The handsome one jumped off the bike. ‘Afternoon, ladies.’ He caught Gracie’s eye and she could feel herself going even redder. Maya stubbed her cigarette out on the ground. ‘Not sure if that’s part of the workout, and I trust that butt is going in the bin?’ He winked at Maya. ‘So you followed my advice then, Gracie?’
She nodded, trying discreetly to wipe away the sweat that was now dripping down her nose. ‘Well, sort of. I mean, we didn’t even do half a mile and had to stop.’ She was flattered that he had remembered her name.
‘Well, it’s a start, eh? You’re looking good on it already.’
Gracie was mortified to realise that wet, sweaty marks had formed under her boobs.
‘Yeah, right.’
‘No borrowed dog today, then?’
‘No, I thought I’d be too fast for him.’ Gracie smiled.
Ed smiled back. ‘Humour as well as beauty, I like that.’
‘I do my best.’ Oh God, she was flirting as much as he was.
‘Well, good to see you both.’ He smirked. ‘See you again soon, I hope.’ Before she had a chance to answer he hopped back on his quad and sped off.
‘Whoa! Talk about him not taking his eyes off you, Gracie.’
‘Shut up. With someone as young and fit as you next to me, I don’t think so.’
‘No, he fancies you. I can tell.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes, really.’ Maya smiled. ‘See, you’ve still got it going on, girl. Be confident in who you are.’
Suddenly the shrill tones of Keen Kate and the stomping feet of ten yummy mummies could be heard approaching.
‘Quick!’ Maya took Gracie’s hand and dragged her behind the bench. Gracie thought she was going to wet herself for laughing. ‘Come on now.’
They joined the rear of the pack, still both laughing, and jogged back to the café.
‘Well done for keeping up on your first go, ladies.’ Kate beamed as she appeared from the café with a steaming skinny latte. ‘I trust I will see you again?’
‘Oh yes,’ Maya and Gracie lied in unison.
‘Drink?’ Maya pushed open the door to the café.
‘Yes, a Diet Coke would be good, thanks.’
‘Soareyou going to come again?’ Gracie enquired as they sat drinking their Cokes on the wooden benches outside.
‘Not sure they are really my kind of people, to be honest.’ Maya took a drink.
‘Nor mine. But if you’re up for exercising together, I’d like that.’
‘I’d like that too. Ooh, watch out, your young man is approaching.’
Ed appeared in football kit from inside the café. Gracie noticed how firm his thighs were. He squeezed up next to her on the bench.
‘Twice in one day, now there’s a treat.’
‘You’re such a charmer.’ Gracie felt herself reddening again.
‘Always! Glad I’ve seen you, though. Nice trainers, I know my sister would love a pair like that. Why don’t you text me the details? Got a mind like a butterfly. Gotta dash.’ He placed a business card into her hand. ‘See you soon, I hope.’
