Velvet (Stand-Alone-Human)

Working Hard or Hardly Working

                                                                                   *Photo: Carter

                                                                                        Chapter

                                                                                             6

                                                                     "Working Hard or Hardly Working"

                                                                                                  *Velvet*

Monday morning meant 'dragging' for everyone. I walked inside the gym anticipating something, I wasn't sure. I forced the thoughts of my past out my mind for now. The kids finally went back to school which was all I needed to get the New Year's resolution thing moving.

I had three---only three. One—I was making sure that all my bills were paid off as soon as I filed taxes. Two—I finally can afford to put a headstone on Carter's grave, if he deserved one now and three; I needed some me time away from the stress and the option to taking pills just for a peace of mind.

I didn't wear anything wild, peeking myself before I entered the main gym area, I simply dressed in some pink yoga pants a matching hoodie that was suitable for the weather and because I didn't have matching tennis shoes, a pair of snow boots.

"Interesting wear, Velvet, I'm sure the boss will find it appropriate for a towel girl." The woman at the front desk smiled. She stood and ran her hands over her perfectly toned figure.

"Thanks." I said, ignoring her comment and walking into the main.

Guys were already sweating, working and focused in their tasks. I spotted Hosea with a clip board and barely anything on as usual. His muscles were bright and early, oiled and ready to be licked....

"Velvet" His clipboard was dropped and he placed the pen behind his ear.

The man lifting weights put the dumbbell back on its holding station and looked up.

"I'm Carey," He stood and flexed, putting his hand out for me to shake.

"Right---this is my assistant, Velvet." Hosea introduced me but put distance between the guy and me by getting in the middle.

Carey's hand was knocked aside and so was his body.

"Really Hos?" Carey shook his head and smacked his teeth.

I thought it was funny, really, especially since he wasn't a boyfriend or anything to act like this.

"How was your night?" He asked. I glanced at Carey who was still giving Hosea the stink eye; he looked pissed as the minutes passed.

"It was ....what do I need to do?" I asked him, getting to the purpose of work.

"Oh---let's walk and talk." He grabbed my elbow and ushered me across the gym floor. Some of the guys looked while the others paid only attention to the machine they were on as if it was something their lives depended on.

"They all look familiar," I mumbled, glancing at this man with ginger hair.

"Yeah, they are athletes from Vernam University. The coach wants them on the floor every single day. I have my work cut out for me this week so I will need you to work over and come in early this week."

"Um---."

"Yeah, so we need to make sure that we get them in top shape before the season's starts in a few months."