Page 11 of Final Temptation
There were a few locally owned boutique gyms in town, but only one big global gym. Just ahead, the view of the large brick building and sign toGolden Peaks Gymhad me itching for a much-needed workout.
Before heading inside, I ran through a mental checklist to make sure I had everything I needed for a good workout.
Headphones…check.
Water…check.
Post-workout protein shake…check.
I’d been a regular for the last six months, so it wasn’t a surprise when I walked in that the cute girl who worked the front desk greeted me by name. Let’s be real, though, she didn’t know my name just because I came here on the daily. I had other moments of weakness in the last six months—not having to do with Sophie—and hooked up with her in my Jeep once.
Right out in the parking lot.
I didn’t want to make a habit of fucking around with hertoo often since I came here frequently. Last thing I wanted was to give her the idea I came here forher.
The gym was my sanctuary. The place I came to heal.
The glimmer in her eye and the flirty tone in her voice only served as a reminder that she was available if I needed her.
“Hey, Myles. Looking good.” Her eyes fluttered with hope as she scanned my badge, checking me in.
“Hey, Amanda. Good to see you.” No way in hell I’d remember her name if it wasn’t for the tag she wore on her chest. When we fooled around, I didn’t give two shits what her name was. I was in a bad place, and she was just another way to avoid my problems.
Being the natural flirt I was, I gave her a once-over before heading to the free weight area. “Have a good workout!” Her voice trailed behind me.
First exercise of the day: bench press.
Setting my bag down, I sat on a bench that was already set up. I grabbed my journal from my bag, which I used to jot down notes and organize my workouts, and my headphones. Scrolling through my phone, I selected my go-to gym playlist,Beast Mode.It was filled with all my favorite alternative bands. The first song rang through my ears, immediately helping me focus.
After pushing out eight reps for my second set, I came up for a quick breather and a drink of water. Across the way was a familiar face. A perk of my brother dating Paige, I had the opportunity to get to know her brother, Chase, better. The two of us had grown a lot closer since they got together, spending more time hanging out as a group. It was just a few weeks shy of summertime—which meant in a few months, Chase would headout for college.
We made eye contact as I nodded at him, my chin tilting up, as if sayingwhat’s up, and Chase made his way over.
“How’s it going, man?” He nodded toward the barbell.
“Only my second set and this workout is already kicking my ass.” I chuckled.
“Need a spot on your next set?” he offered.
“Yeah, that’d be great. Mind grabbing that plate and helping me load up?”
It was a breath of fresh air to have someone to work out with at the gym. Sometimes it got lonely going through the motions by myself.
With Chase standing behind me, I pushed through my set, doing a few more reps than I intended.
“Damn, bro. You’re going to give me a run for my money if you keep lifting this kind of weight,” Chase joked.
“Says the guy who can do this weight in his sleep as a freshman in college.”
“Almosta freshman in college,” he corrected.
I’d only been actively lifting weights since I decided to get sober, whereas Chase played football and always had a weight training background. We both had our reasons for going harder the last six months—me because I gave up alcohol, and him because his dad passed away.
I guessed we both found healing through the pain of a grueling workout.
“I need to make sure I keep this physique when I go off to college, especially since I won’t be playing football anymore.”
“You sure about that? I thought you loved football.” He did really well as the high school quarterback all these years. It surprised me that he didn’t want to play anymore.
