Chapter 2

“It’s good to meet you. Please, call me Luke—do you go by Dan or Daniel?” He maintained a firm grip keeping the handshake going.

I smiled and wondered if this meeting was a coincidence or carefully crafted by two like-minded offspring of ours. “Most people call me Dan, so I’m used to it. Your son was just going through the implements of my torture. It was nice to meet you, Luke. Maybe I’ll see you here occasionally?”

I knew the answer to my previous thought when Luke released my hand. “Give me a few minutes to change, Dan. I’ll be back in a minute to partner with you through your workout.” He strolled off to the locker room while I turned my gaze on Bruce.

“My ex-daughter informed you I was a recluse who preferred his own company to that of anyone else. But I feel like a short, fat, balding little troll beside your jock father who is planning to humiliate me today.” I was only half-kidding as I crossed my arms over my chest and sat on a weight bench. I wasn’t sure if Bruce was trying to avoid laughing out loud or holding in gas. His expression could have been for either. A throat clearing brought my attention to a young lady standing patiently wanting the equipment where I had parked my considerable bulk.

“Sorry,” I mumbled as I stood, contemplating making a break for the nearest exit. But I locked my stupid clothes and keys in the room where Luke was getting ready to join me. Before he came out, I approached Bruce and put a friendly arm around his shoulder. “What’s the story here, because there’s no way in hell I am going to believe his showing up is a coincidence? The way you were watching the door and checking the time smacked of precision military planning.”

Bruce glanced over while his father approached. “I figured you might better relate to someone around your age who had shared similar life events. There’s no conspiracy. I’ll leave your log sheet with you, and Dad can show you how to do each exercise. He’ll be much less demanding than me.”

It impressed me how patient Luke was and he made no effort to one-up me on any of the parts of my routine. Knowing I should be more forthcoming with conversation, it was difficult. I’d avoided idle chat since Jennifer died. Some habits are hard to break, but apparently not for Luke.

“I hope I don’t sound patronizing but you did most of those exercises well. At this rate, you’ll quickly meet and even pass your goals.” He maintained eye contact just a touch longer than necessary.

“Those objectives belong to your son and my ex-daughter. When I was young, before spawning unholy terrors known as children, I used to be fit and active. Over the years I guess I let things slide if my shrinking height and expanding waist are measures to go by.” I noticed Luke once again held eye contact longer and my gaydar pinged awareness. “You may strive for the perfect six-pack but I’m perfectly content with my keg.” I gently slapped my belly with both palms.

“Let’s get showered and dressed. If you’re game, I know of a quiet place that has a menu full of tasty yet healthy selections.” He led the way to the locker room. There wasn’t the slightest hesitation when he stripped, tossed his towel over his shoulder instead of wrapping it around his waist, and grabbed his shave kit. He glanced over his shoulder at me as he walked towards the communal shower.

I quickly peeled off my top and wrapped a towel around my waist before lowering my workout pants and underwear. My heart was pounding and once again I cast my eyes upward, this time praying there were individual shower stalls. No way in hell was any human being seeing my bloated bleached body. Maybe one day when I get back into a shape other than pear or round, I’ll be more of an exhibitionist. Something answered my plea, and I practically ran into the nearest stall quickly turning on the water. “Shit.” I cursed out loud, realizing I’d forgotten to take off my towel

“Do you have a problem in there, Dan?” There was definitely amusement in Luke’s deep voice.

“None whatsoever, Luke. Other than my stupid wet towel.” I pretended to not hear his chuckle and draped the soaking rag over a hook while I washed. Somehow, I lost any embarrassment and even resigned myself to the fact that fate was plotting against me. I wrapped the wet towel around myself and walked to the wash basins with my head held high, figuring I’d air dry enough while I shaved.