Page 86 of Destined To Fall

“No, you’re just in time. Warm-up ends in five minutes.”

“Warm-up?” Jeremy asks in my ear as we’re led past the frosted glass wall to the dance studio-like space.

It’s quite a compact area, with high ceilings seemingly two stories tall and a massive chandelier in the center. The room appears much larger for it. Polished pale floorboards, a mirrored wall on the right, and exercise equipment—bikes, rowers, mats, etc., all stored at the back of the room—finish off the studio. It’s a one-room fitness center with some of the best classes in Boston and one of my favorite guilt-free pleasures.

Bollyx!

It’s Bollywood meets cardio with a crazy side of Zumba. It’s a little intense, and you sweat from start to finish, but it’s a boatload of fun.

“What are you getting me into?” Jeremy asks, removing his outer clothes to reveal his usual gear of a black tank and gray sweat shorts.

“Oh, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. It’s one of the best exercise routines in town. Trust me, you’re going to love it.”

“Why do I get the feeling that won’t be the case?”

“You doubt me? I’m bereft.” I titter to myself.“But I recommend warming up everything.”

“Everything?”

“Every. Thing.”

I bite my bottom lip to stifle the laugh bubbling up at Jeremy’s horrified grimace. His lips thin as he stretches his arms first, his forehead pulling down so low he creates a monobrow. The worry on his face is totally warranted. I’m hit with a tiny pang of regret for bringing him. I hope this doesn’t kill him.

“Jeremy…”

“Vivienne?”

“Don’t die on me, okay?”

“God, is it that bad?”

“No, no. Well, if you go too hard,maybe. Just don’t go hard.”

“Words I never thought I’d hear coming out of your mouth.” His salacious grin makes me scoff, easing my momentary lapse of remorse.

“I take it back.”

He laughs.“Gee, Viv. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were concerned, going soft even. It’s heartwarming, really, and maybe about time.”

“About time? Please. I just don’t wanna have to tell your dad I killed you—”Totally the wrong thing to say, ugh!“And so what if I’d miss you? That’s hardly a feeling. If anything,it’s just selfish, really. Who would I torment then?”

His only response is to raise an eyebrow.

“Hi ladies, and, err, gent,” Lisa says with a wink at Jeremy as she enters the room.“Let’s get this party started!”

Somewhat surprisingly, he is the only man in class tonight. She walks over to the sound machine and turns on our soundtrack for the night. The speakers blast to life seconds later with an unmistakable theme, and Jeremy’s eyebrows pull tight, then shoot skyward, getting lost under his hair.

“Is that…it’s not…?” I fight a grin, playing oblivious.“Vivienne, what the hell are you subjecting me to?”

“A good time?”

He frowns, narrowing his eyes at me.“I’m pretty sure this isn’t what you’d normally call a good time, and I’m almost positive this isn’t going to be what I call a good time.”

“You’re right. We should hit the road and combine both our good times. You supply the alcohol, I’ll supply the body?”

He says nothing, his lip twitching as Lisa takes her spot in front of the mirrored wall and gets into position. Her arms are out to one side of her body, her legs and feet slightly apart. She looks a bit ridiculous, but I’m used to this. Jeremy, on the other hand, looks mildly alarmed.

“We have a fewfreshfaces, which is great to see, so welcome to Bollyx.”

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