Wake Me Up

James woke up the next morning and headed downstairs to get some breakfast before going to the gym. Michael and Drew were already up and had bowls of Cheerios in front of them. James grabbed a bowl and joined in the Cheerio-fest. They all ate in silence, still tired and maybe a bit hungover from the night before. "Where's that chick?" James asked Drew, recalling the girl that had sat in Drew's lap the whole night. "Not worth it. Too needy even before we talked about getting naked." James just shook his head. He never understood the appeal in girls like that. James finished up, grabbed his keys and wallet, and said, "You ready?" Both Michael and Drew stood, placed empty bowls in the sink, and followed James to the garage.

James got behind the wheel, Michael took his place in the shot gun seat, and Drew got in the back. James doesn't drive his "baby" to the gym, just sticks with the SUV.

The drive to the gym only takes about 10 minutes and before any of them wanted it, they were gearing up for another grueling workout. James was pushing into his second warm-up mile when he heard a familiar voice from behind. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Meredith standing next to Michael and Drew. They were chatting it up. Then Meredith excused herself and took her place on the treadmill next to James'. "Finally gave in," Meredith said to a staring James. "Only could stay away from the sweatshop for a week." James grinned. "It can have that effect. So that's why I haven't seen you around before?"

"That, or maybe I prefered the yoga class where I could just look and not touch." Meredith smiled slyly at a now crimson James. "Mm..well I'm glad I can look now, or just know to look." James looked downward. Usually he was a lot better at the flirting game, but something about her screwed with his head. Michael interrupted James' concerns with, "Are you gonna join us, Nealer?"

"Uh, yeah, of course." James bumbled and slowed to a stop on the treadmill. "See you?" He asked Meredith hopefully. "Of course," she smiled and placed earbuds into her ears.

If James thought knowing Meredith was here was distracting enough, seeing her sweat and exert her body's energy till she was lying on her back, on the floor, waiting for normal breaths to return, sent him over the edge.

After the long workout, James took a shower. As he was heading out, James saw Meredith in the lobby. He waited a moment. His excuse would be that he's "waiting for Doughty and DZ". Meredith turned from the receptionist, and saw James. Her heart fluttered a little in her chest. He had looked so good working out, Meredith had to concentrate so hard on not staring. "Hey there," she smiled. "Hey, so how was the first day back?" James asked. "I'm a little sore, but not too bad." Meredith answered honestly, her calves were on fire. "You need a massage." James said. "No," Meredith rolled her shoulders. "I can't stand the thought of people I don't know touching me. Just, ew."

James chuckled. "I don't mind it."
"Well, you're a pro. You have to be used to all that." Meredith retorted. "Yeah, I guess you're right." James looked over his shoulder and saw DZ and Doughty coming towards them. "Hey guys," Meredith said. "Hey, Mere," Michael said like they were old friends. "We're actually going out to eat, you wanna come?" Meredith looked at James, "Sure, if you don't mind." "He doesn't." Michael answered for James.

The group walked out to the parking lot. "So, I'll go with Meredith to give directions and Doughty can finally ride shot gun." Michael laughed. "Ok," James said. "Just make sure you don't 'accidentally give her wrong directions'." "Why would I do that?" Michael sounded offended, but winked at Meredith. "Let's go," Meredith tugged on Michael's sleeve. "I'm hungry!"

They all met back up at a small café in the pleasant downtown setting of Whitby. Meredith looked to die for in a pair of white shorts and a black, racer back tank. After ordering their food, they sat outside and talked for a while. "So baseball or basketball?" Michael asked Meredith, leaning in.

"Mmm, I prefer pucks." Meredith smiled.

Michael exchanged looks with James and Drew, "I think this girl is a keeper!"

Notes