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“Sounds good,” I say. “I’ll see you there at 4.”
“See you then, Brian.” Tanya disconnects, leaving me holding the phone, my pulse racing.
I have a meeting with the woman who might just turn my life around. The future is still uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, I feel a spark of hope.
The next day, I arrive at Java Junction ten minutes early. I grab a table by the window and order a black coffee, nerves twisting in my stomach. What will Tanya be like in person? From her voice on the phone, she sounded young, confident, and whip-smart. Just the kind of trainer I need to kick my ass back into shape. I pick up a book and begin to read.
Chapter four
Working it Out
Tanya
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air as I step into Java Junction. Sunlight streams in through large windows, bathing everything in a warm glow. Customers chatter and keyboards click over some laid-back pop music.
I scan the room through the large French windows, searching for a man who could be Brian Russo. My gaze lands on a man with salt-and-pepper hair sitting by the window, engrossed in a book. Even from across the room, I can see the masculine cut of his jaw and the broadness of his shoulders.
Could this be the same Brian Russo I knew as a child? The thought sends a nervous flutter through my stomach. I take a deep breath, steeling my nerves. He looks up from the chime of the door, his warm brown eyes meeting mine.
“Brian Russo, I presume?” I say, extending a hand.
For a moment, a flicker of familiarity seems to pass through his eyes, and I wonder if he remembers me. The familiar look is soon replaced by polite curiosity. “Tanya Nugent?” he asks, a slight frown creasing his forehead.
“The one and only,” I say with a nod, a wry smile tugging at my lips. “So, you’re looking to get back into shape?” Of course he doesn’t remember me. Why would he? Over twenty years have passed since his daughter, Diane, and I were kids. “It’s a pleasure to meet you by the way,” I say.
“Likewise.” He stands, clasping my hand in his. I hope the heat I feel isn’t visible on my face. In his hands, I feel the strength and callouses born out of years of life. A tingle races up my arm at the contact. ”As for your question, yes. I’m trying to get back into shape, and I need to be honest with you.”
I nod, curious.
“I have a problem. A drinking problem. I want to quit and I’m hoping…”
“That I can help?” I ask, gently.
He gives me a shy smile. “I was afraid you’d judge me.”
“Not at all,” I say. In fact, I find his honesty refreshing. I feel like enveloping him in a bear hug and taking away his pain.
This is not good. I cannot be attracted to my best friend’s father. “Shall we get started?” I ask, attempting to keep the conversation professional.
“Please, have a seat.” He gestures to the chair across from him. “I have to admit, I was surprised when Big Bob…sorry, Bob Newhart said he’d set me up with a personal trainer and you came along as a recommendation. He usually goes for…well…I wasn’t expecting someone so…” He trails off, eyes raking over me in a way that makes my pulse jump.
“Qualified?” I say, raising an eyebrow. A flush creeps up his neck as he realizes I caught him checking me out.
“I was going to say young,” he says wryly, “but qualified works too.”
A laugh bubbles up in my chest at his quick recovery. I fold myself into the chair across from him, setting my bag on the floor. “Don’t let my age fool you, Mr. Russo. I have over six years of experience and a proven track record of success with high-profile clients.”
“Call me Brian,” he says. “Oh, don’t worry. I have no doubt. If you’ve kept up with Bob all these years, you must be made of strong stuff.”
The reminder of my connection to the people in his life sobers me, as Diane comes to mind. I swallow past the lump forming in my throat and summon a smile. “Shall we get down to business then…Brian?”
His lips curve, warmth returning to his eyes. “Please. The floor is yours.”
I take a deep breath and launch into the consultation, pushing aside my inconvenient attraction. This is a professional meeting and nothing more. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.
“So, what else would you like me to know?” I ask.
“I’ve been out of the game for a few years and put on some pounds, but I’m ready to make a comeback,” he says.
