Ch 17: Boxing Beauty

Luke met me in the workout studio after changing into grey sweatpants and a tight black Nike workout shirt that accentuated his bulging chest muscles. He was already getting slimmer, yet maintaining his strong build. But thanks to Lyle’s comments, I planned a scorching workout for the both of us.
I started by having Luke complete a circuit of punches and kicks on a large hanging boxing bag, some jump rope, box jumps, and finally rope slams. Luke kicked and punched while I jumped and slammed. We alternated between exercises without much discussion until we were both soaked with sweat and needed a break.
“You’re really nailing it today,” Luke huffed.
“Yeah, well. Got to get you looking good.”
I got to the floor and positioned myself in a plank to work on my core. Luke breathed a heavy sigh and planked beside me.
“Don’t listen to Lyle. He knows fashion and not much else.” Luke grunted a little, looking as though he was about to collapse.
I held my body upright in the plank, drawing on my irritation to stay steady. “You’re not the only one whose body was plastered on the internet for everyone to see.”
Luke dropped down, while I stayed up in the plank. “I said I’m sorry about that.” I dropped to my knees.
“I know my body’s not perfect, I’m working really hard at it.” I stood up and stopped talking, my head down. I knew if I continued I’d say too much, maybe something I’d regret.
“Hey,” Luke said, standing up and trying to look in my eyes. “I know how it is.” I picked up some boxing gloves, put them on, and handed Luke a pair of padded mitts to hold while I threw punches at them. I jabbed and hooked, as Luke took the blows with the mitts.
“No, you don’t know how it is.” I landed a cross that made Luke take a step back. “You’re Luke Mulligan, the famous movie star who everyone thinks is so hot. You have no idea how it is for someone like me, struggling with my weight.” I threw a combination cross, uppercut.
“OK, OK,” Luke put the mitts down, but I hadn’t noticed and threw one more forceful cross which landed hard on Luke’s chest. “Ow,” he groaned.
“Sorry,” I said. I threw off the gloves and came over to Luke who was bent over. “Are you OK?”
“You hit hard.”
“Yeah, you don’t need to remind me, tough man hands here,” I said. Luke stood up, seemingly fine.
“I’m sorry. I guess I deserved that. Sometimes I … well, I guess maybe some of Lyle has rubbed off on me. The truth is I took my last role because I want to be more than just an action hero. I was attracted to the role not only because I had to gain weight to play the character, but also because I could show I have acting chops. You aren’t the only one who’s insecure sometimes.”
“Really? What are you insecure about?” I asked.
“What if everyone thinks I stink? I want the film to be successful, sure, but I hope my performance touches people. It’s such a good story. That’s why I’ve been so fixated on looking good. I need the buzz about the film to be positive.” He sat down on the weight bench.
I chuckled. “You’re a great actor. You have more to offer than a good body.”
“I’m glad you think so.” I sat down next to him, taking a sip from my water bottle.
“Who cares about the red carpet?”
“If I don’t look good now, I’m afraid no one will go see the movie.” I looked at Luke. I hadn’t considered that Luke had hang ups too. “Of course, I already told you why I accepted my next role in memory of my sister. It just so happens that I also have to be shirtless for a lot of it so…”
I realized that Luke could be insecure, just like I’d been. I needed him to understand, though, how much the paparazzi and Lyle’s comments hurt.
“I told you how my dad died, right? But after that, I put on a bunch of weight. Grief eating, I guess they call it. I was vulnerable.” Luke nodded in understanding. “It takes a lot longer to take off the weight than put it on,” I said.
“Stella, I think you’re beautiful.” I smiled at Luke. Cute. Beautiful. What more could I want?
“Where is he?” I heard a shrill woman’s voice ask before I could say something in return to Luke’s compliment. Luke stood up as if caught hiding something naughty from a strict teacher.
“Back there,” I heard Lyle instruct.
“Oh there you are,” said Gina as she popped her head in the workout studio. She entered and twirled around in a glittery pale pink gown that looked custom made for her slender frame. “How do I look? I don’t think this one is quite right,” she said tugging it a bit at the hips. She walked up to Luke who kissed her on the cheek. “Lyle has a cool red one with a cape I’m going to try next.” She spun around. “Come see.” She walked out and down the hall.
My anger returned. Not only were Luke and I having another heart to heart, he had just called me beautiful. And of course, the moment was ruined by Luke’s goddess of a girlfriend.
“I better go.” I shoved my water bottle back in my bag and tried to hurry out when Luke stopped me.
“Hold on. I have something for you.” He handed me a small box. In my haste, to leave, I put it in my bag with the water without opening it.
“Bye,” I called as I almost jogged down the hall. I wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. I definitely didn’t want to see Gina looking gorgeous.
What had Luke given me? It wasn’t until I was back in my car, that I realized how much I was falling for him.