Sweet Consumption

Chapter 8

        I wake up the next morning with a new kind of purpose. I did a lot of soul searching last night, and I resolved myself to the fact that I was attracted to Collin. I liked him. He’s a handsome, caring, passionate man that makes me feel more like a real woman than any other man I've been with. I wanted to know if there could be anything more between us, so I felt the first thing I needed to do was to get myself back in shape. I had only stopped exercising a couple of months ago when the store became hectic and I didn't have the time nor the energy to run. Before that, I kept a fairly regular workout schedule.  I didn't think I had grown fat, but if I was going to start tasting a lot of sweets again, I needed a way to combat the calories. 

 Plus, if I was being completely honest, I needed the confidence getting in shape gives you. I was under no illusion that I could compete with the rail thin models I normally saw on Collin's arm, but with a little effort, I might be able to sculpt these curves into something even he wouldn't be able resist.

 I start with a quick stretch in front of my apartment building, thankful I don't see any photographers near by. I put my iPod on my workout mix and debate for a moment which route to take. My usual run consists of about 3 miles that wind around my neighborhood, then through a beautiful park a few blocks away. I haven't visited that park since James left, because we always did our run together there. I take a deep breath and decide not to let him ruin anything else. Maybe taking the same paths that we used to do together would help me move past him. Especially if I envision his face on the pavement.  

The peacefulness of the park area always had a way of relaxing me. There's a small lake surrounded by numerous colorful fall trees and a winding dirt path cuts through, making it feel a world away from the bustling city. I smile as I envision the sprawling landscape and take off.

 I only come across a couple of other runners on my way to the park, as it's so early. I lose myself in the music and the rhythm of my feet hitting the pavement. When I feel the ground transition to the grittiness of dirt, I glance around to admire the beautiful colors of fall that have transformed the park into something you usually only see in paintings. 

 I round a corner that takes me deeper into a cluster of trees and see a familiar bald head jogging a few feet in front of me. My heart skips a beat as my eyes scan the area ahead of him. I sigh in disappointment when I don't spot a blonde haired, broad shouldered man running anywhere in front of him. I increase my speed and catch up. 

 I run up next to him and take out my headphones. When I'm in his periphery, he turns his head a little and a big smile stretches across his face when he sees me.

 "Miss Martin, what a pleasant surprise," he greets, not sounding winded in the least. 

 "Hey, John. Running off the cookies from last night I see." I wink and pat my belly. 

 "Actually, we both are." He nods his head, indicating a runner that suddenly appears a few yards ahead of us. The path winds through the trees and runners can sometimes disappear as they cross between them, which is how I must have missed him. Now that John has pointed him out, I recognize the firm backside that has haunted many of my dreams the last few nights. 

 I was excited earlier when I thought he might be here, but now that it's confirmed my brain becomes scrambled and I try to think of any way to disappear before he looks back and spots me. I glance around and notice a "v" in the path. 

 "Well, John, it's good to see you. Hope you enjoyed the cookies. I'll catch you later!" He smirks like he knows exactly what I'm doing, but thankfully doesn't say anything and nods his head in goodbye. I wave at him and take the path to the left.  Before I can get completely out of sight, Collin turns his head and stares directly at me. I pick up my pace and whip my head away from his penetrating eyes, praying he won't follow me.