Chapters (66)
‘Just you remember that when you’re travelling halfway around the world. Don’t forget what I look like, will you.’
‘How could I! We’ll FaceTime, and I’ll write, it won’t feel like I’m so far away, I promise.’ Her break was ending so we said goodbye. I knew I’d be lost without her when she left. Where would I be when she returned? Knowing what was coming I couldn’t help but wonder whether I’d be alive or dead.
49
TUESDAY 23 JANUARY 2018
Sleep came easily for once and the next morning I rose later than planned, rushing around to get ready for work. Starting so early was beginning to wear me down. I busied myself with cleaning chores and did some sparring with Louise, the young girl on probation. She was lovely, if a bit rough around the edges, and she had a cracking right hook.
Jason came in mid-morning and moved some mats onto a large space on the floor, as enthusiastic as ever. I could tell teaching was what he loved the most.
‘I’ve been looking at some bits on the internet to refresh my memory. We covered a module of it in one of the personal training certificates a year or so ago. I’m looking forward to you throwing me around.’ He loomed above me and I laughed, looking him from head to foot.
‘I don’t think that’s going to be happening any time soon.’ Although if I could hold my own against Jason, I might stand a chance with Ian. I had to learn as much as I could.
‘We’ll see. Let’s do some stretches, a bit of warming up to loosen the muscles.’
I followed the exercises Jason demonstrated. Rolling my shoulders and stretching my arms and hamstrings. Then we faced each other a few feet apart, like we were about to wrestle, and I tried not to giggle. Jason towered over me and although it was silly, I felt slightly intimidated. Ian was smaller in stature, but I’d seen first-hand what he was capable of with Sophie.
‘Okay, first one – a good kick in the balls. It’ll disable any guy if you kick hard enough.’ Jason bent down and picked a protector cup from the floor, like those worn by cricketers, and slipped it inside his jogging bottoms. The bulge obvious. I flushed red, hesitating, not wanting to look at that area.
‘You’re not seriously expecting me to kick you… there, are you?’ I pointed feebly.
‘Well, not full pelt. I do want to have kids one day, but yes, go on, give it a go.’
Unsure if I could, I paused. Jason braced himself, so I took my cue and swung my leg back, managing to kick Jason in the thigh. He shook it off, but my face turned scarlet. This was excruciating.