No pain no gain

“Working at the gym is relaxing? I can’t say I’ve ever been to the gym and felt relaxed. But, then again, I don’t remember the last time I went to the gym. So, maybe it’s changed.” Harrison chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. “I wouldn’t say I’m number one, not by a long shot. I’m just out here trying to do my best.” He knew there were ways that he could be better, and he worked on that every day. “That’s great! I’m glad to hear it. People are gonna start thinking you’ve been living here your whole life soon, just you wait.”

“It does feel relaxing and yes, i’ll admit, rewarding because when people ask you for your help and opinions on things to help them, it just makes me feel like i’m doing something nice. I think you should get a membership and try to make time to go.” He encouraged with a friendly smile. “Well i’m sure your kids appreciate it.” Robert nodded his head, “I know. It’s exciting. It’s also all thanks to you.”

“You and me both. They’re not fun, let me tell you.” In all honesty, Harrison was pretty used to them, he’d had plenty of them and he knew he was bound to have plenty more. “They’re definitely hard work, that’s for sure. Hudson is a good kid, but he’s got a lot of energy. I love him to death though.” He let out a laugh. “But, anyway, how’re you doing, dude? You figuring your way around the city yet?”

“I can imagine. I’m lucky my job is kinda relaxed compared to most. On top of adding a family to a job would be too much for me.” He shook his head. “Oh yeah of course. But I bet you are like the world’s number one dad or something like that.” He chuckled. “I’m doing good. Surprising yes, I know where places are now. It’s all thanks to you and your good luck directions rubbing off on me.”

“Why wouldn’t I? It’s a part of who I am. I like being the best and when I’m not the best, I get really angry at myself,” she nodded, pushing her lips to the side. Hearing the compliments made the redhead pause. It really wasn’t anything she was used to and it wasn’t like she didn’t get compliments, but she never really knew how to accept them or take them. Or if they had another motive beside just giving a compliment. “Thank you. There’s one on the corner. They know me pretty well there.”

“If it’s any help, I do think you wanting to be the best is a good thing.” He thought it was actually really nice that a journalist could be so dedicated to the job. “Then let’s head over there? Do you have any specific coffee you like or you just get whatever each time?”

“It’s just been one of those weeks where so much has been going on and everything just blurs into one endless day.” Harrison explained, looking up at Robert. “Well, Monday isn’t Wednesday, so that’s gotta count for something, right?” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Tell me something, you got kids? If you don’t, or if you ever plan on having them, make the most of the sleep you get before they come along. Between work and being woken up at five in the morning, it’s tough.”

Shrugging a bit, the man added, “It does count for something. I also hope your blurry endless day ends soon so you can get back to those normal days.” He thought that must be one hard day, or few days. “I don’t think I want kids ever. If they’re the reason as well as work that you’re having these blurry days, I applaud you.”

“Oh, definitely. And I’m sure it helped me get my job. It did kick my ass though. I almost forgot what socializing was,” a smile formed on her face in thought. It may have been the one good thing her biological parents gave her. At least that’s what she guessed, anyway. “Now you’re just being sweet.”

“You put in that much work? I’m impressed. I don’t think I could ever do that.” He shook his head. “I’m serious. You’re very beautiful and to buy you a coffee would be my pleasure. Where’s the nearest cafe anyway?”

“If I did worse, then I’m pretty sure my family wouldn’t be happy. My parents were very strict when it came to school,” she nodded, pushing her lips to the side. Granted, she was just as strict when it came to her schooling, but she definitely knew that her parents expected her to be the best. And that’s what she did. “Don’t feel bad. I’m pretty independent, so I’ll always insist on paying. You would just have to ignore it after time.”

“I can imagine the pressure you were under. Did you feel accomplished when you got that achievement though?” Maybe it was worth having strict parents, he thought. “Well maybe I want to treat a pretty lady like yourself for some coffee. I’ll probably always offer first then.”

Pip looked down to her tennis shoes and she put a hand over her heart seeing that one of her shoes was indeed untied. “Oh, thanks. I really don’t want to get scraped up before my audition in a week.”

“Anytime.” He then paused before saying, “I hate to pry, but what’s the audition for?” Robert was genuinely intrigued and thought it was great, but scary to have to audition.

“It’s possible. Once I start baking, I really don’t stop. It’s a bit of a problem because I don’t really have many people to give it to,” she smiled softly as she ran her hand through her hair as she held the container. “Thank you. It’s probably the one thing I can bake well.”

“Well if you ever run into this problem again, I would love to take the baked goods off your hands. I’d pay of course.” He nodded his head, offering a friendly grin. “What else do you like to bake?”

“Graduated summa cum laude at twenty, so I like to think I did,” a smile formed at her reply. It was one of the things she was proudest of. She took pride in the fact that she had a brain. There really wasn’t much else she could take pride in. At least that’s what she thought. “You sure? How about I pay next time? That’s a deal I can do. I like to think I’m nice, though. At lest for the most part. You seem pretty friendly, yourself.”

“Oh wow you did? That’s quite the accomplishment.” The man was giving props where props were due. Besides, if he graduated the same he would be bragging about it nonstop. “I’m sure. I promise. I couldn’t let you pay. I’d feel bad. Thanks. I try to be. You seem friendly too. It’s great meeting you.”

“Relax you? It wasn’t that great during finals week when I stayed up all night and hoped coffee would help when it did nothing,” she pushed her lips to the side in thought. Energy drinks were her best friend then. “Do you want to get coffee? I’ll buy.”

“You’re right. That would be a big problem. Did you end up doing well?” He arched an eyebrow, soon chuckling. “I’d love to get a coffee, but I really don’t mind paying. You seem really nice.”

“Oh yeah? What do you do for work?” Harrison asked, leaning back in his chair. “Having family around definitely has its advantages, but it comes with a lot of disadvantages, and if you knew my mother at all, you’d understand that completely.” As much as Harrison loved mother, she could be more than slightly neurotic at times. But, she always had the best of intentions. “At least you get to visit when you want though, that’s gotta make things easier.” He nodded. “Yeah, work gets kinda crazy sometimes, there’s not always a lot of time to stop for food. You just gotta take the chance when you can, and if you miss it, then it’s just tough shit.” Harrison waited as the waitress appeared and the food was ordered. “I’m not usually one to turn down a free dessert, but I’ll only have one if you do.”

“I’m a trainer at one of the gyms in town.” He told the other man, soon grinning. “Oh? Wanna elaborate more? Because to me, mothers are everything.” Robert loved his mother so much and that was probably why he had that view, but he was wondering what others thought with their own moms. “I think you’re right. It does make things easier, but I kinda miss it almost too much, you know?” He was just sure it was because it was his first time in a new state alone, without any family though. “Wow, that sounds terrible. I feel bad for the times you miss your lunch.” He shook his head before saying, “Oh i’m definitely going to have one. Order whichever one you want.”

“Coffee is probably the one thing that oddly relaxes me when it should give you energy. I think it does the opposite for me. I feel more relaxed instead of this energizer bunny that people say they become,” she scrunched her face, not sure if she was making sense.

“I was just thinking that because of the caffeine, but if it relaxes you, then that’s a good thing.” The man shrugged. It was not typical, yes, but as long as it helped. “Now I wish coffee had that impact on me.”

“I wouldn’t really know what a peaceful night is,” she sighed as she ran a hand through the red hair. “Coffee is literally a fix for everything, but I’m gonna need at least three expresso shots in order for me to function.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” The man frowned and chewed the bottom of his lip soon after. “On the bright side, coffee is pretty comforting, right?” 

“Oh yeah? And how are you finding it so far? I mean, obviously the place hasn’t sent you running for the hills yet, so it can’t be too bad.” Honestly, it was something Harrison had considered doing when he was younger, just packing up and moving, just to see what it was like. But, as he’d gotten older, he’d only grown more attached to the city where he’d grown up. “There’s always hope, dude. Yeah, Chicago is home, it always will be. All of my family is here, or at least nearby to here. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.” Nodding at the man’s food choice, Harrison gave it another quick moment of thought. “I’m thinking I’m gonna go with a burger and fries. It’s been a long day, and I think I skipped out on lunch.”

“Not too bad at all. In fact, I think I’m really liking it here. There’s nice people, great food, a chill job. I honestly couldn’t ask for anything more.” He nodded as he felt a soft grin form on his face. “I think it’s great that you have all of your family here. I know it was and still kind of is hard for me not having any family here or close by, but I go visit whenever I get the chance.” He shrugged. “That is a really good choice. You skipped out on lunch? I think we need to get you fed as soon as possible.” Tracking down the waitress, the man ordered their food and then turned to the other, “Also feel free to get a dessert or something if you’re still hungry.”

“Yeah man, of course. S’what I’m here for.” So maybe Weston was around for more than just some good Chinese food. In all honesty, despite how good of a cop he was, he could direct you to a better pizza place over anything else, but he had few other talents.

“Well I appreciate it.” He offered a friendly grin to the other man. People here were really nice and Robert was glad for that. Soon he was off to the place around the corner, where he would go to eat.