1 The Gym Rat

The last bell of the school day shattered the quiet of the vacant halls. Luke Robinson swiftly closed his locker and slung his gym bag over his shoulder, set on his solitary path. 

While exuberant peers indulged in socializing, Luke tuned out the escalating chatter to focus solely on reaching his destination. Within minutes, the corridors emptied as efficiently as draining water, leaving Luke to traverse alone.

Emerging through the rear exit, he shielded his eyes against the westering sun illuminating the parking lot in a golden glow. A familiar scent carried on the balmy breeze—freshly mown grass from adjacent ball fields now quiet. Luke started for the gym on autopilot, circling around the tennis courts.

Yet halfway there, movement by the fenceline caught his eye. Sara Anderson leaned against the chain-link, cheeks flushed from exertion as she idly bounced a ball. Her long blonde hair hung loose around her shoulders, sectioned into twin braids for her match. 

Noticing Luke, Sara waved him over, removing her visor. "Hey, hold up a sec!" 

He slowed reluctantly. Why did the renowned junior want his attention? Still, politeness demanded he stop a cautious distance away. "What is it?"

Flashing a radiant grin, Sara replied, "I was hoping you could offer some advice. I've observed your determined training for football tryouts." Her gaze appraised his toned physique appreciatively. "Got any serving tips?"

Luke's throat tightened in surprise—why seek his guidance? "I mainly weight train. Not much of a tennis player," he responded gruffly to mask puzzlement. 

Spinning the ball skillfully, Sara explained, "Sure, but you understand building power, yeah? I want to amp up my serve." She tilted her head, smile widening. "Fancy lending a hand, big guy?"

Luke hesitated. Refusal risked offense, yet accepting delayed his workout—his sole contentment. Yet a flicker of intrigue ignited at Sara's attention...against prudence, Luke heard himself reply.

"I suppose I could take a look."