Shape Up To Love

Chapter 2

2

Ida had always been the more compassionate of the two of them. Melissa was a loner by nature.

She moved in every social circle, but rarely got caught up in one.

She had a ton of acquaintances, but considered few of them friends.

She believed in minding her own business and living quietly.

Her compassion was exercised in the shadows and it was only in her late twenties that she felt confident enough to interact with people.

Taking ownership of the gym and leading the Rumba shaking classes had stretched the limits of her comfort zone.

No matter how many steps she’d taken, however, moving in with a total stranger as a personal trainer was pushing the limits of her abilities.

“You need to start over and start slow.”

Ida tugged a lock of her hair. “His name is Nick Lee and he’s a doctor at the Medical Center.”

“Alright…” Melissa was struggling to understand what that had to do with her.

Parker took over. “Nick’s suffering from high blood pressure because of his weight and he’s in danger of heart disease.”

“That’s terrible,” Melissa said.

Ida nodded. “Nick needs to lose weight or his life expectancy will decrease dramatically.”

“Well, why doesn’t he join a gym like everybody else?”

“Look, Nick’s situation is… complicated,” Parker said.

“Complicated?”

“He’s gotten some complaints from disgruntled patients because of his weight.”

“I’m sorry. I’m usually a lot smarter than this but I’m not getting it.”

“This year, Nick was sued by a patient’s guardian. Apparently, he advised the patient to lose weight and eat healthy. The guardian claims his mother didn’t listen because Nick wasn’t doing that himself. The mother died of a heart attack and the guardian is suing the hospital.”

“So if Nick goes in for his health…”

“He’ll give the lawsuit more credence. The hospital is scrambling to save face and though the chief is standing behind him, the story’s gaining more and more traction.”

“Why is he just asking for help now?”

“Well, he’s not exactly asking for it.” Parker looked at Ida.

“Nick’s so stubborn about this. We love him just the way he is, but now his life is in danger. We want you to convince him.”

“Convince him to let me live with him and whip him into shape?”

“Right,” Ida beamed. “That’s exactly it.”

“No,” Melissa said.

“No?”

“I told you,” Parker mumbled.

“I have a gym to keep up with. I’m barely paying all the instructors, the receptionist, the rent, the utilities. Where can I find time to personally train some guy that doesn’t even want to get better?”

“I’ll pay it!” Ida blurted.

“What?”

“Ida…” Parker tried to talk sense to his impulsive fiancé.

Ida ignored him. “I have that inheritance from my great-grandmother.”

“Ida!” Melissa shook her head. “You’ve been saving that for years. It’s supposed to go to Mateo’s college fund.”

“Half of it will work if Mateo gets a scholarship.”

“I’m not doing it.”

“I don’t trust this to anyone else.”

“I’m not taking your money, Ida.”

“Then he’ll get worse, refuse our help, and die. Is that what you want to happen?”

“No…” Melissa shifted.

To be honest, if Nick Lee died she wouldn’t necessarily … fall apart.

Parker shook his head. “Ida, please be reasonable. You can’t just––”

“I can and I will. Besides, I wanted to help Mel with the gym anyway. I think this is the perfect fit.”

Ida was too generous for her own good. It wasn’t the first time her friend had tried to foist money on her.

Melissa had always refrained. The gym’s financial problems were hers to bear alone. Ida had her own bills to deal with.

She looked at Parker. His lips were twisted in displeasure and she could sense his disappointment in Ida’s decision.

The tension in the room was mounting. Though Melissa didn’t know how she had gotten here, to this moment, she realized she had to do something soon.

Before Ida and Parker broke their engagement, Melissa stood.

“Fine. I’ll do it.”

“You will!” Ida screamed.

Melissa lifted her chin. “But keep that money for Mateo’s future.”

“How are you going to be compensated for your time?” Ida frowned.

“I’ll worry about that.”

“Mel—”

“Don’t you dare put any money in my account Ida Simpson or I swear I’m going to strangle you.”

Parker coughed to hide his laughter.

“I just want to help.”

“Yes,” Parker wrapped his arms around Ida’s shoulder. “That’s why you’re always getting into trouble.”

“You know that’s why you love me,” Ida cooed.

Before the couple could get cheesier, Mel grabbed her bag and headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” Ida called.

“I’m going to catch a taxi and head home. Doctor Park, the minute Nick is clear to start his training, call me.”

“Ay yai!”

Melissa stopped at the entrance and turned back.

“Don’t tell the guy I’m coming for him.”

Both Ida and Parker nodded.

Melissa smiled and slipped out the door.

THREE DAYS LATER, NICK LEE paraded down the hallway beside his friend of nearly five years.

The nurses and female doctors sent Parker shy smiles. The man had always been oblivious to the stares.

Nick dipped his head at the few who greeted him.

It never bothered him that Parker always got attention. Though they were both tall, Parker had a more handsome face and arrogant air.

He got away with a haughty tone and reserved behavior. Nick relied on his cheerfulness to relate to patients and colleagues alike.

The doctor was so caught up in his thoughts he nearly walked into a door. Parker grabbed his arm and kept him vertical.

“I knew it was too early for you to come back to work.”

“Sh,” Nick’s gaze darted about, “someone might hear you.”

“Maybe they should. It’s only been a few days. You should be resting.”

“I feel fine. I’m taking my pills and trying to eat better.”

Parker frowned. “I saw you sneaking a pack of Oreos earlier.”

“I got that from a patient. Was I supposed to turn it away?”

Parker groaned as they walked into the locker room to change before heading home.

“See, this is exactly why we’re all concerned about you. How are you going to make any changes if you don’t eat better?”

“It was just one pack, Parker. Geez, you’d think I ate a factory or something.”

Parker sighed. “You’re asking for it, man.”

“Asking for what?”

Parker sniffed and headed for the showers.

“Good luck to you,” he mumbled.

Nick stared after his friend. Why was Parker acting so suspicious? Had he missed something?

As Nick changed, the conversation was quickly forgotten. He fitted his shirt over his head and stuffed his legs into jeans.

Nick was breathing hard by the time he’d zipped his pants. It was time to go shopping for a bigger pair.

This was why he lived in scrubs.

Nick slapped Parker on the back as he headed for the exit and prepared to go home. The nurses walked past him and offered shallow, rushed greetings.

Nick answered every word with a genuine smile and shoved the main doors open, heading for the parking lot.

Stepping out of the hospital was like stepping into another world. The harsh Belizean sunshine baked the concrete filled with women and men of a variety of races. A woman stood behind a taco stand and the scent of savory meat filled the air.

His mouth watered at the prospect of a plate filled with the greasy goodness…

Nick turned his head away from the beautiful sight and climbed into his car. Parker had made his point. Nick really did have to watch what he was eating. The dizziness and shortness of breath he’d experienced a few days ago had been frightening.

He had tasted death and it was enough for now.

If Parker hadn’t been there when he had collapsed, Nick would have died or worse, been rushed to the hospital.

That stupid lawsuit was driving him absolutely nuts.

Nick pushed the thought from his mind and started the car. If he stressed himself out unnecessarily, he’d drive up his blood pressure and end up fainting again.

The truck started with a rumble. Nick turned the vehicle into traffic and lumbered patiently along as the highways filled with commuters rushing back home.

Twenty minutes later, his modest split level came into view. Nick was renting the house from his parents.

It had been a while since he’d paid them a visit up in Corozal. His mom would fret over him and his dad would invite all of his friends to feast their eyes on their doctor-son.

Nick smiled and struggled out of the car.

It would soon be time to buy a vehicle that was easier to get in and out of. And maybe a bungalow house with fewer steps.

Nick hated steps with every breath in his body.

He strode up the pathway to his porch and pulled the screen door open. A catchy song floated through his mind and Nick hummed the melody as he stepped into the house and locked the door.

Then the doctor turned around… and nearly had a heart attack.