Mirror, Mirror

Prologue Nine…ten…eleven…twelve. Dave Fleming mentally counted out the repetitions for his last set of bench presses, took a deep breath, racked the bar, and sat up. He grabbed his towel and wiped the sweat from his face. He surreptitiously checked himself out in one of the many mirrors that lined the walls of the gym. He was careful. He didn’t want to appear as narcissistic as some guys who were into working out. They were so blatant about it, strutting, flexing, making sure no one missed the show. Sure, he wanted to be admired for his physique. What other reason would there be to put this much effort into it? It wasn’t for health reasons. You didn’t need to have a body like his to be healthy, although being healthy was a bonus. He just didn’t feel you had to flaunt it to be noticed. He got up and walked to the shoulder press machine. There was a guy using it, so he waited. The guy was pretty hot—nice muscle development and handsome to boot. Dave had seen him here a couple of times before. They’d exchanged pleasantries, checked each other out, and Dave was pretty sure they both knew they were playing on the same team sexually. Dave’s c**k tingled and began to plump as he watched the man raise and lower the bar, working his delts. His legs were spread as he sat on the bench, revealing what could be a very promising package. The icing on the cake was he was shirtless, and there was a nice pattern of reddish hair on the stud’s chest. Dave liked hair—especially red. He couldn’t get why some guys shaved it off. He was proud of his own rug of dark brown fur. Rubbing it against the pelt of another man was one of Dave’s hot buttons. The guy racked the bar and stood up. He wiped the sweat from the bench, gave Dave a big smile, and said, “All yours.” Dave found himself hoping the phrase held a double meaning. The man then walked toward Dave and stuck out his hand. “Todd, Todd Ross,” he said, an invitation in his smile. “Seen you around a few times. Been meaning to say hi. Just waitin’ for the right moment.” Dave took the man’s hand. His shake was firm. “Dave Fleming. Yeah, I’ve noticed you, too. Glad to finally meet you.” There it was—the preliminary check-out. They were both interested. But what about Charlie? Dave thought. Dave knew he shouldn’t be flirting. At least not with the intention of something coming of it. He’d been with Charlie for a few months. They had an understanding. At one point Dave began to think they might be heading toward something permanent. They hadn’t moved in together yet, but that seemed the logical next step. But Dave wasn’t sure he was ready for that. There were so many hot guys around. He didn’t think he was ready for love and settling down. Maybe later, when he was older there would be time for stuff like that. For now… “Maybe we could go out for a drink or dinner sometime,” Todd was saying. Dave found himself responding, “Yeah, I’d like that.” The two exchanged phone numbers. As they walked away from each other, Todd to the showers and Dave to finish his workout, Dave thought, It’s time for Charlie and me to have ‘the talk’. Dave picked up a couple of dumbbells. He stood next to the rack, faced the center of the room, and began his bicep curls. He watched an older man come into the weight area. His first thought was, What’s he doing here? Dave finished his arm workout and put the weights away. The old man was working on the leg press machine. Dave felt a wave of pity, mingled with apprehension. The old guy was way beyond the need to work out. Why not just keep to walking or swimming for exercise? Why weight training? What did he hope to accomplish? Why wear shorts? Why not cover those chicken legs with sweats? And a tank top? Did the old man really want to show those skinny arms and scrawny shoulders to the whole world? Dave decided then and there he’d never let old age catch up with him. He’d started working out young enough that he’d be able to ward off the effects of getting older. He’d already begun taking testosterone boosters and other supplements that promised to slow the aging process. Yes, he’d beat it. He wouldn’t wind up like this poor guy. Workout done, Dave headed for the showers. Would Todd still be there? Dave smiled and nodded to the man on the leg press as he passed him. The man returned the smile. Dave thought again of Todd. Maybe he’d be able to get a glimpse of his junk. That made Dave smile. The thought of possibly getting a look at Todd pushed the old man safely out of Dave’s mind, and he left the gym. When he reached the showers, Todd was already gone. Disappointed, Dave stepped under the hot spray.