Neveah's P.O.V

"Please say you're going to come," Leslie begged with puppy dog eyes.

She, Karter and Chase were on their way to our favorite hang out spot - Lazlo's Restaurant and Bar. It was a small place that saw less than fifty customers a day, but the food was good and the owner, Lazlo, always looked forward to our company. He'd give us drinks on the house and whenever he came up with a new concoction we were always the first to taste. Lazlo was in his mid forties, but he was a skilled chef and mixologist. He was also the sweetest man on the planet. Usually I didn't have to be asked twice to head over to his place, but today I didn't feel up to it. Work ended at 4:00 p.m and I usually would be out the door immediately, but today I had to stay back a bit to finish up some reports for Margaret. Not that I wanted to, but I knew she wouldn't stop talking about it until I did. I had just about had it with her. I swear she was gonna drive me up a wall.

But the real reason why I didn't want to go with the others was because of Ronnie. A few weeks ago I'd stumbled upon him by accident at a local gym. I hardly ever saw him outside of work and I couldn't believe my luck. I was actually on my way to the store that day, but at the sight of him, well groceries suddenly seemed mediocre. He never saw me and I was glad. I could watch him to my heart's content without ever having to meet his gaze. His body seemed made for exercise. He had muscles in places I didn't even think was possible and even with his body drenched in sweat he still managed to look absolutely stunning. He had short cropped dark hair and dark eyes. His smile was as crooked as it was charming and his skin was tanned to perfection. At 6 feet, 9 inches he was a snack for the eyes. I didn't care what anyone said about him. He was the total package.

Now once a week I would walk down to the gym to stare at him. I know that sounds a little eccentric. I would tell myself that everyday but I couldn't help it. The gym had benches on the outside that faced a big window. Anyone could sit and look inside if they so desired. It so happened that that was my desire. Ronnie never worked out facing the window. Plus, he was usually too far away to see anyone clearly so I wasn't worried about him seeing me, not that he would recognize me anyways. He hardly ever looked my way when he came into the office, but God did I look at him. All of him.
Today, Monday, I knew that Ronnie would be at the gym at around 5:30 pm (Yes. I had learned his schedule. Shoot me.) It was already 5:50 and I didn't want to miss my weekly show. God, I swear I'm not always a creep, but you've never seen Ronnie. He was drop dead gorgeous.

"Umm... I can't Leslie. I've got to get home," I responded with fake sadness layered in my tone, " you know I would if I could,"

"Lazlo says he's trying a new drink and wants our opinion. You know how much he values yours," Karter spoke with a smirk.

That was true. Lazlo had a special fondness for me. I think it's because I remindedd him of his daughter, Heather. She'd died last year from Leukemia.

"I know. Give him my regards and tell him I said that anything he makes will always taste great to me," I said with a smile.

Leslie still looked disappointed, but I wasn't really bothered. I just needed to go. Now.

"I'll see you all tomorrow, okay," I offered with a wave and started heading down the street.

As soon as I bent the corner, I broke off in a sprint. I've never been very athletic, but let me tell you now, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce had nothing on me in this moment. I was a beast. The gym was about ten minutes away and I must have looked crazy bussing through the streets like someone was after me. I was already wheezing like a crack addict, but I wasn't about to stop. When the gym came into view I slowed into a fast paced walk. I was sweaty, but that didn't bother me. I was almost there. The benches were partially empty. A few school children in uniforms lingered around as well as an older couple. I smiled politely at them and took a seat at the bench nearest to the window. Placing my bag down next to me, I reached into it and took out some wipes. Patting my face dry, my eyes went straight to the window and gazed inside. The gym had less people today than usual and I saw Ronnie immediately. He wasn't so far away today, only about 20 feet from the window. I'd never seen him in that spot before. He was leaning against a threadmill peering at a young woman's ass as she bent over doing squats. She was wearing those viral Tik Tok leggings that gripped at her skin, and accentuated her butt. Ronnie's lips were pulled in a sly smile like he was enjoying the view. He said something and the woman stopped to laugh. She turned to him and slapped his chest playfully then she turned again and bent over. This time she touched her toes in a stretch. Her ass jiggled a bit and Ronnie mimed like he was about to slap it. Then he did something I didn't expect. He placed both his palms on her bottom and squeezed. The woman leaped up and spun on him in shock, but she didn't hit him. She just laughed and gazed at him hungrily. He looked back at her and then nodded to the men's shower room. I saw something pass over her face and then she nodded. She sauntered off towards the showers and after a while Ronnie went after her. I didn't need to see anymore to know what they were about to do.

And  it crushed my heart.