He choses the free weight room

Yeah the female weightlifter could probably take him but Rick wasn't afraid of that. And, since this was the last time he'd be able to work out here, he didn't have to worry about seeing her again.

He quickly changed into his workout gear, slung a towel over his shoulder and strolled into the free weight room. He nodded at the woman then grabbed a couple of thirty pound dumbbells from the rack. Sitting on a bench, he started pumping curls.

After eight reps, he was shaking but he told himself to keep going. The woman was lifting more than he was and she was probably half his weight. No way would he wimp out so easily.

"You'd do better working your core." The voice was soft, not at all the harsh and critical caw he'd expected. He hadn't really expected to impress anyone with his physique but today already sucked. Couldn't she at least have taken management 101 and let him know he was doing something right?

"Sorry."

"The body is like a house," she said. "You have to start with the structure before wasting time on trim and decoration. Biceps are about the least important muscle you've got. If you start with your core, your arms will automatically get stronger too. It's a better payoff for your effort."

"I noticed you were doing--"

"Yeah, I'm working on the decoration."

"And doing a good job if you allow me to say so."

She laughed. "I guess I asked for that. I'm Kat."

"Rick."

"Haven't seen you here before, Rick."

"Yeah. Been pretty busy with work."

"But not now, huh? Let me guess, they wanted someone younger they wouldn't have to pay as much."

"You psychic or something."

"Just someone who keeps her eyes open."

"Well, you're right. Not to mention, my health club membership was through my job so now that I finally have time to work out, I don't have the money."