Wingman

Cinco

Several weeks had passed since I last saw Sandra. It was odd because I almost felt like I missed her.

Why would I miss her?

I had stopped going out with Benny so much because of the toll it had taken on me. It didn't affect him because he had other friends who could easily take my place. Plus, he always got invited to frat parties, so he had other options.

On the other hand, I only had the stupid bar to go to; no one invited me to parties. Mostly because I was introverted, but also because I was an asshole. Many of the ugly girls I had hooked up with had made it their mission to tell as many people on campus as possible that I had only used them, so their pretty friends hooked up my friend. I was the school's despicable wingman. No girl saw me as dating material.

There was always the exception of the girls who gave it their best shot to fix me. They thought I was a jerk because of a family burden or trauma when in reality, I was just a jerk.

My reputation at school was tarnished. Guys hated me for either sleeping with their ugly sisters or girlfriends or simply sleeping with more girls than them.

I only had one more year to go, and then I would graduate. By that time, I hoped I would get my shit together.

"Honey, I'm home!" Benny entered my bedroom while I continued to stare at the wall in front of me. He had spent days trying to get me to go out with him, but I had declined.

"Come on, dude! Are you on your period or something? Are you still pissed I ditched you with the fat girl?" Has Benny always been such a dick?

I remained silent as he pressed on the issue. "Pete, I'm getting worried, man. It would help if you cheered up. You haven't had sex in almost a month; you're practically a virgin again" I wanted to sock him.

"I'm just tired, Ben." I wasn't lying. I was tired of my daily routine, and I had no purpose.

"Well, stop being tired. I got you a date." He had to be bluffing, and I hadn't been on a date in ages.

"With who?" I was curious.

"I got you a total, babe. I hit on an ugly just for you. We're going on a double date." I would've probably been ecstatic if he had told me this before my existential crisis.

"I'll pass." My response caused him to sigh.

"I thought you'd say that. But I can't cancel. The babes are coming over on Friday." Benjamin smirked in triumph.

He thought he had me cornered.

"I'm going to the gym." As I made my way past him, he gripped my shoulder and scowled.

"Pete, you need to snap out of it. We're only young once." I merely stared at him until he let go.

———

"Good morning Mr. Goodman. Do you want the usual?" I nodded at the server and quietly waited for my smoothie.

I was on the first floor of the gym. I planned to work out and leave, but when I found myself done working out, I searched for a reason to stay.

A smoothie was a good reason.

I was curious to see Sandra even though the thought of it embarrassed me. There was nothing special to her, and she wasn't even pretty, but I just needed to see her again.

I wanted to ask her more things since she seemed to be the only person I could relate to. "Your order is ready, sir." I took the plastic cup and drank it while scanning the lobby. It was lunchtime, so Sandra had to appear soon.

There was no way she'd miss lunchtime.

Time passed, and I hadn't caught sight of her. I wanted it to be her to come to me, and there was no way I'd go to the third floor to see her. Once I was done with my drink, I scowled. If I didn't leave now, it would look like I was waiting for someone.

People from school go to this gym, and they couldn't see me with her.

With one final look around, I decided to leave. I couldn't hide the annoyance as I entered my car. I felt like I had gotten stood up, even though the chick had no idea I was waiting for her.

It was the end of the week when I decided to go up to the third floor. Aside from the daycare, there was a pool and sauna. If I bumped into her, I could always say that I was heading to the pool.

She couldn't know I was there to see her. I didn't want her thinking that I liked her or anything. As if I would ever like someone like her.

Once in the elevator, I began to chicken out.  Just as I decided to step out, the door closed. Now what? Do I look like an idiot and go back, or do I continue with the plan?

When the doors opened, I stepped out and shrugged. Maybe I wouldn't bump into her, the gym was huge, and she probably didn't leave the daycare r-

"Peter?" I froze like a statue when I heard her. I knew she was behind me, and I almost considered making a run for it and pretending I didn't listen to her.

The idea vanished as soon as it appeared. Slowly, I turned to face her and gave her an awkward smile.

"Oh, hey." I played it cool. Or at least I thought I did before her eyes crinkled in amusement.

"What're you doing here?" She asked with a smile. My awkwardness turned into annoyance with her question.

"I'm heading to the pool." I was shirtless and wearing swim trunks. Could the girl be denser?

"The pool is that way. Right now, you are heading to the women's restroom." She pointed behind her as if to give me directions to the pool, and. I felt like an idiot and merely nodded.

Even though I had nodded, I didn't move. We stood there staring at each other before she broke eye contact and stepped aside. She probably thought I hadn't walked away because she was in my way.

"Well, I'll see you around." She was walking away when I opened my mouth.

"What are you doing after your shift?" Both of us shared an expression of surprise, and. I had no idea why I had asked her that question.

What the hell was happening to me?