bradley

 

 

Bradley groaned as he pushed the bar up above his head with all his strength; he’d been working out hard lately, putting in extra hours at the gym. Now that his exams were over, he had nothing to distract him from the thoughts that haunted him every waking moment, as well as his dreams, from which he couldn’t escape.

Thoughts of Victoria and her sweet smile, and the way her one eyebrow would shoot up whenever he was out of line or acting stupid. Not to mention memories of the way their bodies moved and fit together so perfectly.

His heart raced as he thought about how he had possessed her, and he found it maddening and infuriating that she was gone. It was his own fault, though, and he knew it. And now it was too late.

“Hey, buddy, thought I’d find you here,” said a familiar voice.

Bradley glanced up and saw Roman’s smiling face looking back at him. He would have preferred to be alone, but if someone had to keep him company right then, he’d pick Roman any day of the week. Besides, it was nice to have someone to keep his mind off Victoria.

“Hey, how you doin’?” he asked, starting his next set with a grunt. A single bead of sweat tickled his skin as it rolled down his flexed chest.

“Not bad, not bad. It’s been a while since we hung out, you know,” he said as he got in position above Bradley to spot him. “Guess things must be going great with your girlfriend…errr, lady friend.”

Bradley shot him a look. “Actually, it’s done. We broke up.”

“Really? Sorry, man. You win some, you lose some, right?”

“Yeah, something like that. It doesn’t matter. Onto the next.” He knew he was being an ass, but what was he gonna do, whine like a little girl? No, he was tough, he could take it like a man and move on. He wasn’t gonna cry for any woman. He was hoping Roman would drop it, but no such luck.

“What happened anyways? I know I’m being a nosy fucker, but you were really into that girl. I think it was the first time I saw you like that.”

Damn, Bradley thought as he considered whether to share it all. What the fuck, why not, he thought.

“Her father came by my place, practically knocked the door down, and threatened me. Said if I don’t forget about, her he’ll ruin my career before it begins.”

Roman shook his head. “Are you for real? What an ass. What did you say?”

“I told him it was impossible and kept seeing her for a few days.” He paused, as if not wanting to recall the incident. “But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that he was right. It was for her own good.” He noticed Roman’s bewildered expression. “Not that I’m such a bad guy. I know I’m not. But she’s a professional, and has an image to maintain – it really might ruin her if people found out. It killed me inside to let her go, but it had to be done; there was no other choice. It was for her own good,” he repeated. Fuck, he thought. It was really the last thing he wanted to do, but there was no turning back.

“Aw, man. You didn’t have to do that. Her old man is a prick for sure, but he would’ve gotten over it once he got to know you, I’m sure.”

Bradley shook his head. “Nah, it’s not just about him. I didn’t want to ruin her. Maybe if we’d met in a different time and place, it would’ve ended differently. But this is real life, and the reality of it is that we’re in much different places; she deserves better.”

“Dude, you’re nuts. I could tell you love the girl. Where are your balls? This isn’t the Bradley I know! Don’t forget what’s important,” he said, placing his hand over his heart. “It’s love, and family. You couldn’t live without each other. I know this sounds cheesy as fuck, man, but the spark is gone out of you. It’s like your soul is gone. You’re just a body, a shell, empty. Nah, man, you’ve gotta do something about this.”

“It is what it is. I’m sure she’s moved on. She hardly looks at me at our meetings. So just drop it.” Bradley got up and headed for the racks to get some new weights. To his relief, Roman took the not so subtle hint and was quietly doing his own sets.

Bradley flexed his pecs and checked himself out in the mirror. Roman couldn’t be right, could he? Was it possible that there was a chance? The storm in his mind strengthened in intensity, until he could hear and see nothing but her.