A Change of Heart

Chapter 28

It's been 3 days since the bowling date, and I've decided I'm going to plan more fun dates (or as she'd say, more lower class dates). She transformed into a completely new person during that bowling date.

She's never shown so much emotion in any of our dates. This time I'm going to take her to a karaoke bar. I'll ask her tomorrow because I don't want to have another date so soon.

I'm halfway through work, and time feels like it's moving way too slowly.

"Ms. Adams!" a guard shouts. I continue working, they're too far away for me to help Anna.

After work Anna catches up with me. I notice she has a gym bag with her.

"Howard, do you have your gym bag with you by any chance?" Anna asks.

"I actually keep it in my car. I only take it out when I need to do my laundry," I answer. Before she can ask, I walk over to my car nodding for her to follow.

It's a quiet drive to the gym. The peaceful sounds of the night drown out any awkwardness from the silence. We reach the gym and change in our respective locker rooms.

We walk over to the treadmill. I spot Jace and a tall blonde who's running next to him. That must be his girlfriend.

I go onto the treadmill next to Jace's. Anna goes on the one next to me.

"Jace, shouldn't you introduce me to your Mrs?" I ask.

"I would've preferred to not do it on a treadmill, but if you insist. Tracy, this is Howard. Howard, that's Tracy," Jace says.

"Nice to meet you guys," Tracy greets.

"Now, who's your friend?" Jace asks.

"I'm Anna," she smiles

"A double date at the gym, who would've thought," Jace smirks.

"Actually, Howard and I are just friends. He already has a girlfriend," Anna explains. Jace holds onto the treadmill to keep himself from falling. Tracy laughs, making Jace laugh at himself.

"You have a girlfriend!?" Jace asks.

"Why are you so surprised? Didn't you think Anna and I were dating?" I say.

"I was kidding. I didn't think you actually had a girlfriend," Jace answers.

"Who's the lucky lady?" Tracy asks.

"Her name's Joanna. She's actually our boss," I answer.

"I think that's enough talking for now. Before you say something that actually makes me fall off the treadmill," Jace says. We all laugh.

I can see why Jace likes Tracy so much. She's a lot like him, except not annoying. They're a perfect match. I hope I can have something like that someday. After the workout, Jace and I head to the locker rooms.

"So, what do you think?" Jace asks.

"She's a real catch," I smile.

"Since you've met my potential girlfriend, I think I should meet your actual girlfriend," Jace says.

"She's really passionate about her work, I don't think she'd be able to make time for a double date. Or would want to," I explain.

"Sure, sure," Jace says. I roll my eyes. We meet the girls outside.

"I'm hoping to see you guys around here often," Tracy smiles.

"I hope so too," Anna says. We head to my car and I drive Anna home.

"I see you and Tracy are becoming friends," I say.

"Yeah, she's really enthusiastic and fun," Anna says.

"That's good," I respond. I stop in front of the gate.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Anna says.

"Goodnight," I reply. She walks through the gate and goes inside the house. I drive back to my place and head to bed.

The next day, I go take a shower. Once I'm dressed, I head downstairs to the kitchen. I check my emails while eating. One is from Joanna.

Good morning Howard,

I am giving you my number so that you don't have to go to my office anymore. You can simply text me before or after work.

(563) 563-3950

Best regards,

Joanna Clieves

Why didn't she give me her number sooner? More importantly, why didn't I ask for her number? Did I think I wouldn't need it since this is temporary?

I send her a text, asking if she'd like to go to a karaoke bar. I know she won't respond now, so I turn off my phone. I get all my things and drive to work.