Fitness 4Play: One Night Stand (Novel 1) (10 page)

"Well you are definitely doing your job. So
is there anything else you want me to do?" Bridgette asks, smiling.
Her molasses-colored eyes quickly scope my physique. She twirls her
braids akin to a schoolgirl.

"Oh boy," I say to myself. I can tell she is
choosing (i.e., flirting) me. Back in my playa days, I would swerve
this into some extracurricular activities outside the gym.
Bridgette wouldn't be the first the client. However, I'm in a
committed relationship no matter how much my dick scoffs at that. I
change the subject to discuss her training goals.

"Thanks Bridgette. You're straight for the
day. Keep it up and you will have a summertime physique in no
time."

"Yea, I believe I will. Thanks again." Her
eyes roll in disappointment. Obviously, she's not thrilled I didn't
reciprocate her flirtatious advance. I'm a changed man. I refuse to
let "fly by pussy" alter my wonderful relationship. As Bridgette
exits the gym, Big Rob came around the corner. He turns around to
check out her ass. Rob approaches me with a wide grin.

"Damn Dab! You're training her?" says Rob. I
nod my head.

"Yea playa. This was our 3rd session
together." He gives me a side-eye glance.

"It was y'all 3rd session together, huh? So
when did you hit it? After the 1st or 2nd session?" We burst out
laughing.

"You're crazy mane. Bridgette and I are
strictly professional. Believe or not, I have been faithful to my
woman."

"Uh huh? Well that's what they all say until
that ass is in your face."

"See, that's why you can't get a good woman
Rob. You allow that ass to get in your face," I said,
chuckling.

"True," he agrees.

I believe Big Rob's baby mamas distorts his
view on women. He believes they want something out of a man. The
truth is the women he deals with want something out a man. I always
believe the vibe you harbor attracts certain people. I told Rob
this on numerous occasions. Until Big Rob's outlook on women
changes, he will continue to attract the same type of woman.

While I preach to him about avoiding messy
females, I need his advice on this Keisha-baby situation. Nobody
can sympathize with me better on this issue than Big Rob. Both of
his children's mothers have put him through hell and back. Both are
receiving child support from him even though he takes care of his
kids. He gets to visit his daughter every weekend (1st baby
mother). Oppositely, it is like pulling teeth to see his son (2nd
baby mother drama). I pray one day that my friend gets full
parental custody of both kids. I'm hoping not to endure the same
fate. Big Rob should give me valuable insight on how to handle this
Keisha ordeal.

"Rob, I gotta chop it up with you about
something really important," I said." He gives me a look of
concern.

"Sure Dab. What is it?"

From start to finish, I gave as much detail
as I could possibly recall. Start: I slept with Keisha about a year
ago. Finish: now she is claims I'm the father of her son. In
addition, I told him how she calls from unlisted numbers and is
low-key stalking. I disclosed as much info as my memory could
chronicle.

"Damn mane. The bitch sounds looney tunes.
Just straight bonkers," Rob replies, shaking his head. "It will be
alright Devin." He places his hand on my shoulder.

"Yea. I just hate I got to deal with this
shit. I finally meet a woman who I don't mind being monogamous with
and a crazy broad from my past is trying to ruin that."

"Yeah, that truly sucks. So speaking of her,
is Lucy even aware of this?"

I shook my head. He tilts his head in the sky
and lets out a big huff. He tilts it back down.

"Devin, I can't believe you. All these times
you are preaching to me about keeping it real with women. Honesty
is the best game. Remember when you told me that awhile back?"

I nod my head. "Yea I do."

"Well what the hell are you doing?"

I shrug my shoulders. "I don't know mane. I
jus…

"Dude, you need to tell Lucy the truth. I
complain a lot when it comes to these Memphis broads but you found
a diamond. She's certified wife material. If any woman deserves the
truth, it's her."

His words hit me harder than a frozen
sledgehammer. I sat and let his advice marinate in my mind. I never
heard him say any woman is wife material. I had no clue he notice
how valuable Lucy is. Being Big Rob is almost 30, it wasn't too
far-fetched he would bestow wisdom upon me.

"Thanks playa. That's exactly what I needed
to hear, I said.

"No problem Dab. Anyway, I got a female
client to train shortly. She ain't as fine as Bridgette but she'll
do." We both started laughing.

"You're crazy Rob. Anyway, I'm glad I could
converse with you. I'm going to follow your advice and tell Lucy
this evening."

"Aight playa. Please do. I'll pray it goes
well and I don't see you on Fox 13 News in the worst way."

"Wow. Thanks for the words of encouragement,"
I said, shaking my head.

"Don't mention it," he jokes. "And one more
thing."

"Yea?"

"No more blindfolds."

"Fool, get out of here." We both laugh.

"Aight. Let me know how everything goes."

"Ok, I will." We exchange fist bumps and Rob
went to the other side of the gym.

Telling Lucy will be tough. For the most
part, our relationship has been smooth sailing. We hardly had any
arguments or debates. I just hope Keisha and her baby allegation do
not slay our synergy. I am petrified to be a father. I'm still
figuring out how to build my life. How in the hell can I build
another life from scratch? Whatever the outcome may be, Big Rob
taught me one valuable lesson: Don't run away from your problems,
run towards them.

(LL Cool J "Around The Way Girl"
playing from my mp3 player)

Here I am at my alma mater: The University of
Memphis. Every so often, I walk around campus to get my thoughts
together. I'd rather come here than my old neighborhood any day. I
would rather witness young, inspiring individuals destined to make
something out of their lives vs. old homeboys who still think and
dress like its 1998. You know the type, the ones who cannot outlive
the past. The last time I went to my mama's house, this dude I
befriended as an adolescent was talking to me about the high school
days…for the 1000 time! He always reminisces about the high school
days whenever he sees me. I remain courteous but I wanted to tell
him to go back to Northside High School if he misses it so much. I
could care less about evoking memories of my socially awkward, no
sex-getting high school years. Since graduating high school, my
mindset focuses on one thing: progress.

Walking around campus, the sunlight swirls
around me like a halo. The warm humidity causes my white T-shirt to
cling to my muscular torso. It is a vibrant day outside. I adore
the blue and gray Tiger statues scattered around campus. The
sunlight shimmers off their majestically carved stone silhouette.
The ladies are out in full force. It would be a perfect day to spit
game at some of these pretty, young females. Smooth melanin skin
tones of different shades, thick thighs, perky breasts, curvy
asses, succulent lips and beautiful feet if I was single. Thank God
for blessing me with eyesight!

The beautiful array of women on campus made
me think about my ebony goddess. I brought Lucy here a few times to
sit at the outdoor water fountain near the University Center. It is
pure serenity to watch the water sprout out of the ground. I could
care less about high school memories. But at the U of M, I cannot
help but recall fun moments I experienced here. The fun times were
not limited to engaging in sensual mischief in the dormitories.
Plenty of memorable moments took place at the student recreational
center too.

From adolescence to high school, I was a
chubby dude. Not sumo wrestler big, but still chubby. I use to eat
king-size Snickers bars like tic tacs! My freshman year in college,
I started lifting weights at the student recreational center. When
I start seeing changes to my physique, my life changed forever. I
have been a fitness fanatic ever since. Weightlifting was the
closest thing I had to a girlfriend in my college days.

Now, after being a personal trainer for the
past two years at Freewill Fitness, it is time to establish my own
gym: Fitness 4Play. I have witness countless couples workout
together at the rec center, Freewill Fitness and other gyms in the
city. They would love it at my gym. Yet, no progress has been made
with my business.

It's difficult to do so with this Keisha-baby
situation looming over me. I can't take this shit no more! Big Rob
is right. I have to tell Lucy about this ordeal tonight. I love
this woman so why continue to hold this secret? I can't let
Keisha's delusional behavior get in the way of my happiness. I am
telling Lucy tonight. Next, get a paternity test to determine if
Antwan is my son or not ASAP.

I still can't believe the transition I made
from high school to college. I went from a petrified, chubby kid to
a masculine, muscular man. Now it is time for me to make another
transition tonight. I pray, during this next transition, Lucy will
still be in my life.

(Keisha Cole, "I Should Have
Cheated" playing from the radio)

"I know the radio isn't playing this song!" I
retort. I cut off the radio. The irony of a woman by the name of
Keisha singing, "I should have cheated." Life has a cruel sense of
humor.

As I drive to Lucy's house, my mind is in a
tailspin. "How can I break this news to Lucy without her getting
upset? Maybe I should not tell her and just get the paternity
results. I'm certain the child ain't mine. Nah! I have to confess.
I ain't saying shit about what occurred at mama's house
though."

It's time get this out of my system. This
Keisha-baby situation has consumed my life for the past few months.
I'm tired of Keisha's pestering ways. I had enough of the calls
from unlisted numbers and mysteriously popping up at locations I
frequent. I refuse to be Martin Lawrence when he was in the movie,
"A Thin Line between Love and Hate."

Oddly, I thought Lucy would be knowledgeable
of the situation by now. Yet, Keisha stays on my radar without
alerting her. Well no more! It is time to man up and tell Lucy the
situation at hand.

Sitting in Lucy's driveway, I notify her of
my arrival. "Well, here goes nothing," I whisper. My legs feel like
two 1000lb cinderblocks are wrap around them. This must be how a
death row inmate feels when walking towards the electric chair.
This won't be pretty but at least the truth will finally come
out.

Lucy opens the door. We exchange a hug and
kiss. We sit on her plush lavender sofa. She takes a sip of water
and places the glass back on the counter. Her left hand rests on
her shoulder as she gazes into my eyes. Her hazelnut eyes twinkle
with the sunlight beaming through her silk black curtains. Damn it!
How am I going to reveal my alleged baby to this beautiful, light
mahogany woman? There is no turning back now. It is time to face
the music.

"Hey baby. Ummm. I got something to tell
you," I said. I scratch my head as I attempt to overcome jitters.
She adjusts her body closer to mine. Her eyes fill with
disquiet.

"Ooook. Sure baby. What is it?"

I took a long, deep breath. This confession
could alter the dynamics of our relationship. Relationships are
built on trust. To withhold this secret for the past months
violates trust.

"Lucy. I umm," I pause shortly. She grabs and
massages my hand. Her gesture gave me some solace.

"Lucy. What I'm trying to tell you is…"

*Ring! Ring!
Ring!*

The sudden ringing of Lucy's doorbell halts
my confession attempt.

Lucy jumps up. "Huh! Who could that be?" Lucy
said. She walks towards the front door to see who it is. I look
away from the front door and adjust my posture on the sofa.

"Whoever this is chose the perfect time to
come over," I mutter, sarcastically. I drop my head and stare
aimlessly at her purple and black shag rug.

"Oh. Hey Keisha. I had no idea you was coming
by today," said Lucy. My heart sunk. It couldn't be my Keisha. The
universe wouldn't play this cruel trick on me. This has to be
someone else.

"Hey girl! I was in the area and I had to
come by and say hi," Keisha said.

Oh boy. My fears are confirmed. That is my
Keisha. I recognize that crazy broad's voice from anywhere. She
left me so many voicemails; I had no choice but to memorize her
voice. I couldn't even bear to turnaround. My body position is
stiff as a statue.

"Okay. That's great. So where is Antwan? You
know I have yet to meet his cute little butt."

"Oh. You sure haven't met him. He is in the
car. I just was stopping by to say hi. I didn't want to intrude on
your company."

"Yes, I do have company. Hold on Keisha."
Lucy turns her attention back to me.

"Hey babe. I know you wanted to talk to me
about something. Do you mind if my cousin and her newborn come in
for a few minutes. I haven't seen her since she had her son."

I want to respond with a "Hell to the no!"
Instead, I reply "Sure baby. I understand. They can come in." Lucy
urges her to go get her little cousin. Moments later, I turn my
head and see Keisha enter while holding Antwan. It is coincidental
that Keisha is wearing a red dress since she her actions are
'devilish'. Keisha glances and gives me an evil smirk. I shake my
head in disbelief. How could Keisha and Lucy be cousins? It is a
small world.

Lucy closes the door and introduces me to
Keisha. Unbeknownst to Lucy, Keisha and I met a year ago online. A
meeting in which transpired to a one night stand. A meeting I wish
to never attended.