Logan is Lucy’s cousin and has worked in the gym since I opened it. He shares the shifts with Henry, my only other employee. I’m lucky to have them both, and I know I can trust them to have free rein on the gym.
“Anderson, you’re looking rough today.” Logan rounds the desk and stands behind me, checking the computer in front of me.
“Well, thanks, asshole. That better not be why you stopped me.” I squint up at him, the fluorescent lights making my head spin.
“One of the reasons,” He winks. “Henry can’t work this afternoon. He didn’t say why, but it’s not like him. Do you have any classes?”
I consider lying. The only thing I want to do this afternoon is sleep. My hand lifts, my fingers running aimlessly over my collarbone.
“Don’t try lying to me, Anderson. I already checked your sheet. I have a date, and I’m not cancelling.” He gives me a lopsided grin that I can’t help but return.
Logan is a total gym freak, his arms the same size as my thighs—maybe. But under all that hardness, he is the softest son of a bitch I’ve ever met.
“How the hell didyouget a date?” I roll my eyes, teasing him.
Man, I do not want to cover the gym. I planned to leave right after my second class. Logan knows I won’t say no.
“Funny, I’ll be leaving at four.” He ruffles my hair then goes back to his client.
I make my way up the studio stairs, a calmness settling over me once I’m inside. A feeling I’ve not felt since I left on Friday.
This really is my sanctuary.
I give the floors a quick brush before setting out the mats for the girls’ warm-up. I’m just laying down the last one when I hear their giggles as they climb the stairs. Funnily enough, they never use the back door. Something about the muscle show downstairs that they can’t miss.
I smile as they come into view, brushing myself off and putting my game face on.
“Girls, that’s the best I’ve seen it! We are nearly there!” I say excitedly, and they all start to jump around, high-fiving one another. I make them stretch before they leave for the day, some of them staying on to work out downstairs.
With no more classes scheduled for the rest of the day, I start cleaning the studio mirrors. Logan is here for another hour, and I need to kill some time.
I’m midway through when I hear my phone ringing in my bag. Certain it won’t be my mum, I go to check who it is.
Erin O’Conner’s name lights up the screen, and I smile as I answer.
“Hey, you! It’s been months!”
“Nina! I know, I’m sorry. I’ve been so busy. How are you?” I can hear her smile through the phone.
I knew the moment I met Erin that she was a beautiful person inside and out, a natural redhead, smart and stunning.
I haven’t seen her since I first started renting the space, but she has stayed in touch, making sure everything is always okay with the building.
“Ah, you know how it is. Work, men, mothers.” I laugh, pulling myself up to sit on the piano, the phone tucked in the crook of my neck.
She laughs along with me. “That sounds an awful lot like my life right now.”
“Well, that makes me feel better, thank you,” I say with a smile. “How is your mum?” I ask, feeling bad for moaning about my mum whilst hers is sick.
“Hmmm, she’s getting there. It’s going to be a long road to recovery,” she says sadly.
I try to lift her spirits. “Well, I feel like I’ll be needing a trip after this showcase. Maybe I could visit with Luce and Megs. I’m desperate to meet some of these Australian men you’ve been telling me about.”
“Actually, you might see me a little sooner than that. I have some documents that need to be signed and have to come home. I was hoping you’d be okay with me working out of the studio office for a couple of weeks? I know you said you don’t use it, but it’s totally fine if you don’t want me to.”
“Erin, of course, it’s your office! And you’re right, I don’t even use it. When will you be home? I will make sure the girls are free, and we can get drinks.” I start to plan in my head.
“Yeah, that would be good! I’ve missed London so much.”
