Making Changes

“Morning, Paula,” you said with a grin as she came around the counter of the Coffee Shop for her regular hug.

“Good morning, Oliver,” she said, smiling widely as she gave you a squeeze and then grabbed your coffee from the counter and handed it to you. “I’m still looking for a carb-free pastry I can try making for you.”

“I appreciate it, but you really don’t have to,” you said. “Seriously, you’ve fed me enough free pastries already.”

“Are you kidding? The security cameras are the only thing that makes me feel safe locking up at the end of the night. There was another break-in last night, just two doors down at that clothing boutique.”

“Damn,” you said, shaking your head. “Well, I’m sorry you’re stressed out.”

Paula sighed and rolled her eyes. “What did I just say, Ollie?” she asked. “I’m less stressed because of you. So don’t you dare apologise for anything. Plus, Hikaru is already catching on to everything quickly so you got me a great employee too. I owe you.”

“Well… fine,” you said, not sure what else to say. “You’re welcome.”

“Thank you,” she said with that same big smile.

Margot walked in, heading for the line, and you sighed. “Talk to you tomorrow?”

Paula nodded and hugged you again before getting back to work.

“Well. Well. Well,” Hannah said. “Fancy meeting a guy like you in a place like this.”

“Hey, Hannah,” you said, not a fan of the fact that you could hear your nerves in your own voice. You’d long ago gotten used to the looks you got, being your size. Confidence, or at least yours, had nothing to do with your appearance. Stepping into a gym though?

All of your deep insecurities felt like they were on display for everyone to see. And you hadn’t even changed out of your work clothes yet.

The gym was brightly lit, with rubber tiles all over the place. It was mostly one big open space, which you guessed was normal for a gym, with dozens and dozens of different machines meant for ****- er, exercise- arranged in neat rows and groups. There were maybe twenty people working out, or standing and talking, at the moment. A reception area with a big desk had a very pretty brunette woman behind Hannah; the receptionist was thin and fit and there was no hiding the fact that she had breast augmentation underneath the athletic gear she was wearing. Hannah, meanwhile, was in similar gear with an athletic bra under an extra-short crop top with long sleeves, and a pair of yoga thighs and sneakers. You’d seen her in that sort of gear before, and it was her natural style, but seeing her in her element made you appreciate it in a fresh light. She looked good.

“Ollie, I’m so fucking glad that you’re here,” Hannah said, coming towards you and giving you a hug. “Seriously. Dream come true.”

“I know,” you sighed softly. “I know.”

“OK. I’ve already negotiated with my boss and he said you can have a one-week trial before you need to sign up or anything,” she said quickly. “I don’t want you to have any reason not to try this for a proper week. You just need to come in with me, which is fine since I’m training you anyway. Just head down that hallway to the changeroom and get ready.”

“Alright,” you said. “Thanks, Hannah.”

She placed both her hands on your chest, looking up into your eyes. “Your life is changing for the better, Ollie.”

You pulled her into another hug before heading back to the changing room.

“Well, the good news is that you’re stronger than most people would expect, especially your legs and back,” Hannah said.

You could barely hear her because it felt like your heart was hammering in your ears, your lungs were billowing with the power of an open furnace, and you were dripping sweat from every square inch of your body. You were sitting on a bench but your limbs felt like they were still moving.

“That’s not actually that uncommon for people in your weight class though - you’ve basically been living your life carrying around big weight packs all over your body,” she continued. “The key is to get you to lose weight without losing too much muscle mass in the process. You also put in really good effort on the cardio, but you definitely need to work on it - eventually, I want to see you running on the treadmill, but the stationary bike is a better choice right now since your knees won’t be getting impacted.”

“OK,” you panted, nodding. You wanted to tell her to fuck off. The last forty-five minutes might have been the worst in your life. But you also knew that cardio, and stamina, were important for your goals.

“I’m proud of you, Ollie,” Hannah said, her tone shifting, and you looked up at her. She had a weird expression on her face. “Seriously. I am.”

“Thanks, Hans,” you said and then swallowed and took a long, slow breath in and out through your nose. “And thanks for this.”

“You’re welcome,” she said. “Now, you’re going to need a solid day of rest for tomorrow, but we’re back here on Saturday, OK? And tomorrow at work, do me a favour and do one flight of stairs before taking the elevator. Just one!”

You groaned, and she smirked a little and then surprised you by shifting your hand from where it was braced on your knee, sitting on it and wrapping her arms around your neck and hugging you despite the sweat. “You can do it,” she said. “I love you, Ollie.”

“Love you too, Hannah,” you said, weakly hugging her back.

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