I glance back at the mirror, and tug at my rumpled sweatshirt. When did I get so frumpy? I sit up a little tallerand run my hand through my hair. Starting now, I’m a changed woman. No more feeling sorry for myself. I’m a doer not a downer.
I need to get it together before the wedding. I need to get my social media business off the ground, get an apartment, and hit the gym.-Kari
Efficiency apartment with a gym included. Kill two birds.-Darby
Bonus points if it has a pool. Ooh, and a spa.-Kari
And hot guys. LOL-Darby
And hot guys, I mumble under my breath. But men are the last thing on my mind. Except for Grey. It’s time I get myself in gear and turn my plan into action.
Gotta go. And Darbs… I miss you too. Don’t replace me.-Kari
Never.- Darby
I’m too broke for a gym membership and personal trainer, but I’ve got internet, phone service, and an endless scroll of free exercise reels and videos. No better time than the present to get moving.
I begin scrolling, this time with intention, and follow influencers whose pages look promising for my social media side hustle and who can help me on my journey to look and feel like a million bucks by the time Kelly’s wedding rolls around.
Grey
I clock out with sawdust still clinging to my boots. My shoulders ache, but in a good, earned way. I’m three ways to Sunday kind of tired, but I’ve still got a little energy in me.
Justice claps a hand over my shoulder as we head for our trucks.
“Steaks tonight. Gabby’s mixing drinks.”
Vance grins. “You coming, or is it gym o’clock again?”
The guys are always ribbing me about something. Good-natured, but relentless. Especially from Vance. Since we live in the same apartment complex and both use the gym facilities, he knows I’m devoted to my workouts. But I’m keeping my dream of one day being a personal trainer with my own place to myself. It would only add fuel to the fire with these guys. If they knew about my Fans Only page, I’d never hear the end of it.
“I’ll pass,” I say. “Another time. Give Gabby my best.”
“Will do,” Justice gives my shoulder a squeeze before stepping off the curb in the direction of his truck.
“Whatever floats your boat, man,” Vance shrugs. “More steak and beer for the rest of us.”
“All the essentials,” Wade chuckles as he gives a half-hearted wave. “Meet you there as soon as I pick up Maggie and the kids.”
I head in the opposite direction, toward my truck.
Maybe I am missing out. But I’ve got bigger plans than hauling lumber and hammering nails forever. I want my own gym. My own space. Somewhere I can use my brain and body to help someone.
Being a Home Wrecker pays the bills. Fans Only pays for the dream. That’s the math.
It’s why I hit the apartment gym late. Fewer people and less chance of running into someone I know. Especially Vance. The last thing I need is him asking why I’m filming my workouts instead of spotting him.
I don’t bother cleaning up when I pull up outside my building. I cross the parking lot and enter the gym through the pool area. The place is nearly empty. One guy’s finishing up with a towel slung over his shoulder, ready to call it a night.
Perfect.
I drop my bag on the bench and sit, scrolling on my phone while I wait him out. Social media’s mindless and loud, full of people looking to outdo each other or pretending they aren’t lonely. But I need it to attract more followers to my Fans page.
I stop scrolling as soon as I see the post with Kari’s sister, Kelly, in it. I don’t need to click to know exactly what it is, but I tap to open it anyway. Kari’s sister stands next to a sharp dressed dude in a suit and tie, beaming with an engagement ring sparkling on her finger. The rock so large it could fund a small country.
“Damn,” I mutter.
I could’ve put a down payment on half the equipment I need with that thing. Racks, weights, flooring. The good stuff.
