Lotto Dreams Chapter 3 It was a good thing his flight class wasn't early in the day, or he'd have slept through it. As it was, he'd needed a long shower and a full pot of coffee before feeling nearly normal. But it had been worth it when Luke mentioned he'd called last night to check on the time this morning and Nick had neither answered nor returned his call. Carl had turned and stared at him when he told them he'd been out clubbing. Luke wanted to know where he'd gone, and if the music was good. Nick had admitted the music was ok, but the company had made it even better. Then he left it at that. Now he was pulling into the parking lot of the health club he'd visited Wednesday. It was a new facility, he'd noticed, with lots of state-of- the-art equipment. It was too bad the personnel at the main desk had been such pricks. But Cyan had told him whom to ask for, and he walked through the door. The same condescending ass he'd spoken to Wednesday manned the greeter station. "Ah, welcome back! So, you've decided to join us, hmm? Let me ask Roger to get you set up!" Nick held up a restraining hand. "Actually, I want to speak to Connie." "Well, Connie's not really qualified to...." the man began, then shut up when Nick leaned toward him, his eyes narrowed in irritation. "If Connie isn't here, I'll come back another time. If she is here, I'd appreciate it if you'd page her." The man nodded, disgruntled, then turned to the little microphone that stood on the desk, and made the page. Nick looked around again as he waited, and noted the attractive brunette that weaved her way through the machines, sometimes offering encouragement or instruction to a patron. The biking shorts she wore accented her nicely muscled legs, and the tee shirt with the company logo fit her comfortably, not enhancing her physique, but not concealing it either. "Connie, this gentleman wanted to speak to you. Take care of him, then go get me a bottle of PowerAde." He turned and greeted the next member with false camaraderie as Connie glared daggers at him. "Hi, I'm Connie. What can I do for you, Mr. ...?" "Essex, Nick Essex. I've been looking for a health club to join, and hadn't felt like I was getting the response I wanted from the salespeople pretending to be trainers. My friend Cyan said I should come here and ask for you." "Oh! Cyan told me you might come by. She didn't know when though. Come on through, I'll show you around." She leaned over the desk and clicked the turnstile release. "Todd, I'm going to be busy, get your own damn drink." The pretty brunette turned back to Nick. "Did you bring something to work out in?" "Yeah, got some cut-off sweats and tee shirt in here," he indicated the hiking pack he carried. "I had to call and beg Lydia not to trash my sneakers this morning, though. I decided I'd need them." "Why was Lydia going to trash your shoes? Oh, you're the special project Cyan has been hinting about!" Nick laughed. "Is being a project a good or bad thing?" "Well good or bad aside, you've made us curious. Go in and change, and I'll talk to you when you get back out." When Nick came out, Connie was speaking calmly to a man wearing a staff shirt that had the word "manager" under his name and a clearly irritated Todd. "She's not a qualified trainer, Jack. Let someone experienced take care of this guy!" "Oh, like you, Todd?" Nick sneered the name, then turned to the other man. "Do you know the feeling I got from your 'trainers', Jack? I got the distinct feeling that as soon as I signed their contract, the only help I'd see was them helping themselves to my wallet." "I asked around, Jack. Several people told me to come back here, and talk to Connie. They told me she'd work me hard, but she'd be right there whenever I needed help or had a question. Now, if you'll excuse us, Connie was going to help me get a program set up, then we were going to sign some papers." Nick held out his arm, indicating Connie should lead the way. As Connie was showing him the machines and free weights, she explained that what she did here was "off-the-clock" as far as Cyan was concerned. "In other words, your deal with Cyan has nothing to do with what I help you with here." Nick nodded his understanding while concentrating on the deltoid exercise he was trying to master. When they sat at the little desk to fill out his application on the computer, he was sweating freely. Connie had worked him just as hard as promised. "Connie, I have a question about what the club offers. You showed me the machines, and the sauna and pool will be real handy. Does the club offer self-defense classes? Karate, Judo, Kung Fu?" he said the last with a grin. "No, but if you're really interested, I know a few fellows that are instructors. I could hook you up." Nick grinned at the cute brunette. "Would that be "off the clock"? She looked around then blew him a raspberry. He showered at the gym, after asking about Connie's schedule, then headed over to Weight-Watchers. He figured if he was gonna do the work, he may as well work on the diet too. The phone rang Thursday evening as he sat at the computer, searching for information on airplanes. "Yello," he said into the handset. "Good evening Nick." He recognized Cyan's voice immediately. "How has your week been?" "Pretty good, although Connie thinks I need to come in 9 times a week." He heard Cyan laugh. "Connie has been telling the ladies about you. She's impressed with your efforts, and she doesn't impress easily. Oh, I saved your jeans from Lydia Friday night, but she had her way with your shirt. Sorry." He laughed. "Don't tell her, but I have a closet full of replacements. Although she's welcome to my white work shirts. I keep thinking I should have a ceremonial bonfire with them." "Anyway, the reason I'm calling. Lydia has been hinting she'd like another occasion with you; maybe taking you out again and dancing some more, but I had another thought. Your brother mentioned you had some classical music interest. Is that right?" "Yeah, I listen to it when the mood strikes." "Good. The Symphony has a concert this Saturday. I believe the featured soloist is Roger McDuria on the violin. Let's negotiate. I'll reserve two tickets in your name, but you'll have to purchase them. Sorry, but that's how it works." He made a noise of agreement. "Good. Now Lydia has never been to the Symphony, but she's like you, she does enjoy the classics. For seven fifty, I'll assign her to you for five hours. That would give you time for a very nice dinner, the Symphony, and an hour to just talk. But I'll make it open-ended. If she wants to drag you to the clubs after, it's "off the clock" as far as I'm concerned. You'll have to make your own negotiation with her, though." Cyan suspected there would be no negotiation; Lydia was more likely to turn it into a real date once the clock struck ten. Nick wasn't likely to get laid, though. "I'd like that. Now, how formal would this be? Would the dark silk suit be ok, or should I wear the tux?" On the previous Tuesday six hand- altered outfits had been delivered to his home, five more suits in various shades of gray and black, and a very nice classic black tuxedo with all the trim. "I'm a traditional woman, Nick. I say you can't go wrong with a tux. But I'll check with Lydia, you might want the suit if she makes you dance after. Actually, I'll have her give you a call, and you can decide on a restaurant together. I'll make sure you have reservations. Nick, I have to admit, working with you is going to be a pleasure. You're making me work harder than any other client, and I'm having a blast! Talk to you again soon!" Nick chuckled. Ok, he was paying for a date. If he'd just asked someone, he'd still pay for it. Admittedly, a lot less. But he was almost guaranteed a pleasant evening and good company with Cyan's help. On his own, he foresaw a night of slow conversation, uncomfortable pauses and probably little common interests. He preferred to pay the high fee rather than suffer a wasted evening. He was sitting down to dinner when the phone rang. He figured it was probably his mother, calling to harangue him for not checking in. It had been, he admitted, a whole week since they'd talked. He was pleasantly surprised to hear Lydia on the other end, instead. "Hey handsome!" Nick laughed. "Well, hello beautiful! How have you been?" They chatted for a while, discussing what to wear Saturday, where to eat, other important matters. They agreed the tux would be good; he could always check the coat and dance in the vest. He could hear someone in the background on her end, it sounded like they were whispering to Lydia. "Nick, question for ya, well, actually a request. Jeanvieve wants to know if we'll take her dancing too. She says she'll pay her own way, it's not like a date, but she says she had a good time with us and wants to do it again. I told her I'd ask, but it was totally up to you." "Is she there?" Nick asked. He could almost hear her embarrassment as she answered affirmatively. "Let me talk to her, then." "Umm, hello Nick. I'm sorry, it was a dumb idea, never mind!" Her words seemed to tumble out of her. "Hello Jeanvieve. No, it wasn't a dumb idea. If it's ok with Lydia, we'll make it a date. My treat, same as any date. Shall I pick you up about 10?" He could hear them talking, but couldn't hear what was being said, probably someone's hand was over the mouthpiece. But he distinctly heard Lydia say, "I told you he'd say yes! He is absolutely cool!" Then Lydia was back on the line. "Nick, thank you. Jean is one of my best friends, and she's feeling a little depressed. Terrence is going all over the club scene saying Jean's a worthless piece of... well, you know; can't dance, rotten fuck; like he'd know, I know she's never let him near it! Just putting her down all over." "Well, we'll improve her mood, guaranteed!" "Yes, we will. Pick me up at my place, about 5?" Since Nick didn't know where she lived, he figured she meant at the Hilton. "Looking forward to it, dear. Talk to you later!" They had dinner at Christopher's, a very nice restaurant serving the delicious steaks Nick preferred, and a marvelous pasta dish that Lydia insisted he sample. They talked about a dozen different subjects, laughing about some of the professors they'd had last year at the U, what movies they'd loved and hated, books and music. When it was time to leave, Nick was almost reluctant for the Symphony, because they wouldn't be able to talk more there. The restaurant was just two blocks south of Abravanel Hall, so they strolled casually, her arm tucked in his as she leaned slightly against him. Tonight, she wore the classic 'little black dress'. A strap behind her neck held up the backless fabric that seemed to drape over her, accentuating her breasts even as it discreetly hid her cleavage. The dress hung down to about four inches above the knee, and her three-inch heels seemed to stretch her legs enchantingly. Her hair was still spiky and blue, and he still loved it that way. "Nick, I realize some things about you. One, you obviously have money, because I'm here with you right now. But you aren't used to it. People who have had money for a long time bitch over every penny they spend. When Cyan or the rest of us do business with them, they try to negotiate every discount they can. They'd insist Cyan pay for tonight's tickets. They'd pay more, of course, because she'd only adjust her fee. But they wouldn't care, because 'The tickets were free'. " "Cyan took you shopping. She informed you in advance of her fee, and how long she intended to be. She would have had to bill other clients at least twice, and charged them ridiculous late fees. You had her fee, in cash, ready for her. You even turned it over to Neal without hesitating. Do you know how thrilled she was about that? She billed you for her additional time. Did you notice she gave you the receipt for this?" Lydia tapped his ear stud. "Normally, she'd just add the amount she paid, and another fifty to seventy-five percent to her bill. Old money has no clue what anything costs, but they bitch if they have to pay. Last Friday, you arrived with my fee, and full payment of Cyan's bill. You don't negotiate. Why?" They walk on for a bit more before he answered. "You're right, I'm not old money. I know what things cost. I called around before I contacted Cyan. I know what other so-called 'escorts' were asking, and what they offered for their fees. The service Cyan offers is well worth what I pay her, or you, or even Connie if I need her services. So far, I'm pleased with the cost-to-benefit ratio. I imagine I might try to negotiate if we started discussing more unexpected or 'personal' services. But when I'm satisfied with service, I pay." He grinned at her. "But I don't tip, so make sure you include that in the bill." Lydia knew he'd lied there. She'd seen the tip he'd left at the restaurant, and Connie said he tipped her after every session at the gym. What he meant was he expected her bill to be padded comfortably. She had to admit that Friday, it had been. Tonight, maybe she'd see if she could get a tip, instead. "Do you think I'm pretty, Nick?" "Very much so." "I thought so. You looked at me Friday night like you wanted to take me in your arms. But you didn't because that was too personal. You didn't try to kiss me good night, even after I bit your ear. Because we had a contractual situation. Tonight, when we dance, you'll kiss me, because we're "off the clock". But you know you won't get me into your bed, because that's one of those unusual and personal matters we have to negotiate." He nodded. "I know. And I like you, and want to know you better before I try that negotiation. I'm fairly patient." He added with a grin. "Well, just because we're not ready to negotiate, doesn't mean you'll necessarily sleep alone tonight." Lydia looked up at him as he led them to the box-office. When they'd wandered to a private corner of the lobby, he looked at her enquiringly. "Explain that, please." Lydia bit her lip for a moment trying not to giggle as her eyes sparkled mirthfully. "I mean, Jeanvieve thinks you're very nice. Very nice indeed. In fact, she said she thought you were hot. Actually, she said: 'That Nick is really hot. I wonder if an old guy like him would be interested in me.' " "Oh sure, build me up as hot, then bring in the 'old guy' and cut me down again. You are a cruel young lady, Lydia." Then he wrapped his arm around her waist and led her to their seats. The symphony had been a delight. Following Lydia's directions, he pulled the Jaguar XK8 into the parking lot of Jeanvieve's apartment complex about 10:00. "I was going to have you leave your coat here, but you look so good, I want to dance with you in your tuxedo. I told Jeanvieve to dress-up, I hope she listened! Wait here, I'll go get her." When they came back, it was obvious that Jean had indeed paid attention to her friend's advice. She wore a tight little dress that hung to her mid thigh, and was cut low to accent her full bosom. The color of the dress almost matched the dark green paint of his car. Tonight, her hair was pulled into a French braid that hung down her spine, and she'd done something with her makeup that turned her pleasant face into something remarkable. Nick saw her stop and look around the parking lot, and realized Jeanvieve was looking for the Audi from last night. He was going to honk, but Lydia took her by the arm and led her toward him. He got out and walked around the car, opening the passenger door for the ladies. Lydia climbed in first, ensconcing herself in the back seat, and leaving Jean no choice but to sit shotgun. "This isn't the car you had last night. I had a bit to drink, but I do remember your car. For one thing, it was a convertible." "Yeah, but they're calling for rain tonight, so I broke out the hardtop." "Still, two awfully nice cars. Anymore for me watch for?" "Nah, I'm content with the Audi and the Jag." He grinned at her as he put the car in gear and pulled away from the lot. "So where am I taking you ladies tonight, Lydia?" Lydia leaned up between the bucket seats. "Where is Terrence going to be, Jean? Do you know?" Thinking that Lydia wanted to know so they could avoid him, she answered truthfully. "Same place as always on a Saturday night, the Vortex." She sounded disgusted. "That's what I thought. Ok, Club Vortex, my sweet Chauffer. It's on West Temple and 4th south." Then she turned to Jeanvieve. "I know you think you want to avoid him. But we have here a handsome sumbitch in a TUXEDO as our date. One who drives a Jag! I'd say that makes Terrence a big fat zero. I, for one, plan to show you off and make sure Terrence KNOWS what he might have had." Jeanvieve looked at Lydia, with doubtful eyes, then she looked at Nick. Her eyes widened in surprise when she realized he was all for this plan. "Sounds good to me," she admitted. They zipped into the lot, and Nick jogged around to open the door for Jeanvieve. "Ok, this is freaky. I haven't had anyone pull the 'Gentleman' routine on me in years!" Jean admitted. "Want to know something really freaky?" Lydia asked. "You know Connie from the health club? She says he does this kind of crap without thinking about it. It's not a 'routine'." Lydia again led them to the front of the line, past a few irate faces. The doorman could have been the brother of Lukas, the doorman at Area 51. Lydia stood on tiptoe and kissed the man's cheek, as did Jeanvieve. The line behind them hooted their amusement. Lydia looked back and gave the crowd a grin, then turned to the lucky fellow. "Joshua, my sweet man! This is my dear friend Nick. Memorize this handsome face, you'll see it often." She leaned close and caressed his cheek with her lips. "And don't you ever leave him standing with the riff-raff, K sweetie?" The man just laughed and opened the door. "Ok sweet Nicolas. Nother club, nother membership. Sometimes I wish they had like a multi-pass to all the clubs! Oh well." She led them to the cashier. Nick took out his wallet, then closed his hand firmly on Jeanvieve's pocketbook when she reached for the cover. "You're my date, too. If you want, you can pay for the parking." Jeanvieve looked confused. "But parking is free here." "My point, exactly." The cashier just smiled at the exchange. They entered the club proper and let the music flow over them. Lydia gave a wave of greeting to a pair near the bar while Jean looked around nervously. Probably looking for asshole Terrence, Nick thought. Then Lydia was dragging them both to the dance floor. They danced all night with short breaks to refresh themselves. Asshole Terrence did appear and tried to make Jean miserable, but by that point of the night, the threesome were surrounded with the girl's friends. "Hey Jean, you hanging around with old bastards now?" He started off. "Can't handle a real man, so you have to collect the geriatric crew. Fuck, look at him, he's even dressed for a funeral." Nick looked up slowly and caught the young man's eye. "You must be Terrence. I've been hearing a lot about you tonight." The young idiot looked smug at this, thinking the best of his loyal friends. "Yep, your friends have been filling my ears with your exploits." "Personally, if it's all true...." "Oh man, it's ALL true!!" Terrence spouted off. "Like I was saying, if it's all true, someone needs to kick your ass royally. Tell you what, come to the gym. We'll get in the ring, and I'll do the honors myself." "Why don't you try it here, ya dried up old prick? I don't need no ring to take you!" "Because, if I do it here, it's called assault. I go to jail. I don't get to dance anymore with this gorgeous woman," he looped his arm around Jeanvieve's waist and kissed her cheek. "Nor with this one." He did the same with Lydia. Terrence looked even angrier when he realized this old man, easily old enough to be his father, was claiming two of the hottest women in the club as his dates. Even in his anger, he realized one of the reasons he was acting this way was jealousy. Jean was looking spectacular tonight. He wanted her back, but she looked very content with this guy's arm around her. And Lydia had always made him rock hard. Seeing her being held by the same man made him flip. He threw a punch. What surprised him was the punch connected, splitting the skin and cracking the guy's cheekbone. Nick sat there and touched his cheek lightly, flinching at the pain, then feeling the wetness running down his cheek and into the collar of his white shirt. "God damn little mother-fucking vermin piece of shit!" Then he pulled back his leg and drove his foot into Terrence's knee, snapping it backwards and dropping the screaming youth to the floor. Nick stood up then. "Time to go. I think I'm going to need a stitch or two." Jeanvieve tried to dab at the cut that was still oozing blood down his face, but he flinched and caught her hand, then kissed it reassuringly. "Please don't, I think it's broken." Nick handed Lydia the keys. "You drive, take me over to St. Marks." "Why St. Marks? LDS is closer." "I know. Which is why I think they probably took asshole Terrence there. If we go there, someone might decide to call the cops. I don't want to deal with that crap." He turned to look over the seat at Jean. "You know, I was really hoping to seduce you tonight. But I don't think I can give you the proper attention now. Can I have a rain check?" Jeanvieve looked at him in shock. Did he really say what she'd heard? What about Lydia? She looked at Lydia; she looked like she was biting her lip to keep from smiling, or laughing out loud. She looked at Nick, the bar towel tucked in his collar to catch the blood that still oozed out and down, the swelling that was forcing his left eye into a squint. Jean cleared her throat and tried to speak, then tried again. "Umm, sure, a rain check...that would be nice. Sure, anytime." Yeah, she thought, I'll take you to bed anytime. God, what was she thinking? Lydia parked the car in the hospital parking lot, and they made their way to the emergency room. Nick pulled out his wallet, dug through his credit cards, temporary club membership cards and library card before he found an insurance card. Then Lydia and Jean began filling out forms for him as the registrar asked him questions. Yes, he'd fallen; hit the coffee table with his face. Yes he thought his cheek was broken. Yes, both women were welcome in the treatment room. He followed a nurse into one of the treatment rooms. "Take off your coat and shirt." She told him. Jeanvieve watched as he unbuttoned his coat and vest. She figured both of them could be cleaned. The shirt and his tie were probably shot though. Blood just didn't like to let go of silk. He sat there naked from the waist up as the nurse took his vital signs and Jeanvieve and Lydia both looked him over appraisingly. He was surprisingly large, the clothing had hidden it well. Still, Jeanvieve thought, not a deal-breaker. Actually, when she thought about his declaration of seduction, she still had a tingle between her legs. No, he could still have his rain check. Lydia's thoughts were running in a similar vein. She wasn't turned on like Jean, but she could definitely see potential. Maybe she'd start working out with him and Connie, offer him some more motivation. After x-rays, a shot of painkiller and a pair of stitches, he was released with a prescription for more painkillers and the apology that, although the bone was cracked, there wasn't much that could be done for it. Nick sprawled in the passenger seat and gave Lydia directions to his house. With the help of the women, he was laid out on his bed before the world slipped away. As Lydia and Jeanvieve waited for a cab, they talked. "Ok Jean, I know what you want to ask. Why didn't I speak up when Nick said Terrence spoiled his plans for the night? First, Nick and I have an agreement. I get to make the first moves, which I make when I'm ready. I asked him out last Friday. He reciprocated tonight. I'm not ready to rumba with him yet. For now, he seems willing to wait patiently. But I certainly don't expect him to go without just because I'm taking a time-out." "So I told him what you'd said about him. I figured if he were at all interested, he'd make a move. And I think he would have swung by after he took me home tonight to offer another 'Thank you for a lovely evening'. What did he say? Oh yeah, 'Asshole Terrence' kind of spoiled things." The honking of the cab interrupted them. They stood in the doorway, and Jeanvieve looked back down the hall towards Nick's bedroom, then sighed and followed Lydia out. The telephone woke him up the next morning. It was his Mother calling to ask him to pick up a few things for the birthday dinner she was having that night. He told her sure, no problem, then unthinkingly put his head between his hands after he hung up. The pain woke him up completely. He went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. Oh yeah, it was a doozy. Big black bruise just below his eye, with two stitches showing proudly. He wondered if he could convince his mother it had been an accident at home. Yeah, he thought, like she EVER believed an important lie. Actually, she probably NEVER believed a lie, she just let the minor ones slide. Oh well, he'd worry about that this afternoon. For now, he needed a shower, he'd skip the shave this morning, but he had blood caked on his neck and in the hair behind his ear. But first, half a pain pill. Coffee after shower, then see how close to human he felt. He made it to the gym ok, and was surprised to find Lydia waiting with Connie. "Got a new work-out partner for you, Nick. Lydia thinks she can add a little motivation. We'll see." Connie grinned, curious to what motivation Lydia had in mind. As they sat on the stationary bikes warming up, Lydia began to talk. "Cyan knows about last night. It's one of her rules, anything that might attract police notice to a client, she better hear about. She makes no exceptions. If you got pulled over for speeding with one of her ladies in the car, we'd tell her." "She says don't worry about, she talked to the barman that was there, helped him strengthen his memory. If it comes up, you were drinking water all night. Terrence was drinking RedBulls with. Terrence hit you first, after exchanging words with you. You struck back, then left." Their conversation turned to other things, and they chatted freely like at dinner the night before. One thing Nick did notice was that the weights on each exercise he did were increased, as were the repetitions. Not enough to make him uncomfortable, but enough to have him sweating before he started his time on the treadmill. He was usually halfway through his run before the sweat really got started. "What did the doctor tell you about getting your stitches wet?" "Not much, but I was careful in the shower. Why?" "Let's go down stairs and swim a few laps. Help you cool off." He agreed, and went to change into his suit. But when he got to the pool, he wasn't sure about the 'cooling off'. Lydia stood by the pool in a bikini that reminded him of her gray dress under the blacklights. But this one revealed all the skin the dark club had hidden. It was a simple white design, but she looked very good in it. They were alone, so she smiled at him and turned her back to him. She seemed to be making adjustments before she hopped off the side and submersed herself, still not facing him. She moved to the far end of the pool, then motioned him to swim to her. He swam carefully, keeping his face well above the water and trying not to splash too much. "I said I was going to motivate you. Here's your first reward." With that, she lifted herself half out of the water, so she was submerged from her belly down. Her white bikini top may as well have been transparent though, for all it concealed. He'd already noted she was a bit small breasted. Personally, that didn't bother him; he figured any female breasts were good breasts. But now he saw them nude for all intents and purposes. They were small, between an A and B cup, but they were wonderfully shaped, and her nipples stood out like pencil erasers. "You can touch one, then you have to swim away and back to me. Then you get another reward." Nick cupped her left breast, feeling her hard point against his palm. "Pinch it, Nick, I like that." He did, rolling it between his finger and thumb. "Ok, go!" Nick was off like a shot, swimming strongly to the end and back for another reward. They were still alone, so Lydia slipped half of her bikini off and offered another reward. "Suck on it, Nick. Taste me" He did, savoring the feel of her in his mouth, tasting pool water and her skin. "Two more laps, sweetheart." When he returned, she was sitting on the edge of the pool. She'd done something with her top, pads or something replaced because she no longer appeared nude. But when he stopped in front of her, she spread her legs apart and showed him that the gusset of her bottoms were thrust against her vaginal lips. "You can touch my legs as high as you like, but nothing but leg, and you don't have to use your hands." Nick could take a hint, and kissed the inside of her thighs as high as he dared without breaking her rule. "Swim away, little fishy. I have more bait for you when you get back." Nick swam back and forth, first for a touch of her vaginal folds, then for his final reward, a taste of this delightful woman. Apparently her teasing had worked her up as well, because when he ran his tongue slowly along her sex, she climaxed when he contacted her exposed little clit. "Mmm, that was nice, Nick. Maybe I'll try to get Connie to motivate you too. You come here every day?" She placed a teasing emphasis on the word come. "Everyday, yes. Does that mean I will 'see more' of you here?" "I wouldn't be surprised. Take care, sweet Nicolas!" With that, she moved to the ladies locker room. When he got back upstairs, Connie wandered over with a bottle of water for him. "So did Lydia get you well motivated?" She asked as he drank deeply. "Oh yeah, you could say that." He replied with a grin. "I'll have to ask her how she did it. I'm always looking for good methods." She touched him lightly just below where the bruise stopped. "I'll ask around, see if we can't find someone to help you be less 'clumsy'. Have a good Sunday, and I'll see you tomorrow."