As we walk into the building, the atmosphere is electric, buzzing with the energy of a packed house. The state-of-the-art facility gleams under the bright lights, and I can’t help but feel a swell of pride in my chest as I look around. The gym is more than just a collection of equipment—it’s a vibrant community hub. A place where fitness, fun, and motivation meld seamlessly.
And it’s all thanks to the man at my side.
Adam takes the center stage, his voice booming over the crowd. “Welcome, everyone, to Foxx Fitness! For those of you who are new here, let’s set something straight right off the bat. We’re not just a gym—we’re a family. This is a place to embrace your fitness journey, absolutely. But we want you to also have fun, and find encouragement every step of the way.”
His passion is infectious, and I watch as he captivates the audience, pointing out the various sections of the gym.
“We’ve got everything from high-intensity interval training to yoga classes designed to challenge and inspire you. And yes,” he adds with a wink in my direction, “even partner yoga.”
I grin back at him, my heart warming with the memory.
The Dirty B’s disperse to explore the various spaces. Lily grabs hold of London’s hand and heads straight for the yoga studio, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the tranquil, welcoming space.
Vivian, ever the flirt, eyes a group of toned trainers with a mischievous grin on her face.
Tasia, standing beside me, nods appreciatively. “He’s done an incredible job here. Even I have to admit, it’s kind of awesome.”
I smile, watching Adam mingle and chat with guests. “He’s found his calling, just like I found mine.”
Quinn walks up, nodding towards a corner where a group is gathered around a high-tech treadmill. “Looks like the latest in fitness tech over there. Adam really went all out.”
“Absolutely,” I agree. “He wanted Foxx Fitness to be cutting-edge—but also a place where everyone, regardless of their fitness level, feels at home.”
“Well, I think he’s definitely accomplished that,” Quinn says, his gaze drifting over to the guy he was talking with at Dirty Books.
I nudge him with my hip. “So … What do you think of the guy?”
Quinn’s grin broadens, but he shrugs. “We’ll see. He’s hot, though.”
“That he is,” I nod with a laugh.
As the evening progresses, the sense of community becomes more and more palpable. People are laughing, trying out equipment, and signing up for classes. The staff, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, are on hand to offer even more guidance and support.
Later, as the crowd begins to thin, Adam finds me, his eyes alight with excitement and a hint of exhaustion. “How’d I do?” he asks, wrapping his arms around me.
“You were amazing,” I reply, standing on my tiptoes to plant a kiss on his cheek. “This place is amazing. You’re going to change so many lives here.”
He grins, pulling me close. “Only because I have you by my side. You inspire me every day, Carlie.”
I reach up onto my toes and kiss his lips. “You’remyinspiration.”
“Do I need to bust out some Bette Midler or are you two going to stop with the cuteness overload,” my grandmother says, coming up behind me.
I nearly let out a squeal of surprise.
She just snickers under her breath. “What? Didn’t expect to find me here?”
“Not entirely, no,” I admit, shaking my head.
“Well, even us old coots need to find a place to bend and snap, if you know what I mean.” She winks at me, clearly happy she got to use the new term I taught her out in the wild.
“Yeah, but I think you mean snap, crackle, and pop,” I fire back.
Adam covers up his laugh with the back of his hand. He’s had to deal with me and Grandma for months now—he knows the game.
“Oh, good one, dearie. Good one,” she says with pride in her eyes.
I catch Anna’s eye and give her a knowing smile. She just shakes her head, but I can see a newfound lightness in her demeanor, a subtle change that speaks volumes.
