Page 47 of Hope After Loss

“It is,” Allie assures.

“Um, not sure you know what the wordbeginnermeans.”

Allie raises an eyebrow.

“I’m just saying, our friend Anna here is new to training. She just had a baby, and we chose this particular class to ease her into it,” Erin explains.

Allie looks at me. “You just had a baby?” she questions.

“Last year. Almost a year and a half now,” I answer.

Her gaze falls on my frumpy workout outfit and back to my eyes. “Well, that explains a lot.”

“Hey!” Erin screeches as she steps in front of me.

I tug the hem of her tank, and she looks over her shoulder.

“That’s okay. I’m sure I can keep up,” I state, determined not to get upset.

Maybe this is what Allie calls motivation. If so, it works because I’ll be damned if my frumpy, new mommy ass isn’t going to kill this workout.

“If that’s settled, let’s line up,” Allie commands.

We all jog to the front of the gym and line up against the far wall.

Allie walks to the center of the matted floor and demonstrates the exercise. It’s essentially a push-up, followed by a jump into the air that falls right back into a push-up. Repeated over and over again.

What in the hell?

I have the upper body strength of a jellyfish. I can do cardio all day long, but push-ups are not my jam.

“Everyone got it?” she asks.

A symphony of mumbled affirmations rises.

“I’m gonna need doughnuts and a mocha after this,” Jena gripes.

“I’m gonna need a freaking massage,” Taeli adds.

“Come on, guys. Just keep repeatingwedding dressto yourselves,” Brandee encourages.

“My wedding dress is packed away safely in the attic, and I’m never going to squeeze my ass into that thing again,” Erin says.

“Not you. Ansley and Taeli,” Brandee clarifies.

“That’s right, and you’ll be in a bridesmaid dress for both,” Ansley points out.

“Eh, I don’t want to outshine the brides,” Erin says.

Loud clapping fills the room, and we all look back at Allie.

“If you guys are finished with the little gabfest, the rest of the class would like to get started.”

“Bring it, Barbie,” Erin shouts.

“Okay. Let’s pair up. One of you does your twenty-five while your partner counts you down. Then, switch. Anna, I’ll be your partner since you’re a newbie.”

Great.