Once Upon a Speechless Night...

Twenty seven years ago, I was working full time at a fitness center where I met a young man who would later become my husband.  He was a private in the Army. I was an "Aerobic Girl Friday". My primary responsibility was managing the exercise classes and hiring teaching staff, but I also taught two nights a week on Men's night. Back then, I was solid muscle, 5'6" tall and  about 132 lb. In all honesty, I was in the best shape of my life.

When you work in an all male environment in a town that houses the most largest U.S. military installation, you have to be able to hold your own. Classes were thirty minutes long, back-to-back, from 6PM to 9PM. The spa offered aerobics, full body workouts, ab class, and stretch class; however, stretch class wasn't relaxing, it was more of a contortionist love session.  Every Tuesday and Thursday on the half  hour, I'd announce in my most alluring voice, "Come on guys. Class is starting in 3 minutes." Normally, I'd get a wise crack or two, and then I'd get back on the intercom, but this time with a challenge. "Okay, I bet I can smoke each and everyone of you."  This got their attention. Remember, never throw a challenge out on the table unless you're prepared to win, especially when dealing with soldiers.

The first class was high level aerobics. There were about 20 participants most in their early twenties. The few older men were regulars and only laughed. The young bloods were too ignorant to know better.  With music blaring, adrenaline pumping and a testosterone overload, the first class finished smoothly.  One class moved to the next. Participants were dropping like flies.  Finally, there were the lone duo.  By 9PM, I was drenched, and so were they. They walked up to  me and said,  "Hi, I'm Russ, and this is David." "I'm Missy. Nice to meet you."

David was about my height, but Russ was over 6 foot, broad shouldered and attractive with a capital A.  His eyes were hazel. He had a Clark Gable mustache and a wickedly handsome smile.  Dimples in both cheeks and a cleft chin made it hard not to stare.  Pulling myself together, I made my excuses and walked to the office. About 15 minutes later, I was packed and turning to leave when I bumped right into him.  Oh my god, I thought, say something you idiot. But my mouth wouldn't move for there stood Russell in black leather from his head to his toes with a motorcycle helmet under his arm.