Page 56 of Surrender

The fitness center was progressing, which was good since the grand opening was only two months out. Front and center was a classy reception area with a curved, polished wood counter, where members would check in and newbies could ask about memberships. Behind that was an eight-by-eight-foot panel made of etched Plexiglass, embellished with the word EverFit above the logo, which was a stylized barbell. It was exactly what I’d envisioned.

I snapped a photo of the counter and logo and posted it to social media with the caption, “It’s all coming together!” Then I tried to relax in one of the two seating areas flanking the front door. I’d wanted a place for people to congregate and chat before or after working out, so I’d gone with comfortable chairs upholstered in durable, royal blue fabric, which echoed my blue and orange EverFit logo. I was too keyed up to stay seated though, so I leapt right back up and started pacing around again.

Fortunately, Tracy opted to take a Lyft instead of the bus, so in just a few minutes he texted to tell me:I’m outside.

I hurried to the door and unlocked it, and then I held it open for him as he stepped over the threshold. Once again, seeing him in my clothes did something to me. I told him, “You look amazing,” and he flashed me a shy smile.

“Thanks. So do you. But then, you always do.” He gave me a hug, and then he looked around and said, “Wow. I never thought a gym could be beautiful, but this is.”

“Thanks. I’m really happy with it.”

He indicated the front wall, where the floor-to-ceiling windows were covered in sheets of white plastic to block the view from the street. “When do those come off?”

“Right before the grand opening. I want to make it clear this place is still under construction, to discourage people from coming inside and ending up in a work zone.”

“Makes sense.” He shifted the bag on his shoulder and asked, “So, what am I interrupting, and how can I help?”

“I was trying to make a final decision on some banner designs, but it can wait until Monday. My graphic designer doesn’t work on weekends anyway.”

“Where are you putting them?”

“Since the ceiling is so high, I had the idea to hang color-coded banners above each workout zone. They’ll have a stylized figure lifting weights, or running on a treadmill, or whatever the equipment is at that station. I think it’ll add visual interest and help newbies find their way around.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“I hope so. Now that it’s almost done and most of the equipment is in place, it’s all about finishing touches and trying to make it seem welcoming. It feels cavernous and a bit too sterile right now.”

“Just wait. Once it’s open and full of people and energy, it’s all going to come to life. Everyone’s going to feel welcome and comfortable here.”

“You sound pretty sure of that.”

“That’s because I know you. You’re warm, and kind, and passionate, and you make everyone you meet feel important and special. You—” Tracy stopped talking abruptly and looked at me with uncertainty in his eyes. After a moment, he whispered, “I hope I haven’t read too much into this.”

“Into what?”

“You and me.” He seemed so vulnerable all of a sudden. “I’ve never known anyone like you, Ever. There’s this light that radiates from you, and for the last couple of months, I’ve felt so lucky to live in its glow. I came here wanting to talk to you about us, but now I’m scared that I’ve read too much into your kindness.”

“I was planning to talk to you tonight, too. I need to tell you how I feel.” I took his hands in mine and met his gaze. “You’re everything to me, Tracy, and I don’t want us to be friends with benefits. I want you to be mine.”

His dark eyes went wide with surprise. “But you said you didn’t want a relationship.”

“That was fear talking. My family taught me the people you love the most leave you. If I didn’t let anyone in, it wouldn’t hurt so much when they left me behind.” I gently traced his cheekbone as I said, “But we’re already in a relationship, no matter what we were trying to call it. And instead of feeling worried or insecure, I’m happier than I’ve ever been. It’s not just me anymore. I really believe you have my back, just like I have yours.”

“I do. Always.” He grinned and told me, “It’s funny, today my friends said we were already in a relationship, but neither of us realized it. Really though, I wasn’t sure where you stood, so I let my insecurity get in the way of talking to you about it.”

“I should have said something sooner.”

“You told me when you were ready, and I did the same thing.” I nodded, and he said, “I’m glad your apartment was still under construction last month. I know neither of us would have just let this end when you moved out, but I think we needed that extra time. I doubt we would have been ready to open up like this a month ago.”

“You’re right, and that reminds me.” I took his hand and told him, “I need to show you something.”

Tracy let me lead him through the gym and up the back stairs to the apartment. I held the door open for him, and as he stepped inside, he murmured, “Oh wow, it’s beautiful.”

The apartment was fully built out and completely furnished. “It took an extra month because I had some adjustments to make,” I explained. “I really wanted it to be cozy.”

“You succeeded. I love all the shades of blue.” The walls were powder blue, while the couch and chairs had been recovered in a deep blue fabric. The color scheme was also reflected in the throw pillows and area rugs.

“That was your suggestion. So was that.” I gestured to the left, where new walls totally separated the bedroom from the living area.

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