Train Me Harder

Chapter One

Aspen sneered at me as I lifted my chest off the ground, sweat glistening on my forehead, hands violently trembling, weak from the adrenaline pumping through my veins. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him sauntering over to where I was still pushing myself to continue.

"Think you can do this, Creston?" I ignored his taunts and kept on going. Only a few more until I beat his stupid rec-

A beep sounded and I looked up at my best friend Denver. His grin was as wide as the Grand Canyon and I knew I did it. I beat his stupid record of 93 push-ups in a minute.

"118 push-ups in one minute, Kai! You did it!" I snuck a glance at Aspen, whose smug grin faltered at the mention of my record. He stalked away, arms crossed against his chest.

"Sore loser!' Denver called after him. I sighed happily. "Want to celebrate tonight at Ze Barr? Drinks are on me."

I nodded and we parted.

"I'll pick you up at 7, don't be late!"

Easton, my gym instructor shook his head. "Skye, we need to talk."

I clutched his shirt dramatically. "But I don't want to let you go!"

He rolled his eyes. "Seriously, Creston. Please."

I saw that he was indeed serious so I let him go. He looked uncomfortable. "I have a job offer in Manchester. There is an uprising athlete who saw my work and reviews here, and he has asked if I wanted to go and train him, but I thought I'd check in with you first."

"You're going to Manchester? As in, outside America?" Easton nodded, his gaze reverting mine.

"That's totally cool, man! When will you be there?"

"Next Tuesday-wait, you're not upset?"

I shook my head in confusion.

"Why would I be?"

"Cause, I'm your trainer and, uh, we've been training for ages together."

I shrugged. "I know, and no one will know me better than you do. But E, this is your chance. Maybe you'll get enough money to move out of that crappy thing you call an apartment."

"Or flat, as the English calls it," he mused. I chuckled. "Yeah, just go for it. I'll just try to find a trainer."

Easton shook his head and gave me the sheaf of papers that he had been holding. "I tried hooking you up, and there are three potential trainers who might want you. Go on and take a look."

I took them from him and nodded. "Thanks E. When will you be leaving?"

"This Friday."

My face fell. "So soon?"

Easton nodded. "Yeah, he wants to meet me next Monday, so I thought I'd get a head start on exploring." Easton had been my personal trainer since I was in high school. With his melting brown eyes, spiky dyed hair and evident muscles, he's a fantastic catch for anyone who is looking for a committed relationship.

"Look, I know that you're meeting up with Denver tonight, but can we meet up before I go?"

I shrugged. "Sure. I mean we got three days. Tell you what, how about we meet up tomorrow night?" He frowned. "But isn't Wednesday Night Tournament Night?" I shrugged. "It's not that important, and anyway, I won all the games last week. It won't hurt to miss it just this once." He raised his eyebrows at me. "You're a cocky little shit today." I grinned at him. "All within my rights, Lowcarte." Easton rolled his eyes.

"See you tomorrow, Skylar." He gave me a fist bump.

"Same." I replied. He rolled his eyes.

"So heartfelt," he mocked.