It was the crack of dawn. Well a little later than dawn. The gym didn’t open that early. But the five of them were regulars at this point. Owen knew the owner personally and got them a reduced rate on being able to use the service. It was a train ride and some change away but they used the run over as a warm up to the real exercise.
The gym wasn’t really run down but it was definitely old. It had a style of worn down instead of actual disrepair or neglect. Though the sign on the top of the gym was simple. Just the name ‘Marcus’. That part could use a little touching up on. But Owen loved the place, it was almost a second home.
The key to the place was hidden under an old urn in the grass. Marcus talked about getting a new lock for the place but every weekend Own came byit was never changed or updated. Marcus was kind of like a luddite in that regard.
Owen shoved open the door and then turned on the light. The weights were in one corner and bags hanging were from the ceiling across from them. In the center there was a big ring opposite that. An office sat in the other corner but the blinds were closed and the lights were off.
Looking around to face everyone Owen put his fists on his hips. He was wearing a tank top and shorts, a thin layer of sweat on his forehead. “Alright! Let’s go to work! What are you guys doing first?”
“The weights for me,” Bale said rubbing his arms. “I think I can make it past 170 this time.”
“That’s what I’m talking about dude!” Jeff pumped his fists. “Push the limit! Go beyond!”
Bale gave him a dry look, “How are you this excited so early.”
“The power of youth buddy.”
“You’re in your late 30s Jeff,” Seth said looking at him tossing his bag across the gym. “And with kids.”
“Let me tell you a secret,” he folded his arms. “The key to the kids part is being more active than they can handle. And I’m great at that.”
Bale stared at him and sighed before looking back at Marco. “He’s been married for a while. I still don’t know how he does it. Even now.”
“It’s my charm,” he smoothed his fingers through his nonexistent hair. “And handsome good looks. Can’t forget that.”
Marco chuckled, “I think I’m just going to practice at a punching bag. I feel like I’ve been getting out of shape with it.”
“Even after all the after work exercise we get?” Seth asked.
“Yeah. I don’t get to use my hands anymore. Not physically at least,” he chuckled.
“Well me and the kid don’t get that luxury,” Seth shook his head. “Speaking of. Let’s go kid. Me and you in the ring.”
“What?” Owen blinked entirely shocked. He had planned on doing simple arm weights. Keeping it easy.
Seth shook his head, “Come on when’s the last time we got a chance to go a few rounds.”
“Uhh.”
“Exactly. Come on. Where are the gloves at?”
Owen sighed but eventually smiled, “Follow me. They’re over here.”
Marco watched them go and then looked over at Jeff and Bale, “You okay Marco?”
Blinking quickly, he glanced at him, “Yeah why?”
“Dunno. You just look drained.”
He smiled and lowered his head, “Yeah I’m good. Just haven’t been sleeping well.”
“Because of what we talked about?” Bale asked.
Marco made a face but finally smiled, “Something like that. Things haven’t exactly gotten better. But we just need time. It’ll be okay.” Eager to move off of this line of thought he looked over at Jeff. “Maybe I should have them come to the gym with me. Jack’s an early bird but I know Sarah tries to go at night.”
“Couldn’t hurt,” Bale replied.
“My wife has beat me up a few times and it improved her mood a ton,” Jeff flashed a pained grin.
Marco laughed, “How do you know Bale?”
“Me and this big lug go way back,” Jeff said flashing a grin. “I met him in college. We used to work at the same job actually. A few years ago. But I had to switch jobs because of the family thing. So we ended up seeing less of each other but we kept in touch. How about you?”
“Just coworkers. He was my mentor for the first few months of the job and is my go to guy whenever I need help,” Marco smiled.
“You didn’t need me around that much. You had it more than handled in the first two weeks,” Bale said as he loaded up the bench press. Nothing too heavy. Just another warm up. Laying down underneath it he grabbed it with both hands and grunted as he lifted. “But the real question,” he grunted. “Is how do you know Owen?”
Marco glanced at the ring and saw both Seth and Owen wearing head gear and gloves on both hands. “We met through our friend, well Seth’s girlfriend, Kat. They go to classes together. He’s a cool kid.”
“Yeah he is. We met him at the gym and thought he was the most awkward bean I’ve ever met,” Jeff laughed shaking his head. “But I took him under my wing and now he’s a slightly less awkward bean.”
Marco laughed watching the ring. Watching Seth and Owen go at it. No animosity, no powers. Just good old fashioned punching your teammate. As they moved he could see them breaking into grins back and forth. He heard Seth talking shit to him but heard Owen dishing it back.
Marco laughed, “Yeah. He’s a good kid.”
The Harlequin Library 