Love, Again

Chapter 1 “Did you call me an asshole?” The trainer folded his well-muscled arms across his chest and narrowed his eyes briefly. “Keep up with such comments, buster, and you’ll be pushing extra time on the treadmill after enough crunches to make you cry.” I bit my cheek to keep from laughing out loud. I could tell from the sparkle in Bruce’s eyes he wasn’t serious. “I believe I said ‘frigging asshole’ after you didn’t even bother to stifle your chuckle when you took my weight and measurements. For the record, I’m not looking to become a senior citizen bodybuilder.” It surprised me that my once 32-inch waist, 34-inch inseam had morphed into 36/34. I’d seldom looked at sizes when buying new pants. “And your height-scale might be defective. I’m sure I don’t weigh one ninety and for most of my adult life, I stood at six foot two. Now you’re telling me I shrank in height and bulged at the seams.” I nodded when Bruce pointed out that the data doesn’t lie. Bruce stood and clapped his hands together. “Up and at it, mister, we’re taking a tour of Full-On Fitness. I will show you the cardio section, the free weights, and resistance machines you’ll be using. Your daughter mentioned your preference for solitude and you might be…um, crotchety, I believe was the word she used.” He held his hands out in surrender when I glared. “Dan, I haven’t known you long enough to form my opinion. Let’s get a workout routine planned. I’ll show you the technical details of each but, when you come in, you’re on your own unless you ask for my help. Julia said you were independent and preferred meeting challenges by yourself.” He grabbed a blank form and filled in the columns for the exercise, reps, frequency, and he made it a point to show where the date and staff’s initials go. “I plan to watch it just to be sure you’re keeping with the routine that your lovely daughter thinks important.” He laughed when I grumbled that I should have sold the kid for medical experiments while I had the chance. A thought occurred. “Bruce, how well do you know Julia? How did she rope you into this impossible mission?” I could hear her voice in my head as I spoke. My father needs to have an attitude adjustment and stop moping around the rest of his life. “What did she tell you about me?” Bruce glanced at the workout log sheet before speaking. “She told me you’ve been almost a recluse since your wife passed away a year or so ago.” He met my eyes before continuing. “She’s worried that you’re not socialising and you’re avoiding new friendships.” I knew she’d said more from the way Bruce chewed on his lower lip. “Spit it out, trainer. What else did she blab? That dang kid used to be my favourite daughter before now.” My stomach knotted while I wondered how much she felt it necessary to tell. My wife of thirty-four years passed away over a year ago. She and the kids knew of my “orientation”. I’d been honest and faithful despite my urges, so now I wondered if she included that tidbit in the dossier she gave to this relative stranger. Bruce chuckled. “She’s your only daughter, Dan, so you can’t choose favourites. Why don’t you ask her how much she may or may not have said? I’ve asked her out to dinner a few times so it’s kinda blurred what counts as trainer-client information and a dinner date conversation.” “Oh lord, are you suggesting my personal trainer is soon to become my son-in-law?” I pursed my lips and shook my head. “Dealing with one brat is challenging enough, but two of you?” I raised my eyes, pushed my palms over my heart, and said, “I must have been terrible in a previous life. Two against one working to get me fit will be the death of me.” I failed to find the humour that caused Bruce’s belly laugh. Once he controlled himself, we began the tour. I noticed, at different stations, Bruce checked his watch and glanced towards the entrance. We’d gotten as far as the cardio section when a man who was tall, lean, and easy on the eyes approached us. “Hi, Dad, I was just going through a routine with Mr. Holstrom. Dan Holstrom this is my father, Luke Fraser. Dad, meet my new client, Dan Holstrom.” I nearly shivered when Luke Fraser spoke in an amazing baritone. He appeared to be around my age, mid-fifties, had intense hazel eyes, and his hair was chestnut brown with grey accents. I wondered if he had it styled that way. His hand was warm and firm when we shook at our introduction. “It’s good to meet you. Please, call me Luke—do you go by Dan or Daniel?” He maintained a firm grip keeping the handshake going. I smiled and wondered if this meeting was a coincidence or carefully crafted by two like-minded offspring of ours. “Most people call me Dan, so I’m used to it. Your son was just going through the implements of my torture. It was nice to meet you, Luke. Maybe I’ll see you here occasionally?” I knew the answer to my previous thought when Luke released my hand. “Give me a few minutes to change, Dan. I’ll be back in a minute to partner with you through your workout.” He strolled off to the locker room while I turned my gaze on Bruce. “My ex-daughter informed you I was a recluse who preferred his own company to that of anyone else. But I feel like a short, fat, balding little troll beside your jock father who is planning to humiliate me today.” I was only half-kidding as I crossed my arms over my chest and sat on a weight bench. I wasn’t sure if Bruce was trying to avoid laughing out loud or holding in gas. His expression could have been for either. A throat clearing brought my attention to a young lady standing patiently wanting the equipment where I had parked my considerable bulk. “Sorry,” I mumbled as I stood, contemplating making a break for the nearest exit. But I locked my stupid clothes and keys in the room where Luke was getting ready to join me. Before he came out, I approached Bruce and put a friendly arm around his shoulder. “What’s the story here, because there’s no way in hell I am going to believe his showing up is a coincidence? The way you were watching the door and checking the time smacked of precision military planning.” Bruce glanced over while his father approached. “I figured you might better relate to someone around your age who had shared similar life events. There’s no conspiracy. I’ll leave your log sheet with you, and Dad can show you how to do each exercise. He’ll be much less demanding than me.” It impressed me how patient Luke was and he made no effort to one-up me on any of the parts of my routine. Knowing I should be more forthcoming with conversation, it was difficult. I’d avoided idle chat since Jennifer died. Some habits are hard to break, but apparently not for Luke. “I hope I don’t sound patronizing but you did most of those exercises well. At this rate, you’ll quickly meet and even pass your goals.” He maintained eye contact just a touch longer than necessary. “Those objectives belong to your son and my ex-daughter. When I was young, before spawning unholy terrors known as children, I used to be fit and active. Over the years I guess I let things slide if my shrinking height and expanding waist are measures to go by.” I noticed Luke once again held eye contact longer and my gaydar pinged awareness. “You may strive for the perfect six-pack but I’m perfectly content with my keg.” I gently slapped my belly with both palms. “Let’s get showered and dressed. If you’re game, I know of a quiet place that has a menu full of tasty yet healthy selections.” He led the way to the locker room. There wasn’t the slightest hesitation when he stripped, tossed his towel over his shoulder instead of wrapping it around his waist, and grabbed his shave kit. He glanced over his shoulder at me as he walked towards the communal shower. I quickly peeled off my top and wrapped a towel around my waist before lowering my workout pants and underwear. My heart was pounding and once again I cast my eyes upward, this time praying there were individual shower stalls. No way in hell was any human being seeing my bloated bleached body. Maybe one day when I get back into a shape other than pear or round, I’ll be more of an exhibitionist. Something answered my plea, and I practically ran into the nearest stall quickly turning on the water. “Shit.” I cursed out loud, realizing I’d forgotten to take off my towel. “Do you have a problem in there, Dan?” There was definitely amusement in Luke’s deep voice. “None whatsoever, Luke. Other than my stupid wet towel.” I pretended to not hear his chuckle and draped the soaking rag over a hook while I washed. Somehow, I lost any embarrassment and even resigned myself to the fact that fate was plotting against me. I wrapped the wet towel around myself and walked to the wash basins with my head held high, figuring I’d air dry enough while I shaved. “So, you are taking me to a place with food that will mock my widened waistline? I have been nowhere that doesn’t score high on bad cholesterol. I can’t believe there’s healthy stuff that tastes so good it will probably put an end to my newly awakened whining genes.” I turned to see those piercing hazel eyes boring holes into me again. Nodding knowingly, Luke smiled. “I used to feel the way you do. It takes time and a good reason to change one’s habits. Your new exercise regimen is a start. Go slow and get used to each phase before moving on to a new program.” Within an hour we sat in a health-food diner. Since I was only fluent in junk-foodese, I settled for Earl Grey tea while Luke ordered stuff I couldn’t pronounce. Later I narrowed my eyes and glared at him when he moaned at his first bite. “I’m sorry, Luke, but no matter what they do with chickpeas I’m not putting one in my mouth.” I hoped I was firm enough to impress my position. He grinned, the bastard. “So, tell me, Dan, what will you put in your mouth?” I got the innuendo and quickly recovered. “Anything that has been deep fried for days, saturated in fat, grease, or hell, even soaked in the engine oil from a ‘76 Ford Galaxy. And the occasional sugar-laden soft drink.” I mellowed for a moment. “Bruce is a nice guy. He’s apparently dating my ex-daughter so my gym routine is a probably a sadistic prenuptial rite. He knows more about me than I expected. In fairness, tell me about you. He said we’ve got similar backgrounds. Are you widowed as well?” Luke took another bite of his meal and then placed his fork on the plate. “I’ve never married. Bruce’s mother and I were best friends for years. At some point, we decided we’d be great as parents. She got pregnant and had Bruce. We shared responsibility for two years until she met her soulmate. He wanted to travel the world, so we decided our son should grow up with me. She keeps in regular contact with him but he’s only had me for most of his life.” I heard more than he said but needed clarity. “During those years you’ve never met and felt the urge to marry another woman?” I expected the reply, but it still surprised me. “Nope, I’m gay and we did insemination to make Bruce happen. We followed proper protocol, not the turkey baster thing, but it was still somewhat awkward going into a closet with a jar to contribute my part.” He grinned. “I still get aroused when I see those big old dust mops.” I laughed. “You’ve done well as a father. I could see the affection Bruce has for you. You’ve been very open about yourself. Thank you for sharing.” Luke lifted his glass in a toast. “Well, when he told me he had a new client with self-esteem issues, rolled in grief, and sprinkled with sexuality-denial, I figured, hey, why not try something new.” I nearly blew my tea through my nose but composed myself. “Sexuality-denial? I won’t ask for his meaning but I believe some people are in serious delusion. If my ex-daughter said that to my future ex-son-in-law, I can see there needs to be a few harsh words dished out.” Luke’s laughter was as contagious as his son’s. “Does the ‘why’ matter as much as the intent? Our kids love us and we love them.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to get going but I’ll see you Tuesday for your workout, I hope.” We shook hands, and I watched him leave. He was a good-looking man, comfortable in his skin, and proud of his son. I had to admit that I loved and was proud of my daughter and her brothers. Thankfully, they were away and not able to take part in her evil schemes.