Saturdays (Challenge) Read online

  Perhaps agreeing to this challenge had been the best thing she could do in her life, at this moment in time. Myla knew her team needed her, and more than likely they would struggle to meet the step challenge each week, with Myla pulling in extra steps for everyone. She of course was the most athletic, though some of the women did workout at least a few days a week and others took walks during lunch.

  After discarding her bag in the hall, she drank a glass of water and then returned to the walkway in front of her condo. Before taking off down the sidewalk, she tapped her bracelet once more and checked her steps. Again, Myla thought of Summer and knew that when she returned to her condo, she would look her up online. Myla still thought she was incredibly attractive, more so now that she had grown into a beautiful woman, and those curls… though her hair was short now… had always been Myla’s downfall.

  Today her short curly blond hair was ruffled a bit giving her a very sexy look. She was fit, likely working out regularly, and her smile was perfect. Yes, maybe this challenge was the best thing she could have done.

  ****

  The first week of the challenge Summer easily met her steps, usually with 5000 or 6,000 more than required. Her normal routine was rigorous, whether she was walking to work, playing basketball at the gym or taking the five flights of stairs to her office floor.

  Summer sent text reminders to all of her teammates three times a day, telling them to go take a walk around the building or to just get up and go to the bathroom, which made some of them chuckle. She checked the computer every afternoon to be sure that they were meeting their steps and logging on, even on the weekend.

  None of her teammates wanted to disappoint her, so they diligently did as requested. Besides, this gave them an excuse to leave the office for a few minutes, or half an hour as she suggested. Currently their workload was at maximum capacity, but she frequently told them not to worry. If they could free their mind with exercise they would be fresh to come up with new ideas, a concept that had worked for her on most occasions.

  All eight teams had signed on every day, and each team had met their step challenge for the week, some with many more steps than others, though that was to be expected. No teams had been disqualified this week. She was competitive, but glad that they were taking it serious. Summer scrolled down the screen to find Myla’s team and then clicked on the link to view their daily steps. A huge smile crossed her face when she noted that Myla was logging over 15,000 steps a day on average, with some days hitting 20,000 steps.

  Summer wondered what she did for exercise, and if maybe in the future they could do it together. “What is that big smile for?” Taryn said standing in the doorway.

  “How come no one ever knocks around here?” Summer responded, not looking up from the computer.

  “When you leave your door open you make yourself fair game for intrusions,” Taryn retorted.

  “Fair enough. What do you have for me?”

  “So you’re not going to tell me what has made you smile?” When Summer smiled wickedly at her assistant, Taryn continued. “Here are the folders for the Coffee Bean account and Swanson. I gathered all of the required initial information for assessment, and both would like to meet with you by the end of the week.”

  “Can you get Donna Thomas on the phone? I already know that we’ll take the Coffee Bean account. See if you can fit her in on Wednesday or Thursday.”

  Taryn nodded and made a note on her tablet. “And Swanson?”

  “I don’t like him. Please have Eddie call him and let him know that we will not be able to take them on as a client.” Summer had always made Eddie handle the clients that gave her grief. She didn’t want to ruin her own business because of a hot head, hence she and Eddie had agreed long ago that he would handle the client end of things.

  Summer knew all about Swanson’s business and how the employees were not even given basic health insurance. Through the grapevine, she had also heard some nasty rumors about someone being let go for their sexual orientation, though it was done mostly under the guise of needing cutbacks and the last hired was the first to go. With a little more inquiry, she was able to discover that Mr. Swanson was a complete homophobe and chauvinist.

  “Please close the door on your way out,” Summer said smiling. She was on a mission and was hoping that Myla would take the bait. She returned her screen to the Waverly Gym Challenge and clicked on Myla’s name. Because she was the team leader, all of her information was provided for the other leaders to see.

  She copied and pasted Myla’s email address into the mail pop up and began typing a short note. “Would you like to make this challenge more interesting? Meet for one on one basketball on Wednesday night?” She signed it Winter Stevens, a name that she was frequently called in high school for her cold demeanor. After clicking send, she opened the folder that Taryn had given her to begin her day.

  Just minutes later, a notification popped up in the bottom right corner of her computer that a message had been received from Myla Allen. “What does the winner get?”

  Summer smiled and took a chance that Myla would agree to the terms. “Twenty-one and loser buys the winner dinner.”

  Myla shook her head wondering what Summer’s angle was. Was she asking her on a date or was she just being competitive? Either way, she couldn’t help but be curious about the adult Summer Stevens. If she turned out to be an ass, than no harm no fowl. Myla hadn’t been attracted to anyone in such a way since Linda, and her childhood crush obviously had not diminished for the hot Ms. Stevens. Then again, maybe it was just Summer needing some competition to stay interested in the challenge.

  “I can make it by 6:00 p.m.” Myla responded.

  “Perfect. And Myla… Thank you.” With that, Summer signed off to get something else accomplished.

  Myla was stunned and wondered what Summer was thanking her for. No. Thank you, Ms. Stevens.

  ****

  The following week with her type A personality kicking in, Summer was 10 minutes early. She didn’t want to be late to her own invitation. She needed to make a good impression, knowing she may only have one shot – if Myla’s curt response two weeks ago was any indication of how things would trend.

  She changed quickly into her red gym shorts and black sleeveless t-shirt. After tying her shoes, she grabbed the basketball and headed to the court. Even before she pushed the door open, she could hear the sound of a basketball moving down the court followed by whistling and chanting. Summer smiled wide when she discovered that it was Myla. “Of course,” she said, loud enough for Myla to hear.

  Myla grinned and greeted her with a wave. “Hi Stevens. Ready to buy me dinner? I have this nice little Italian restaurant in mind.”

  Summer shook her head smiling at the trash talk that had already begun. She could handle it, and give back a little more. In her younger days, she would have gotten angry, but now at 36, she liked the playfulness and welcomed the challenge. “I’m ready to eat,” Summer responded, “but we’ll see where later.”

  Myla nodded her head and threw the ball back to the side of the gym where she had found it, 20 minutes earlier. It had been a year or so since she played one on one, and wanted to get a kick start before meeting Summer, whom she guessed was still an avid player. “Ready?”

  Summer threw her the ball as Myla moved to the middle of the court. After the first few shots, both were loosened up and performing moves that were aimed to impress the other. All was running smoothly with just light trash talk as Myla ran at Summer dribbling hard, then made some quick stutter steps to fake out her opponent, causing Summer to fall away from the fake while Myla threw a jump shot.

  Myla retrieved the ball and put it on the ground in front of Summer, then held out her hand to help her up.

  “Nice shot. You obviously haven’t lost your skills,” Summer said looking up at Myla who was grinning from ear to ear.

  “After college I continued playing in a league with my girlfriend and some of my old teammates.”

>   “Oh,” Summer responded. She guessed that this was Myla’s way of telling her that she was in a relationship. Summer nodded her head. She stared at Myla for a moment before kicking the ball out from under her foot. “Come on, show me what else you have.”

  Myla saw a flutter of disappointment cross Summer’s face as she helped her to her feet. They moved to the middle of the court again and before Myla could respond, still in her own head, Summer spun around, driving past Myla towards the basket. When Summer was within shooting distance, she squared up with the net, her body low and knees flexed, allowing the ball to roll off her right hand straight into the net.

  Myla retrieved the rebound and smiled. “Nice. Six to seven. My ball Stevens, you got lucky that time.”

  Summer laughed and watched Myla return to half court while shaking her head. To win the second game, Summer shot the ball from the outside earning her three points to make 21.

  “That was fun. I expected you to give me a lot more trash talk. You’re slipping,” Myla said, giving Summer an appreciative nod.

  “No, you’re too good. I don’t want to dish it out just to have you beat me. And just so you know, I’d like to do this again. I like playing against you too. Maybe you can show me that trick you did under the net next time.”

  “You want to do it again?” Myla asked hoping she heard her right.

  “As long as your girlfriend doesn’t mind.” Summer raised her eyebrows in question, wondering how long she had been in a relationship.

  “Girlfriend? I don’t have a girlfriend.” Myla said with her brows furrowed.

  “You said that you played basketball with your girlfriend and some of your old college teammates,” Summer reiterated.

  Myla looked into Summer’s eyes as she pushed a strand of her hair away from her face, tucking it behind her right ear. “Linda passed away five years ago. A drunk driver flipped her car. Thankfully she died instantly.”

  “God Myla, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up old memories.” Summer placed her hand on Myla’s arm and gave it a light squeeze.

  Myla felt a light serge of warmth where Summer touched her skin. “I’m okay,” Myla said. “She was the love of my life, but I’ve had time to come to terms with it. The first year was rough of course, which is why I moved back to DC. I needed a change of scenery before I let it consume me. It was a good move on my part. It allowed me to spend time with my mother and grandmother before…” Myla looked up into Summer’s concerned blue eyes. Tears sat at the corners of her own, and instantly she felt like a rug was being pulled out from under her.

  Summer wasn’t sure what to do, but instincts told her she wouldn’t regret giving Myla support. She pulled her into her arms and hugged her until Myla nodded her head and said thank you. “God, I’m a mess. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” Summer whispered not knowing what else she could say. Of course she had lost people in her life, but not a woman whom she had given herself to completely.

  “No, you don’t understand. My grandmother passed away just a few weeks ago, and everything is still so raw.” Myla shook her head and pulled herself together. “I’m sorry I was snippy with you at the company meeting. My mother and I had just taken her clothes to Good Will that morning and you threw me for a loop.”

  “Hey, it was nothing. I wouldn’t have been surprised if you had told me to go to hell. Anyway…” Summer drawled out. “Why don’t we go Dutch tonight since it’s our first time back on the court together?”

  “No way. I’m going to wipe the court with your butt next time and will expect a nice dinner. Tonight I pay. Fair is fair,” Myla said, trying to lighten the mood.

  Summer put her hands up in surrender and backed up just a step. “Okay, but shower first.”

  Myla liked the easy way that Summer made her smile. “You go ahead. I’ll be in there in a second. I need to log onto the computer and make sure my team is being responsible.”

  “Okay, but don’t take too long, I’m hungry,” Summer teased, thinking Myla may need a moment to pull herself together. She was enjoying their banter, and although she was given the horrible news about Myla’s girlfriend, she still felt foolishly happy that Myla might give her a chance at more than friendship.

  Myla watched as Summer sauntered out of the gym. There was no way that she could take a shower anywhere near the tall muscled woman. She would be far too tempted to slip into the shower with her.

  Myla went to the computer quickly and logged on, checking her steps for the day. After syncing her bracelet again, she checked Summer’s last sync of her Fitbit at 4:00 p.m. Before playing basketball Summer had already logged over 12,000 steps. She nodded her head smiling and then signed off.

  By the time Myla entered the locker room, Summer was showered and dressed in a pair of loose khaki shorts, a tight fitting zip down hoodie with a white tank top underneath. She was stunning to say the least, and Myla was relieved that she was already dressed. Myla didn’t know what she would have done if Summer was still naked.

  “Hi. What happened to you? My stomach is growling.”

  “Ahh. Poor baby,” Myla teased. “Give me five minutes and I’ll be ready.”

  “Sure thing,” Summer said standing there watching Myla. When Myla didn’t budge, she realized her mistake. “I’ll just be outside,” she quickly said, her neck and body heating as she retreated from the warm locker room.

  Ten minutes later, Myla found Summer sitting on the bench outside the locker room, gulping down a bottle of water. “Hey you. Ready to feed the beast.”

  Summer looked up to see Myla wearing a purple and white printed yoga top and skirt to match. She raised her eyes to Myla’s, realizing the brunette was waiting for a response. “You look nice.”

  “Are you trying to make me feel better since I have to buy?”

  “No, not at all. I think you would look good in a garbage bag. But this, this is very nice,” she said feeling the hem of Myla’s skirt. “How do you still look so athletic, but dressed up?”

  Myla blushed from the compliment and lifted her skirt just an inch to show off the attached mesh boy shorts underneath. “It’s made to go from trail to office,” Myla said grinning.

  “I like it. You look sexy as hell.” Summer felt silly, but couldn’t think of any better words to say. Myla deserved to be complimented, frequently.

  Myla tilted her head slightly wondering if Summer was being sincere. Summer was charming AND flattering, and her appraisal made Myla feel very attractive. “Thank you.” You look hot with your wet curly hair and tight tank top. So hot.

  Summer chuckled seeing the discomfort in her eyes as she stood and took Myla’s bag from her arm. “Ready?”

  Myla just nodded and watched Summer from behind as she lead the way out of the gym. When they reached the parking lot Myla looked to Summer to make the decision of whether they would follow one another to the restaurant or just take one car. “Care to walk?”

  Myla nodded her head in approval. “Let me put this in the trunk.”

  They met at the sidewalk and Myla fell into step with Summer, finding that they had similar strides. “Okay, tell me. Why are you being so charming?”

  Summer bumped into Myla causing her to take a side step. “I need to apologize to you.”

  “For what? What have you done?” Myla raised her eyebrows, but smiled nonetheless.

  “I want to apologize for my behavior in high school. I was an ass and I didn’t treat you very well. Really I didn’t treat anyone very well, but you especially.”

  “Me especially?” She said with surprise, putting her hand on her chest.

  “You were always so nice… and perfect. It didn’t matter if you won or lost. And…” Summer scrubbed her hands over her face, embarrassed that it took a broken heart to teach her a hard lesson. She was so cocky when she entered college, but it wasn’t too long before her first girlfriend set her straight, cheating on her with another woman on the basketball team. She was stupid enough to think that th
ey were exclusive, but soon realized that Gena was playing her and another freshman on the team. This sent her into a tailspin causing her to shut down for the remainder of the semester.

  “And?” Myla continued walking giving Summer time to speak. She looked straight ahead not wanting to make her uncomfortable.

  “I thought you were attractive and was still trying to figure out my feelings for girls. Anyway, I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve my behavior.”

  “Hey. That’s in the past. We were all immature in high school. We thought we were immortal and could conquer the world.”

  “Regardless, I was horrible to you and I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I hope we can be friends?”

  “I’d like that, very much.”

  One block later they entered the burger joint and both ordered a draft beer with their meal. When the waitress left to retrieve their drinks and put their order in to the kitchen, there was a comfortable silence between them as they decompressed from the day. Minutes later when the waitress returned, they continued an earlier conversation.

  “So, tell me about your business. From what I can tell, you and your employees are very close.”

  “It’s a small graphic design firm. My friend Eddie and I started it six years ago when we branched off from another company. They were laying people off left and right, and we decided to get out with some of the released employees before we were released too. I own it, but technically we’ve all worked hard to make it successful.” Summer paused, watching Myla’s fingers trace the top of the glass, then wiping sweat from the sides. She had manicured nails and long fingers that were clearly strong. She only wore one ring, on her right ring finger, and nothing on the left.

  When Summer looked up, Myla was watching her. “How about you? Are you close with the people you work with?” Summer said finishing her beer and raising her hand to the waitress for another. “Would you like another drink?”