Harmony in Chaos (AdamXLute)

Chapter 34

New Year's week arrived. The blizzard finally let up. Adam and Lute were able to return to regular shenanigans. They were at Lute's gym exercising the holiday food off.

"Dang, it's crowded today." Adam lifted a Dumbbell. Adam looked around, and it seemed everyone wanted to exercise today.

Lute rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, everyone is here because of New Year's resolutions. That's why I don't like New Year's resolutions. They're stupid and no one can keep up with them." She looked around at everyone in disgust. "In two weeks, it will be empty."

Adam was happy to be back at the gym with Lute. It made him feel normal. He was happy the holidays were over. Things could finally slow down. "Thank god."

"Ready to hit the track?" Lute offered.

"Yes, turns out running in the cold isn't that bad." Adam was surprised at the fact, but preferred running in the cold rather than the heat.

The next hour, they ran on the track. Adam was keeping a steady pace, much to Lute's surprise. It was nice how she didn't have to push him as much. He now enjoyed exercising. It became a healthy habit.

They headed back and got ready to leave. As they were at the front lobby, a flyer caught Lute's attention. The gym had a cork board with information about upcoming events and updates around the city.

"Hey, look, the karaoke bar is having a half-off night." Lute pulled the flyer from the cork board. "We should go," She needed to hear Adam sing at this point. It was starting to feel like a myth that he could sing.

Adam looked at the flyer. He could feel his heart getting excited. He knew he wanted to start the new year fresh. This was his chance. "Yeah, I would like to do that." The words slipped out.

Lute looked at him, flabbergasted. "Seriously, I was sorta joking."

Adam kept looking at the flyer. "If I wanna be a new person, I need to do this. I can't keep letting Eve hold me back anymore." Adam was ready for change. He was ready to get back into things he loved. "You should sing as well." Adam nudged her.

"Oh god, no," Lute said quickly. "Unless you want your ears to bleed." She.Did.Not.Sing.Period.

"Please, Lute," Adam begged her. He clapped his hands together. "It would make my life better if you were a fool at karaoke. It's a rite of passage." Adam wondered if she could sing. He liked hearing her hum or lightly sing to music if it was on. She wasn't bad at all.

Lute rolled her eyes. "I'll think about it."

"Good enough, dangertits!" Adam linked his arm with hers. "Let's get out of here and get some food. I'm starving."

"You're always hungry." Lute leaned in close to him.
---
"Adam, how are you? Were the holidays good?" Peter asked.

"I'm good, Peter," Adam replied. "I had a great Christmas and didn't think about Eve, which was a relief." Adam was afraid he would miss her. However, with Lute around, he couldn't even remember to feel sad. "New Year's was nice as well."

"Any New Year's resolutions?" Peter asked.

"I wanna be a new person. I wanna be freer. Happier. I've decided to get back into singing." Adam explained. "Lute and I are going to karaoke tonight."

Peter's eyes lit up. "Adam, that's amazing." He quickly jotted something down.

"What else should I do to change?" Adam asked Peter.

Peter was surprised at the question. It was the first genuine question Adam had ever asked him. There was no sarcasm or crassness in his voice. He sounded sincere. Peter had to think for a moment. He finally came up with an answer. "Adam, I think it's time to play My Cherie Amour," Peter advised. "You're in a good place. Lute can be there with you. If you can't do it, that's okay."