Page 149 of Blush
“It’s been more than a month, Mandy. I figured you weren’t interested.”
“I am. I need to get in shape. I should’ve come back after the first session. My bad.”
“I get it. You were probably in a lot of pain.”
“You don’t even know.”
He laughs. “Of course I know. Everyone knows the pain of a new workout. Especially trainers.”
“I guess I’m going to be in pain again because I want to try again. This time I want to commit. I need to make a commitment to bettering myself. Stepping out of my comfort zone.”
“Getting stronger will always enrich your life,” he says. “But it does come with pain.”
This time I laugh. “You’re not kidding.”
“I have some time next weekend. Or I’m open a couple evenings a week as well if you want to come in after work.”
“I actually work from home, so I’m flexible. I was thinking maybe sometime in the morning.”
“Looks like I have Monday morning free. Ten o’clock?”
“That’ll be great. What do you suggest for breakfast?”
“I’d keep it light. Some protein and some good carbs. Maybe an egg and whole grain toast. Maybe some avocado.”
“Sounds good. I’ll see you Monday at ten.”
Good. I’m going to better myself, beginning with a workout on Monday. Now what the heck else am I going to do today?
Turns out I don’t have to wait too long to decide, because Frankie calls.
“You’re not going to believe what happened,” she says. “The bridal shop just called. The designer has discontinued the bridesmaid dress I ordered.”
“And they couldn’t tell you that a month ago when we ordered them?”
“Some snafu with the manufacturer. I don’t know. But now we have to choose a new one. Can you come today? This afternoon? They’re opening up special for us on a Sunday.”
Why not? Not like I have anything else to do, since Jackson didn’t call.
“Sure. I can be there, Frank.”
“Great, I really appreciate this, Mandy. Three p.m. at the shop, okay?”
“Got it.”
…
At three o’clock on the nose, I walk into the shop. Frankie is already there.
“Where are the others?” I ask.
“Neither could make it on such short notice,” Frankie says. “We have all their measurements. You know, from the last time.”
“Yeah, but that means they won’t have any say in what we choose.”
“I guess they trust my taste.”
Frankie does have amazing taste. Plus, this way, I’ll be able to steer her toward something that looks amazing on my body as opposed to Isabella’s supermodel lithe body and Gigi’s healthy posterior.