Page 57 of My Brother's Forbidden Friend

“I feel very unprepared. I don’t want anyone getting hurt. I work out for myself, but I’m not a trainer,” I say.

“You’ll be fine,” LeeAnn says and steps away.

Grandma waves at me conspicuously as if she’s my kid on parent career day. I wave back.

“Okay, ladies and gentlemen. For those of you who don’t know, this is Chevelle Greene, Ethel’s granddaughter, and her friend, Cameron Baker. They’re here to continue health and fitness week by teaching you guys how to use small weights to keep up that muscle mass. So please, everyone, be kind and keep inappropriate thoughts to yourself.”

“Where do I get an outfit like you?” a woman calls to me.

Cam looks at me, and I look down at myself. I probably could’ve dressed a tad more conservatively. Tight leggings and a sports bra aren’t really appropriate, but it’s what I wear when I run or work out.

“I’ll be sure to leave links with my grandma where I shop.”

“Please, Rita, you’d never look good in that,” someone else says.

I hold up my hand. “Hey now, we don’t body shame here.”

Cam looks at me. “Where do you want to start?”

“Let Chevelle start,” Isaac says, pointing at me with his cane.

Cam raises his eyebrows.

“Okay, how about I’ll leave the weights to Cam, and I’ll teach you more about how to use your own body?”

“Whatever you want to do, sweetheart,” Isaac says.

“First, we need to stretch. Everyone, stand if you’re able. If you’re not, LeeAnn, can you demonstrate from a wheelchair?”

LeeAnn goes and sits in an empty wheelchair.

“Raise your hands in the air, stretching and pressing them toward the ceiling,” I say, demonstrating.

“Oh yeah, I feel that,” Grandma says. “Good job, Chevelle.”

“Thanks, Grandma.”

I continue doing the arm stretches, the abdomen stretches, then I bend at the waist. “I know a lot of you can’t touch your toes, so just go until you feel the stretch.”

“Can you turn around so I can see it better?” Earl asks.

“Seriously?” Cam deadpans.

“What? I have a learning disability. I need to see it from all angles.” Earl eyes Cam.

I turn around and bend over. “You can cross your ankles to stretch one side more than the other.”

“Man, I already feel my muscles getting hard,” Isaac says, and I bolt up.

“Come on, guys,” Cam interjects.

“You’re the one with the dirty mind, man.” Isaac’s cane is pointed in Cam’s direction.

He and I share a look.

“Okay. Now that we’re all stretched out, Cam will show you some exercises with the small weights, and you can each take turns coming up to the station to practice yourselves.”

I hand the class over to Cam, who picks up small dumbbells he could probably lift with his pinkie.

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