Free Not His Type by Chamein Canton

today?”
“I’m heading into the city later this morning.”
“Is it business or pleasure? That sounds good. At least
you travel off peak.”
“It’s business,” she lied. However, Melody seemed satisfied with the answer.
“Oh, before I forget, I wanted to ask you if you know
of a good esthetician.”
“I know several. What do you need done?” Cathy
asked.
“A bikini wax. A Brazilian bikini wax.”
“Oh that’s easy. I go to Lana’s Day Spa in the Village.”
“Really? She’s good?”
“Oh yeah. I was there about a week ago.”
“A bikini wax? Are you planning on getting busy with
someone you haven’t told me about?” Melody asked suspiciously
“Just because tourism has fallen off down the Brazilian
way doesn’t mean I shouldn’t keep the streets of Rio clean
and presentable on a moments notice. I do pride myself on
being ready to entertain.” Cathy grinned.
“Girl you know you are too funny.”
“I try.”
“You should get back in the game.”
“I will.”
Melody didn’t look convinced. “You always say that. In
fact, you’ve been saying that for the past two or three years.”
“I know I’m all talk.”
“Your boys are in college and you are all of 40 years old.
Do you know how many people would kill to be in your
position?”
“What? Overworked and overextended?”
“One day we’re going to have a serious conversation
about this.”
“I know, but I just can’t have that conversation today.”
Cathy looked at her watch. “It’s time for me to bounce. I
have to get my day started.”
“Okay, girl. I’m going to the ab room.” She patted her
non-existent stomach. “My stomach is getting so big.”
Cathy squinted to see what she was talking about.
“Melody, you don’t know what a real mid-section looks
like.” She patted her stomach. “Now here’s a real tummy.”
She looked. “You aren’t all that big there.”
“You know, I do love the smell of fiction in the
morning. I’m not sure I even have stomach muscles
anymore,” she said jokingly.
“You had kids. Twins no less.”
“Eighteen years ago. I think that excuse is way past its
expiration date.” She looked at her watch again. “I’ve really
got to go. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Cathy walked over to the
steps.
“See you later.”

v
    Finally it was the cool down portion of Marcus’s
workout. George handed him a towel.
“You worked hard today.” George smiled
“Don’t I work out hard everyday?”
“Yes, you do.”
“What was so different from any other day?”
“Nothing, I guess.”
George tossed him a water bottle as he got off the treadmill.
“You want to stay for breakfast? Marta’s bringing something in.”
He looked at his watch. “I would love to but I have
another appointment in about 45 minutes”
“Okay.”
“See you next time, Marcus. Good work.”
“Thanks.”
Marcus stood in his big empty luxury apartment for a
moment before he headed for the shower.

v
    Cathy’s post workout treat was an extra large cup of
coffee from Dunkin Donuts. She didn’t go for the coffee,
per se. It was more about the people who worked there and
the service. Her coffee was served light, sweet and ready to
go without her uttering a word. If only she could find a
boyfriend with the same talent in other areas her life would
be perfect.
    When she got home, instead of making her usual pit
stop in the kitchen, Cathy went straight upstairs to take a
bath and figure out what to wear. Water running, she
washed her face in the sink with her Olay facial cloths.
Patting her face dry, she studied it up close for signs of a
breaking out or errant facial hairs. They tell you forty is the
new 30, but no one said a thing about facial hair, she
thought. She zeroed in on two taunting hairs sticking out
on her chin and plucked them. And people wonder why I
carry a tweezer in my pocketbook. “I have to see the dermatologist soon. If I wait much longer I could wind up at the
barber shop for a shave,” she muttered aloud.
    A little