I’m done.
I don’t even respond, I just shake my head and walk out.
When I hit the hallway, I feel the weight of his words settling on my shoulders. Each step through the gym echoes with a finality I can’t shake off.
I glance around at the familiar equipment, the trainers and clients, all oblivious to the storm raging in my life.
I need to find Carlie so I can fill her in on what’s happened and tell her none of this is her fault.
My gut churns at the thought of how this news might impact her.
I spot her exiting the locker room, now dressed in her workout gear, and a determined look on her face. The sight of her like that, ready to face the world head-on despite everything, strengthens my resolve and breaks my heart all at the same time.
“Carlie,” I call out, my voice betraying a hint of the turmoil inside.
She turns, her expression shifting from determination to concern when she sees my face. “What’s wrong? Did something happen with your manager?”
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I need to say. “Yeah, something happened. I …” I blow out a slow breath. “I was just fired.”
Her eyes widen in shock. “Shit. No?—”
“Board decision,” I say, feeling a bitter edge creep into my voice. “It’s about the gym’s image—about public perception. They can’t have one of their trainers embroiled in a scandal, even if it’s baseless.”
Carlie’s face falls, her eyes brimming with guilt. “Adam, this is all my fault. If I hadn’t?—”
“What are you talking about? No,” I cut her off firmly, taking a step closer. “Don’t you dare blame yourself. This is on me. I’m the one who brought you to yoga. I could have had us leave when we found out it was a class for partners. I should’ve been more careful—more aware of how things might look from the outside.”
Yet, a part of me really wanted that extra time with her.
She looks up at me, her expression tumbling through sadness and resolve. “So, what now? What will you do?”
I shrug, a humorless laugh escaping my lips. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s time for a change. My brother and best friend have been on me to start my own gym. Maybe this is a sign.”
“But ...” Carlie starts, then hesitates, biting her lip.
“But nothing changes foryou.” I give her a small smile. “You’re going to keep training, and keep moving forward. The desk will find you a new trainer and if that doesn’t work out, I’ll help you find another way.”
She nods, her eyes glistening. “Thank you, Adam. For everything.”
As we stand there, a silence settles between us, heavy with unspoken words and shared regrets. The gym buzzes around us, unaware of the small, personal drama unfolding in its midst.
Then, my phone vibrates with a message, breaking the moment. I glance at the screen, and my heart sinks further. It’s a text from the gym’s HR department, asking me to turn in my badge and clear out my locker.
I look back at Carlie. “I have to go take care of this. But we’ll talk soon, okay? I promise.”
“Okay.” She nods, a brave front masking her turmoil.
As I turn to leave, the reality of the situation hits me like a wave.
I’m not just leaving a job—I’m stepping away from a chapter of my life that helped me get to where I am now. Instagram would never have been a thing had St. Mary’s not hired me and let me do my thing.
Yet, despite all of that, the hardest part is walking away from someone who has unexpectedly become important to me after just a couple of visits.
How did she manage that?
My steps are heavy as I head to the locker room, each one echoing with the finality of an era ending. I’m not just clearing out a locker—I’m saying goodbye to a part of myself.
As the locker door shuts with a definitive clang, the sound seems to linger in the empty space, echoing the finality of my departure.