Where the was heck was Linh? Maybe I should escape without her. She’s a big girl; she could probably find her way to the exit.
“I’m Mike, by the way,” he said between huffs and puffs. “Did you just join this gym?”
I shifted my weight back and forth on my heels. “I’m checking it out. This is my first time here.”
He dropped the weights with a loud clack. “Ah, I figured. I’ve been here for years and I’ve never seen you before.”
“Hmm …” I started to inch away when suddenly it hit me. “Hey, do you know someone named Ia—I mean Ryan? Ryan Nguyen?”
“Ryan? Yeah, why?”
