Gina was there at the gym where Tanner usually worked out. She wasn’t there to see him because she was interested in him. After her phone call with Natalie two days ago she decided that she would go to the gym on the pretext of seeing if it was a facility she would want to join. While there, she would see what she could find out about Tanner and Melania.
He was where the weights were and he had just finished a set when she approached him. He was wearing a vest and shorts. She tried not to notice his broad shoulders, wide chest, muscular arms and legs. So, he had an amazing body. Big deal. She wasn’t here to ogle him.
She walked up to him. “Hello, Tanner.”
“Gina. What a pleasant surprise.”
“I’m thinking of joining a gym and a friend suggested that I check this one out. I didn’t know that I would run into you.”
“I’m a member here.”
“For how long?”
“About five years now.”
“Is it a good gym?”
“The best, as far as I’m concerned.”
“Is it expensive?”
“No.”
“Good.”
“By the way, I saw Matt at Yorkdale the other day.”
“Was he alone?”
“No.”
“Was he with a woman?”
“Yes.”
“Let me guess. It was Melania.”
Tanner didn’t answer.
“Natalie told me that she also ran into Matt and they chatted for a while.”
“Oh.”
“She mentioned that she saw you too and that you weren’t alone.”
“Yes. I was at Yorkdale. I met a friend for lunch.”
“Was that friend, Melania?”
“No.”
“Natalie said that she saw you with Melania. Do you two know each other?”
“As a matter of fact, we do. She was an intern at the company I used to work for.”
“How long ago was that?”
“It was about nine years ago when she was still in high-school.”
“So, you and she have kept in touch all this time?”
“No. That day at Yorkdale was the first time we saw each other since her internship.”
“I see.”
“Why all these questions about Melania and me?”
Gina shrugged. “I was just curious.”
“Is that why you’re here?”
“Of course not. I’ve already told you why I’m here.”
“You know what I think?”
“What?”
“You found out from Natalie or Graham which gym I come to and when so that you can come and see me.”
“Don’t flatter yourself.”
“Admit it, Gina. You’re attracted to me but you just don’t want to admit it.”
“It’s getting crowded in here with you, me and your ego.”
He smiled. “How about having dinner with me this evening?”
“I’d rather have a hernia,” she told him sharply before she turned and walked away.
He watched her go. In spite of her attitude towards him, he could sense that he was getting through to her–he was wearing down her resistance. Why, then, didn’t that make him feel exultant?
Notes to Women 