Page 94 of Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming

BRIDGET & SILAS

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BRIDGET

Bridget’s friends think too highly of her. It’s been two weeks since the dinner hosted by Kofi and Suchi. The wedding is next month, and she still hasn’t worked up the nerve to talk to “hot gym guy.” It’s why Lyric is with her at the gym today.

“Alright, so where is this gym god?” Lyric looks around CBS—Chambers Body Sculpting—for Bridget’s crush.

“That’s him,” Bridget mumbles and barely points her finger.

“You want to try that again?”

“White T-shirt, gray cotton shorts, standing in front of the mirror doing deadlifts.”

Lyric looks around and spots him. “Bridget, he is fine. After he’s done working out, you should talk to him.”

“He usually grabs a smoothie from the juice bar before he leaves.”

“Perfect. Get in front of him and buy his smoothie and yours. Next thing you know, the two of you are talking, and then you ask him out.”

“I have to buy him something to ask him out?”

“Do you have any other ideas? It’s thoughtful and will get his attention. Now, go talk to him. He’s getting in line.”

“He is. Damnit, he usually showers before he leaves.”

“And you know this, how?” Lyric asks.

Bridget squints at Lyric causing Lyric to smirk at Bridget’s faux offense.

“Hush. I know because he typically goes to the men’s shower room/locker room and comes out in different clothes.”

“You stare at him a lot, don’t you?” Lyric shakes her head slightly.

Bridget rolls her eyes. “Not a lot, a lot, but c’mon, you said it yourself. He’s fine.”

“Go get him, Bridge.” Lyric says the line that has become a motto of sorts for Bridget and her friends. It’s been used to encourage her to approach hot gym guy. It hasn’t worked yet. May today be the day.

Bridget approaches the line. She says a quick prayer, thanking God that no one is standing behind him.

Fuck me.Even covered in sweat, he smells amazing.Would it be weird if I reached out and touched his bicep?Yes, yes, it would.Why did I even think that?

Bridget moves her attention to his muscular back. His white T-shirt clings to him. He scratches the thin layer of facial hair on his chin. He must feel her eyes on him because he turns around, and she bows her head, looking at the floor. Her phone buzzes, and she takes it out of the pocket of her yoga pants.

Lyric

Stop looking at the floor! He’s looking at you. Look up!!!!

Bridget looks up, and sure enough, he’s looking at her. He smiles and she stares with her mouth open. He is even more enticing up close. Her phone buzzes again.

Lyric

Say something. Say hi, my name is Bridget!

Bridget—eventually—smiles back. The person behind the counter says something that steals his attention. He winks at Bridget, then pays for his drink. She barely remembers ordering and paying for hers. She stands next to him and waits. He’s now looking at his phone and smiling at it. Bridget sees an adorable chubby-cheeked cutie sitting on a beautiful woman’s lap, smiling. Her phone buzzes yet again.

Lyric