Not only are we not a couple, we’re not even friends anymore.
And yes, I realize I’m the reason for that, but dammit, he made me mad. More than mad. I’m tired of him thinking he can just, well, just interfere in my life. And for what reason? As a joke? To make it so no guy will ask me out?
Okay. Don’t say it. He’s not the reason I never get asked out, but he did ruin the one time someone did, and that deserves my anger. Or wrath, as Joe calls it. Actually, my brother Chris calls it that too. And my mom. But, whatever.
So, now he’s here. In my class. With Joe.
“Hey, sis.” Joe says, throwing his arm over my shoulder. “Heard you kick ass at this teaching thing.” He snickers. “Get it? Kick ass?”
“I get it.” Turning to face him, I wrap my arms around him. “Missed you.”
“Aw, that’s so sweet.” God, I hate sarcastic Joe. Almost as much as I detest bossy Joe. Also braggard Joe. And…
You get the idea.
With his arm still wrapped around my shoulders, he pulls me in closer. “You ever met my friend, Lucky?” Joe reaches out and grabs Lucky by the shirt sleeve and pulls him closer. “Lucky? Meet my baby sister, Becklyn.” He squeezes me so tight I wince. “Becklyn, this is my best friend, Lucky.”
“We’ve met,” I grumble.
“Hey, Becklyn.” Lucky sounds almost sheepish.
“Lucky.” I don’t know what else to say. Sure, I could tell him I’m not mad anymore, but that’s not altogether true. I’m notasmad. How’s that?
Doing my best to get out from my brother’s tight hold, I say, “Well, look at the time.” Making my escape, I press the button that turns on the sound system and place my headset on so the class can hear me. With confidence, I say loudly, “Let’s go, people. Grab your gloves, find a bag. Let’s warm up.”
The class is going great. Better than great. After they moved me into the larger space, my class grew exponentially. To say I’m proud is an understatement. The fact that they’ve recently asked me to teach an afternoon class as well tells me I’m doing something right. Funny, it feels natural to teach, which makes me believe changing my major was the right thing to do. I only hope I like teaching high school science as much as I like teaching this.
Walking around the room, I check on some of my new students, making sure they’re doing the exercises using the proper technique. No, I don’t know everything about kickboxing, but I’ve continued to learn, thanks to the internet and with the help of the owner of the gym, Bryce Smith. He’s a former MMA fighter, which means he knows his stuff. Once a week, he teaches an advanced class for his instructors and anyone else who wants to know more. That extra tutelage has given me more confidence as well.
“Alright, let’s switch things up. Gloves off. Let’s hit the floor.” I like to mix up my classes with extra floor work doing things like push-ups, sit-ups, planks, that sort of thing. Sometimes, if I’m feeling especially vindictive, I’ll call for burpees.
I hate burpees.
It doesn’t happen often, but today seems like the perfect day for those. Joe deserves some torture, and Lucky definitely needs a little extra work. Not that he can’t do burpees with his hands tied behind his back…. The guy is in tip-top shape for sure.
Today, I opt for a pyramid workout, which means we’ll start with several exercises at five reps each, then build up and up and up until we’re doing twenty reps each. So, I explain what we’re doing and hear several groans and a couple expletives from someone in the back. It’s okay. While I know people hate this, they’ll be glad they did them.
Just to show the class I’m not completely evil, I get down on the floor with them. “Five each of push-ups, sit-ups or crunches if you’d prefer, skis, and finally burpees. At your own pace.” More moans and groans from the peanut gallery, and I want to laugh but I don’t. “Go!” I shout into the mic.
I’m not the greatest at all of these exercises either, but I’m getting better each day. I’m so much stronger than I used to be. “When you’re done with the first five reps, jog in place.” I do that so those people who are a little behind can catch up.
“Now let’s do it again. Reps of six.”
This time, I make my way around the room watching how everyone else is doing. I see Lucky from the corner of my eye right as he starts his burpees. God, he’s perfect. And I’m not talking about his body. His form is amazing. He should be teaching this class. My brother? Not so much. I smirk when I see him struggling with the skis. He’s sweating like crazy, which makes me smile. Wide.
Once everyone has made it through the pyramid, I give them a short break. “Grab some water, everyone.” On my way up to the front of the room, my brother reaches out and touches my arm. Turning to him, I’m shocked to see he’s still panting. His face is red as a beet, but he’s smiling. “Jesus, Becks.” He laughs. “You’re a fucking tyrant.”
“I am?” I feign innocence. “Why would you say that?”
“Just look at me.”
I giggle at his words and at the sight of him. Movement to my right draws my attention. Lucky’s standing nearby, watching us. And while Lucky has some sweat on his brow, he doesn’t look like he’s had a tough time. I can’t seem to bring myself to speak to him, so I pat Joe on the shoulder and tell him to get his gloves on. Then, in my headset, I shout, “Back on the bags, people. Let’s go.”
25
Lucky
She’s even betterat this class now than she was a few weeks ago. Not only that, but her confidence is through the roof. It’s sexy as fuck, let me tell you.
