You’re a woman… perhaps in your 30s or 40s that’s currently at a mental crossroads in your life. Your job is decent enough, the pay is well, but perhaps it’s unfulfilling work. Life was much more vibrant and exciting while you were in college. You and your then boyfriend (now husband) had an extremely spicy relationship. But once you married (maybe kids got involved?), things trended in the opposite direction. You don’t necessarily hate your husband or your life for that matter; it’s just that you wish that there was something more to look forward to.

It doesn’t help that you’re slightly self-conscious of your body. You’ve always had curves, yes, but as you’ve gotten older you’ve gain a little bit (or maybe more) weight. Your breasts are full, your ass is thick but only you truly know how you used to be as someone who worked out often. You still do that now but not as much as you used to in previous years.

So where does that lead you?

You decide to do something for yourself and that’s acquiring a membership at the local gym that just opened up not too far from your suburban home. The smell of new equipment and a new facility inspires you to push through that first wave of wanting to succumb to burnout and now you’re a lot more consistent at the gym than ever before. A minor injury holds you up a little bit but you’re seeing progress and people are starting to notice.

However there was always that one guy that noticed you even in the very beginning. A young black guy that frequents the gym. Similar to you, he’s an early bird which is how you bonded with him in the first place. He doesn’t give off “creepy” vibes and is very sweet. In the beginning you questioned yourself if you would ask him for a spot on the squat rack, but instead he asked you about those new shoes you purchased prior to joining the gym. From there, everything seemed to flow, forming a friendship and… maybe a crush?‘