The Art of Attraction

Chapter 13

Roger yawned as he walked into the gym.  He swiped his card and then went straight to the locker room.  Hanging up his work clothes and changing into his workout gear.  After putting on his trainers he headed out to the floor.  Looking around and then smiling when he spotted John already on a treadmill.  He rushed over to get the empty machine next to his friend.  The gym was filling up quickly.  Their Monday morning meetup had become a routine in the past year.  A way to start their week on a positive note and see each other, even if it was only for an hour one day a week.

"Morning."  Roger told John as he started his treadmill up and began walking.  

"I hate Mondays."  John responded and purposefully formed an exaggerated grimace on his face.  

"That's why we do this."  Roger reminded him.  John sighed and relaxed his face.

"I love seeing you but I still hate Mondays."  John countered.  

"I get that but I really do need to exercise."  Roger told him.  "I'm eating a lot these days and I've already put on some weight."  he complained.  John smiled at him.

"All those nice dates with your boyfriend, eh?"  John remarked.   "Lots of  fancy meals and desserts."  he surmised.  

"Exactly!"  Roger confirmed.  "Brian must have the best metabolism because he eats like a horse and is so fit." he stated.   "He does not have the body of a man his age."  he remarked.

"Exactly how old is Brian?" John wondered.  

"He's 59."  Roger answered as John's eyes went wide.

"Outside of his silver hair, he looks much younger."  John remarked.  Roger increased the speed on his treadmill.

"And he is in amazing shape."  Roger told him.  John formed a grin.

"I guess you would be the judge of that."  John teased and Roger chuckled at him.

"He's more fit than me!"  Roger confirmed.  "And he has a lot of stamina."  he added as John realized what Roger was inferring.

"I don't want the dirty details!"  John requested.  "Or at least I want a few cocktails first."  he amended as he tried to be supportive of his friend.

"It's okay John."  Roger assured him.  "I don't want the details of your sex life either."  he pointed out.  "Just the general status of things."  he said as he smiled at his friend.  "That things are good for you...you know."  he added as John smiled back.

"Right."  John concurred.  "Things are good for me."  he confirmed.  "I'm glad they are for you again."  he conveyed warmly.

"Thanks."  Roger replied as he decided not to mention the turn of events with Audra.  He was making phone calls this morning and would update John once he had secured his own solicitor.  It was nice to just focus on his friend and working off some stress as they finished on the treadmill and headed for the bikes.

--------------------------------------------------------

"Davies and McComb." the receptionist answered. "How can I assist you?"  she requested.

"Yes.  I was calling to inquire about meeting with Lauren Davies about representation in my divorce."  Roger replied.  Feeling a weird sensation at speaking the words.  His impending divorce feeling more real now than ever before.

"I'd be happy to make an appointment for you."  the receptionist advised.  "She has some openings later this week."  she proposed.

"As soon as possible works for me."  Roger requested.  He jotted down the date and time on a notepad and confirmed he would be there.  Hanging up the phone he punched in the appointment on his work calendar.  Pressing submit and then popping over to his messenger to let Riva know he would be out Wednesday afternoon.