In 2015, 24 Hour Fitness was a place Eric knew very well. He had been going there a few times a week since high school, primarily to work out but also to indulge in his first love—basketball. His friends, strangers, and occasional rivals met up at least weekly for a game or two, or even five. So, it made perfect sense when he decided to apply for a job as a sales rep at the gym. During his first weeks of training, he met a quick-witted, curly-haired beauty named Suede. Suede worked in the Kids’ Club and at the front desk, where she reveled in her favorite skill: spreading joy and kindness to as many people as possible. Their fateful meeting occurred behind the front desk. The five or six sales and customer service reps, all in their early twenties, huddled together to look busy, ask for leads, and share some laughs. Suede stayed busy by greeting each member and guest with a warm “Hello, welcome,” and took pleasure in reading off their names and sending them off with a personal touch. It was also a way for her to get to know new people, as she was not from the area. Meanwhile, Eric was on a mission to secure as many sales and leads as possible. As time passed, Suede ended up near the back of the check in station, just far enough not to be the first thing people saw but still close enough to the computer screens to read the names of each person. Somehow, Eric found himself back there too. Moment by moment, they shared communal conversations and jokes, occasionally catching each other’s eye with quick yet lingering glances, though nothing too noticeable. In this moment an unfamiliar guest came in through the gym doors. He entered his membership code, and exchanged a friendly greetings with the staff. Suede looked at the screen and struggled to read off his name. Under her breath, so that no one could hear, she whispered her hidden thought, “WTF kind of name is that?” Eric quickly turned, took a step closer, looked her straight in the eye, and asked, “What did you just say?” Suede was flushed with embarrassment but also intrigued. “Wait, you heard that?” she asked. Eric, smiling, replied, “Yeah.” “Shoot.” Suede thought, “No one was supposed to hear me. No one ever hears me.” Eric laughed. “Dah, I see you’re not as sweet as everyone thinks.” It has been nine years since that day, and Suede feels safe knowing Eric still cares to hear every word and thought she has to this day.