Yes.

“Sure!” Chris answered.

“Awesome! What time is your break?”

“Break? Oh don’t worry about that, I own the joint remember.” He chuckled.

Together they bought take away coffee from an upmarket cafe not too far from the gym and had walked along the beachfront and finally had taken a seat on a public bench overlooking the water. All the while talking and enjoying each other’s company.

“And that was it. We just had to get divorced after that.” Bella explained.

“I… I’m sorry.” Chris comforted Bella, putting a hand on her shoulder. She had told him about how her marriage to her sons father had broken down, and how he repeatedly cheated on her.

“Oh it’s fine. Ancient history now. Actually it will have been seven years since we got divorced next week.”

“How did the boys take it?”

“They’re relatively fine. He just completely abandoned us... He is a worse father than he was a husband, so the boys don’t miss him. Although it would be nice for them to have a father figure…” Bella sat quietly for a moment, “I’m sorry I’m oversharing. We don’t really know each other and…”

“No don’t be silly!” Chris reassured her. “I really don’t mind. Actually I really enjoy your company. And I’m happy to listen.” He smiled at her gently.

“Thank you, Chris…” Her shoulders relaxed and her mind was visibly put at ease, “Things got pretty tough for a while… We had to move in with my parents. But we have our own little apartment now, and things are kind of looking up.”

“I’m glad.” Chris said earnestly.

They sat together in silence for a few moments. It was not an awkward silence, but one of solace and understanding.

“So what happened? Why are you still single?” Chris broke the quietness, grinning.

“Why?” She laughed.

“Yeah, why? You’re beautiful and smart, how come you’re not seeing someone?”

Bella tucked a loose hair behind her ear, “I don’t know really…My sister has set me up with a couple of dates but I guess I’ve never really found the right one… I don’t know, I don’t have a lot of time either… with school and the boys. How about you? You’re hot and successful, how come you’re not married?”

“I don’t know.” He said. “Guess I haven’t really found the right one either… Anyway… What made you want to be a teacher?”

Their conversation continued merrily as they shared their life stories and got to know each other.

“Oh my god! Look at the time!” Bella said checking her phone for the first time since their conversation started.

“Holy shit!” Chris saw that they had been talking for nearly three hours. “I probably should get back to the gym and see if Lisa is okay.”

“Yeah, of course” Bella nodded.

“But I’d love to do this again… Could I have your phone number?” He added.

“Sure. I’d love to do it again too!” Bella delightedly gave Chris her number.