Page 108 of Bewitch

“Not too bad,” I tell her, “especially for someone who was lost and meant to go to the bakery on the corner.”

She gapes at me and then drops her gaze.

“You knew I was that girl,” I say slowly.

“I’m sorry,” she says. “I never should’ve said that. I was… There’s no excuse. I shouldn’t have said that. There’s no reason for me to have been like that. But… if you knew that was me, why did you agree to help me?”

“Because I like this gym and want it to be welcoming for anyone.”

“You’re a much better person than I am.”

“I don’t know about that,” I mumble.

“I’m sorry I took up so much of your time. Legs is the one thing I was most worried about.”

“Chest is important to have proper form. Back too. Arms. Don’t swing them.” I curl my fists and make a point of swinging through some bicep curls. “Oh, and shoulders. A tiny muscle group that can’t handle much weight at first, at least I couldn’t, and I still don’t.”

“So you’re saying if I’m serious, I should get a trainer?”

I nod.

“Do you recommend yours?”

I hesitate. She’s the kind of woman I’m sure Lucas prefers over me.

“Yes,” I say. “He’s been great for me.”

“Awesome. His name is Lucas, right?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll see if he has any openings. Say, I haven’t seen him around the past few days.”

I grimace.

“Do you happen to know why?” she asks.

“It’s personal,” I say.

“Gotcha. Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. Thank you so much for this…” She blinks a few times. “We never told each other our names, did we?”

I almost consider not telling her, but I concede, “Dawn.”

“I’m Sam. Short for Samantha. It’s nice to meet you, Dawn.”

I nod. “See you around.”

“You definitely will. I’m not going anywhere, and I know you won’t. I… I really am sorry.”

I nod again. “I’m going to cool down now.”

“Right. Sure. I didn’t mean to take up all…” She laughs at herself. “Take care.”

I cool down and head on out of there without saying another word to anyone.

I’m no better than Samantha. No better at all.

In fact, I’m not better than anyone.

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