More Than Muscle

Chapter 1-3

Ernie went online during his lunch break at work. Googling “gyms”, he found there were more than a dozen in town. He narrowed his choices down to three based on proximity, positive reviews from satisfied clients, and to him, most important of all, the muscularity of the trainers pictured on the website.

Ernie was checking out one of the sites when Larry, a co-worker whom Ernie was none too fond of, stuck his head into the office.

“What’re you looking at on company time, big guy?” Larry asked, coming around behind Ernie’s desk and looking over his shoulder.

Ernie sighed and rolled his eyes.

The screen happened to show pictures of women in sexy workout leotards in an aerobics class.

“Whoa, kinky, man,” Larry said. “Cool move, get your jollies and no one suspects because it’s a respectable workout site. Kinda like checkin’ out the bra and panties section of the Sears catalog in the old days.” Larry laughed and nudged Ernie.

“First of all, it’s my lunch time,” Ernie defended himself against Larry’s accusation of using company time for personal business. “and second, I’m looking for a gym.” Besides, when I looked at the Sears catalog, women’s was not the underwear page I was checking out, he thought.

“You! A gym?” Larry laughed. “You wouldn’t even get up off your duff and sign up for the company team when we did Walk for a Cure last year. Finally decided the life of a couch potato wasn’t working for you in the chick magnet department?”

“Not exactly, I just felt it was time to get in better shape. You know, for health reasons,” Ernie replied, suppressing the irritation he was feeling and not wanting to let on how close to home Larry’s statement actually was. Only it wasn’t chicks Ernie was hoping to attract.

“Yeah, right,” Larry said with a knowing wink and a chuckle.

Ernie switched to the page with the pictures of the various trainers who worked at that particular gym.

“You going for a program with a personal trainer, huh? Well ask for her! She looks like she could give your man-muscle a pretty good workout,” Larry said, pointing to a picture of a buxom redhead named Annie. He sucked air in between his teeth. “Makes your balls sweat just looking at her bazookas, don’t it?”

“Look, Larry, if you don’t mind, I have to get back to work,” Ernie said, deciding Mr. Happy Pants needed to be sent on his way before the conversation went even further downhill.

“You want me to close the door when I leave so you can take care of business?” Larry asked with a wink and slight grope of his crotch.

“No, Larry.” Ernie sighed. “You can leave it open.”

Jerk, he thought as Larry left.

Ernie turned his attention back to the computer screen. His eyes strayed to the men on the other side of the page. The male trainers were exactly what Ernie was hoping he’d look like some day: not Mr. America-sized but broad shouldered, deep chested, narrow wasted, with biceps and quads that would stretch the seams of a shirt or shorts. He’d made his decision.

Checking his watch and determining he had enough time to call before the end of his lunch break, Ernie took out his cell phone and poked in the number.

After three rings, a female voice answered. “Universal Fitness. How may I help you?”

Ernie was slightly disappointed that a man hadn’t answered the phone but forged ahead. “Hello, I’m interested in…” What was he interested in? He wanted to develop a hot, muscular body. Did you just say that over the phone?

“A membership?” the helpful woman on the other end of the line suggested.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Ernie agreed that was what he wanted. “And with a trainer,” he added.

The woman went on to explain the various programs that were available and suggested he come in for a complimentary visit to determine which would be the best option to meet his fitness goals.

Anxious to get started, Ernie set up an appointment for the next afternoon after work. He hung up the phone and smiled. He was on his way to his new life.