“Remind me again why we’re doing this?”
I groan and glance over at Miranda, who looks as if she’s about to keel over.
Grinning, I nod towards the perfect specimen of a man that’s putting us through our paces. “I expect it has a lot to do with the view.”
We giggle and gaze across at the only reason we came. Darren. Our total Adonis personal trainer and the man who runs the boot camp in the grounds of the country club we all religiously head to every week for fitness, socialising and more eye candy than a woman can stand.
Miranda giggles. “I’ve got to hand it to Fleur. She was spot on with this. If it wasn’t for Darren, I’d be wrapped up warm in my bed and dreaming of a man like him beside me.”
“Keep up ladies, you’re wasting valuable energy by talking.”
Trying not to laugh, we set about doing what Darren says and try desperately to remember why we’re here.
Despite the ungodly hour of 6.30am, we flock here in droves twice a week just to lust after the total God that runs this class. Spaces are limited, and it requires setting an alarm the moment the slots are released each week just to grab one of them. Luckily for us, we have all managed it this week and, as I catch sight of Fleur, I try not to laugh.
Venetia catches me and rolls her eyes, and I can see why. Unlike the rest of us, Fleur turns up here in full make-up with her hair neatly scraped back into her sleek ponytail, wearing designer fitness gear that costs a small fortune. Her manicured nails look as if they never see housework and she spends the entire class trying to prove she is better than the rest of us at just about everything. She always positions herself as close to Darren as possible and I’m sure it’s so he gets a clear view of her cleavage as she squats in front of him.
I must look a hot mess with the sweat dripping down my back that creates alarming damp patches all over my vest to match the ones down below, because Darren is seriously hot. The country club wasn’t silly in signing him up because without him as the main attraction, it’s doubtful anyone would bother to come.
I watch Venetia going at it like she does everything in life. Totally committed and with a seriousness that got her where she is today. Out of all of us, she’s the only one with a full-time job and isn’t here much. She’s an Air Stewardess so is away a lot which can’t be easy on her husband Matthew, who is left behind running the Airline that she works for.
“And breathe…”
I watch Darren smouldering across from me and my heart flutters - again.
“Great work, girls. I’ll see you all on Wednesday and remember to drink some water after that workout.”
He turns away and I watch with amusement as Fleur grabs hold of his arm and pulls him close, whispering something in his ear. Her body language couldn’t be more suggestive if she tried as she rests her ample chest on his arm and flirts like a pro, demanding his attention as only she can.
Venetia stands next to me, drinking deeply from her water bottle, and says irritably, “Look at her, what a tease. You know, I can see why wags get such a bad press. Just look at her. She couldn’t be more stereotypical if she tried.”
Miranda nods. “She doesn’t help herself, that’s for sure.”
Fleur’s soft giggle carries across the grass towards us and Miranda scowls. “It’s not fair. Why is life so cruel? I mean, look at her, she has everything. Stunning looks, amazing body and the fittest guy out of all of them, and it’s still not enough. To be honest, sometimes I really hate Fleur.”
I stare at her in surprise. “You don’t mean that.”
Miranda scowls. “I bloody well do. To be honest, she is seriously grating on me lately. We’re expected to do everything she says and if one of us has a suggestion she doesn’t like; she puts her foot down. Take that stupid fortune teller as an example. None of us wanted to go and yet she made it so we couldn’t refuse. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ve had enough.”
Venetia nods in agreement. “You’re right. Maybe we should all stand firm and put her in her place. I mean, after all, she’s only here because her boyfriend’s successful.”
Miranda nods and I feel uncomfortable speaking about Fleur like this. For all her faults, she does have a kind heart and if she didn’t organise things, none of us would have half the fun that we do.
Luckily, the conversation stops as she heads towards us, looking extremely pleased with herself.
“Weep in your beds ladies, because I’ve just secured myself the hottest personal trainer in history. Darren has agreed to do a little one on one with me on Friday lunchtimes. I’m not going to lie; I feel quite smug about this.”
Miranda appears envious as Venetia snorts, “And what’s Anton going to say about that? I’m pretty sure he won’t be comfortable with his, um… girlfriend, getting close and personal with another man on his hard-earned money.”
Miranda nods. “Yes, maybe you should ask him first.”
Fleur snaps, “Anton wants me to be as fit as possible, and after all, he gets to reap the rewards. You know, Venetia, you’re just jealous because your husband is nowhere near as fit as mine and you must work for a living.”
We look at her in stunned silence as Venetia says icily, “For your information, I work because I want to. Matthew has begged me to give up work so we can start a family and I’ve dug my heels in because I don’t want to be a kept woman, unlike some around here.”
She glares around at us all and storms towards the changing room as Fleur shakes her head. “Ooh, I touched a nerve there. I’m guessing it’s a different story than the one she’s telling us. I mean, Anton told me that Matthew loves the fact she still works because he can’t stand breathing the same air as her.”
She looks at her Rolex and says in a light voice, “Well, I can’t stand here gossiping all day. I must shower and change and head to the spa for my sports massage. Catch you later, ladies.”
As we watch her go, Miranda shakes her head. “That was intense. I don’t know about you, Arabella, but I felt quite uncomfortable there for a moment. Why do women have to be so bitchy? I mean, we’re all friends and should have each other’s backs, don’t you think?”
Nodding, I grab my water bottle and start walking with her back to the changing rooms. “I agree. Have you noticed these bitchy comments seem to be coming more often lately? Do you think there’s some sort of issue between the two of them?”
“Maybe, but I expect it’s because they’re just different people. I mean, Venetia is quite abrupt with everyone and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. I’m a little envious of her, though.”
I glance at her in surprise. “Why?”
Suddenly, my friend looks so sad it takes my breath away as she says in a small voice, “At least Matthew wants to spend time with her; I wish James felt the same about me.”
Reaching out, I take her hand and say softly, “He loves you; everyone can see that. What makes you think otherwise?”
“I’m not sure, really. He works hard, I know that, but when he is home, he’s so… well, distant actually. I’ve tried to draw him out of himself, but he’s like a closed book these days and I wonder if something’s wrong that he’s not telling me about.”
I’m not sure what to say and just look at her sympathetically before she whispers, “Do you think he’s having an affair?”
Her words shock me and I immediately shake my head. “Of course not, he adores you.”
She shrugs. “I thought so too once.”
She sighs and then switches the subject. “What about you? How are things with Anthony?”
Trying not to sound too smug, I say softly, “Great, actually. He’s like the rest of the men and works hard, but when he’s home, we enjoy each other’s company.”
She smiles and I feel a pang as I say sadly, “Although Venetia’s words made me a little envious too.”
“Why?”
“Because if Anthony told me he wanted to start a family, I would be on it like a shot.”
“Doesn’t he want kids, then?”
Miranda says it with surprise and I shake my head. “One day, but not now. He told me he wanted to be there for his children and because he’s working so hard, it wouldn’t be fair.”
Miranda nods, but even I can see she doesn’t agree with his reasoning, which only amplifies the fact that I also don’t share his view. I want children and don’t want to wait a minute more, but the trouble is, Anthony doesn’t agree, which leaves me wondering if this is something that will ultimately rip us apart.