“Bettering himself,” LouJean added. “Although he’s going to be a work in progress for some time.”
Jay snorted.
“All good now, thanks, Jay. I’m coming down,” she informed him.
When LouJean was safely on the ground, he collapsed the ladder for her and lowered it to the sidewalk.
Jay then moved to stand with Nina in the street, as there was still no traffic.
“I mean…” Her words fell away.
“Don’t look below Bart’s waist,” Jay warned her quietly.
“OMG.” She quickly looked away.
“I warned you not to look,” Jay whispered.
“It’s like when you see an accident. You know you shouldn’t look, but you still do,” she hissed back.
“You think we’d be used to it by now.”
“Can it be any superhero? And by that, I mean one that isn’t in a movie?” Nina asked. “Because I love chocolate and eating. The fishing I can forgo,” Nina added, now squinting up at the bright white banner with red writing. Someone had drawn Batman and Superman on it as well. “So I might participate.”
“Yes. As long as we can see you’ve made an effort with your costume, you will be considered,” June said, dusting her hands off.
“Plenty of time to make or order in a costume, Nina,” Jay said. “You could be Attitude Girl.”
“And you could be Elusive Man because you slip in and out of town without anyone realizing it.”
“Nice, but usually someone knows,” Jay said.
“Would either of you like to join the jogging club?” Bart asked. “We’re starting one on Sunday morning so those who work can come along.”
“Sorry, Bart, count me out. I don’t sweat unless the situation calls for it.”
“What situation?” Jay asked, knowing Nina meant sex.
“A sauna,” she fired back.
“Well, maybe it’s time you thought about how your body’s going to feel in a few years. Do a few stretches and some exercise now, Nina, and you’ll grow old better,” Bart said.
He’d always been determined to get everyone in Lyntacky fit. Most had simply agreed and then done nothing.
“I walk,” Nina muttered.
“You need some strengthening exercises too. A few weights, girl,” LouJean said lunging forward. “Stretches are important too.”
Nina raised her arm and flexed it. Bart dutifully tested the muscle.
“You have excellent muscle formation but could do with more,” he informed her. “What about you, Jay?” Bart asked. “What’s your exercise regime?”
“I do weights and have a rowing machine, plus I box,” he said quickly.
“Show-off,” Nina muttered.
“Gee, it’s great talking to you all, but I gotta pick up my pizza. You all continue teaching Nina more about exercise because I think she just needs a little more encouragement to join that jogging group,” Jay said.
“You’ll get yours,” Nina hissed as he walked away.
