“They’re over there. Please help them,” the boy cried.
My instincts kicked in. “I’ll grab him. You two help the kid,” I told the others.
Colleen stood back as we pulled them to safety. Watching the son hug his exhausted father was incredibly moving. The father whispered something to his son before passing out. Colleen had already called emergency.
When the paramedics arrived, we tried to revive the man, but couldn’t. The EMTs took over while the police asked us questions. Before we left, I found a cell phone on the ground, likely the man’s. I called a contact labeled Cara Wife to inform her, and then handed the phone to the police before they left.
I thought the date was ruined, but Colleen was thrilled. She gushed, “Oh my God, you saved that guy and his kid. You’re a hero.”
I tried to downplay it. “It was all three of us.”
But she shook her head, insisting, “You acted without hesitation. That was the bravest thing I’ve ever seen.”
The date ended with a passionate kiss and the promise of a second. On our second date, we did something more traditional. We talked about our lives. She had two kids, one in high school.
The date ended with us making out on her porch. Things were going well until the third date on Valentine’s Day. We went to see Fifty Shades of Grey, and it clearly stirred something in her. When we got back to her place, she hinted that her kids were away and invited me in.
Her intentions were obvious, but as things heated up, all I could hear were Paige’s hurtful words about my inadequacy. The pressure became overwhelming, and I had to stop.
“I’m sorry, Colleen. I’m not ready,” I said, holding back tears as I rushed out of her apartment, leaving her confused.
After that, I avoided the gym, or at least tried to avoid her. I couldn’t face her after what happened. I stuck close to Jerry during workouts, avoiding eye contact and pretending not to see her. It was childish, but it was all I could do to avoid the humiliation.
The situation brought back deep-seated insecurities that Paige had planted. I started imagining that whenever I saw Colleen talking or laughing with someone, they were mocking me. These thoughts isolated me even more, and my workouts began to suffer. Jerry noticed and wasn’t happy.
“Come on, King Arthur. What’s up with you?” he snapped when I quit early on the treadmill.
“I’m just not feeling it today,” I muttered.
He mocked me. “Not feeling it? Want to retire to your chambers?”
His attitude pushed me over the edge. “Back off, Jerry. I’m not in the mood for your crap.”
The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. Trying to soften the blow, I added, “I’m just going through a lot. I need a break.”
He gave me a cold look and said sarcastically, “So, you want to take a break and call me when you feel better?”
Despite knowing he was mocking me, I considered it. A break sounded good.
“I just need you to ease up a bit,” I said, hoping for some understanding.
To my surprise, he shrugged. “Sure, why not?”