The Fastest Way to Fall(15)
B
She didn’t need to know I ran the company. I didn’t want her to treat me any differently. Anyway, it wasn’t about me. It was about her reaching her goals. Her goals of looking and feeling good naked. And now I’m thinking about this smiling stranger I don’t even have a picture of in the bathtub, smooth wet skin sinking into bubbles, because I’m going to hell.
“There might be something wrong with me,” I muttered, trying to push the image away. Running would get me out of my head. I had experience compartmentalizing the difficult stuff—there was a special place in my head where I sent Libby, my mom, and Kelsey—and usually staying in work mode kept the feelings at bay. I glanced at the notes on my desk about the potential high school fitness peer education ideas. Between that and coaching again, this was the first time in a long time something even remotely good took my mind off things.
Shaking my head, I grabbed my keys and phone. I had time to go home, change, and get a run in before hearing Mason’s ideas on how to deal with HottrYou.
11
LIKED BY ALLISON_LOVES_COWBOYS83 AND 791 OTHERS
Three Things I Like About FitMi So Far
Tracking my food was a pain at first, but it’s become a habit now. I never thought this would motivate me, but you get badges in the app when you meet your goals. I love those flippin’ badges, plus you can customize everything so it’s not one-size-fits-all.
The app is easy to use. I’m always turned off by a poorly designed user interface. This one is intuitive and engaging.
The coaching. Having someone to help me stay accountable has been what I’ve needed. He gives me feedback on my food and exercise choices and is supportive without ever making me feel guilty or ashamed or like I don’t know anything. I can’t say enough about the coaching.
From: FitMiCoachWes1
To: Bmoney34
Sent: February 8, 7:17 p.m.
B,
Sorry for the slow reply. It’s been a busy day.
Walk and a bath is a good plan. Here’s a link to our guide on alcohol. If you’re interested, the main thing to remember is moderation and that alcohol can leave you dehydrated. That said, a drunk message from you would be entertaining—or maybe terrifying since you nicknamed me “Tube Sock” when sober.
I’ve been with the company since the beginning, and you’re not taking too much of my time—you’re my client. I’m here for you.
T.S.
I read Wes’s message before slipping into my robe. It was almost eight at night, and I wondered if all the coaches provided this impressive level of personal service.
From: Bmoney34
To: FitMiCoachWes1
Sent: February 8, 7:43 p.m.
Tube Sock!
You would be so proud—not only did I walk home, but I took the long route. I don’t remember the last time I did that. It felt good.
Okay, that last part is a lie—I’m sweaty and my feet hurt, but I raise my one glass of pinot grigio to you anyway. My stress didn’t go away, but I feel better. I added the blocks of time for exercise to my calendar like you suggested and entered them in the app, so I can get reminders. What’s my next homework?
B
P.S. Did your day get better?
The claw-foot tub was a strange extravagance in an otherwise normal apartment. It didn’t match the rest of the decor, but having a tub I could sink into was a dream. All I needed was a lover admiring me from the doorway. I struck a particularly mermaidy pose at the thought.
From: FitMiCoachWes1
To: Bmoney34
Sent: February 8, 7:51 p.m.
B,
clinks glass I’m glad the walk was good. I know it’s a shift to start working out every day, but you’ve got this. Keep track of how much you do and how you feel. Same for food using those meal plan guides I sent. You’re doing a good job entering it on the app—make sure you click on my comments.
T.S.
P.S. Thanks for asking. I’ll be fine—can’t all be good days, right?
I bit my lip, curious what had been so stressful, wondering if I could make him smile with a joke. The best part about using the app so far was talking to Wes. Though I didn’t want to sound like a girl with a crush.
From: Bmoney34
To: FitMiCoachWes1
Sent: February 8, 8:07 p.m.
T.S.,
If your day got worse, I hope the drink is good, and that it’s not your only one.
What would drunk coaching be like, I wonder . . .
B
I leaned back in the tub, and the steam rising off the hot water curled around my neck and loose tendrils of hair stuck to my skin. I closed my eyes, prepared to fantasize about Ben like I usually did, but my mind wandered to what Wes might look like raising a glass to clink with mine. What he might look like at all.
From: FitMiCoachWes1
To: Bmoney34
Sent: February 8, 8:19 p.m.
B,
I’m several beers in, so probably a lot like this. Shouldn’t have said that, though. You keep calling me Tube Sock, but I haven’t given you a nickname yet. What if I call you Bubbles?