On the days where I need to run the most, it rains. Maybe its a physical manifestation of my negative emotions or the rain just makes my bad mood worse either way today’s jog is also part shower.

Growing up sports has always been my outlet whenever I felt anything. If I’m happy and full of energy I’d enter into a casual basketball game at the park where guys are always playing. Its easy to enter yourself in. I don’t even have to say anything. I just have to catch the ball and make a shoot then I’m in.

Its worse when I have negative emotions.

Like when my parents decided to get divorced, the gym was my second home. I broke the treadmill running on max mode and also the punching bag. Would have been scouted as a pro boxer if I wasn’t such a pacifist. There are times when I’d focus on exercising that I’d forget to eat or even sleep.

The feeling of blood pumping through my veins and my heartbeat ringing in my ears is better than confronting whatever’s happening in my life.

Some vices are definitely worse.

The rain pelted harder against my body and a stray dog decided to look at me. Both of us were soaking wet and my stop point which was a nearby cafe was near.

Its was time to get dry.

***

“The mad man of running has returned.” I announced noticing Maxon arriving deliciously wet.

Dear God stop me with this thirst.

This time he arrived with a wet dog and I had to put my hand up.

“Apapapap.” Maxon smiled at me. He needs to stop that my heart cannot take it with his shirt clinging to his muscles. I daren’t even look down. “This is not a shelter for the wet and lost. You can be in but not the dog.”

Maxon didn’t even hesitate walking outside to be with the dog. I rolled my eyes. So unbelievably kind even to animals. Its like he wants me to write male leads based on him. Women will have raise their standards to the heavens because of him.

Grabbing towels from the back for situations like this that happen to often, I came out and handed it to Maxon and the dog.

Its been 4 months since I’ve come to know this man who always runs no matter the weather. The owner knows him too so he keeps a stash of things Maxon will need whenever he comes around.

Its always unfair how he can look so good in the most unfortunate of circumstances.

“Are you a father now?” My stupid mouth decided to let out as I looked to the sky to avoid staring as he wiped himself with the towel.

Maxon chuckled. “What makes you say that?”

“You usually don’t come around with a dog.”

“Observant. Aint cha?”

“Only for you.” Wait did I just say this out loud? Shit.

“Beatrice are you flirting with me? Took ya long enough.”

I whipped my head to stare at him. “I was not flirting. I was being concerned. You are my…” What is this man to me? Friend? No! I may not have a chance and he might be too out of my league aint no way I will be the one to friendzone him. Unrequited crush? He can’t know that.

Maxon looked expectantly for me to finish.

I gulped. “…loyal customer.”

Maxon laughed out loud. “To think we’ve known each other this long and I still haven’t passed the friend zone.” He thinks of me as a friend. I’ll live with this.

“Maybe if we didn’t only meet when you are soaking wet with sweat or water, then I’d consider having you as a friend.”

“Alright how about we meet later? I can guarantee I will be dry then.”

This suspiciously sounds like he’s asking me to a date. Can’t hope for too much though. I’ll only disappoint myself.

His hazel eyes smiled back at me, expectant.

Too late the hopes are in.

“Sure, Maxon. What are we doing? Do not say running. I do not have infinite energy like you.”

“We’re watching a movie together.”

“As friends?” I asked hoping he’d say otherwise.

His hand snaked to clasp mine.

It was in this moment time slowed. My heart went into overdrive. I could only look at his lips as he said.

“Whatever you want. I’ll take it.”