It was my usual routine. It relieved much of the stress that I built up throughout the week. I spent an hour on the floor with the treadmill and other machines before making my way to the back to practice with the kickboxing instructor. Maddox greeted me with a smile. He was about an inch taller than me, with short black hair and Asian features. I wasn’t sure where he was from, but his English was perfect. We had never gotten personal with each other and we liked it that way. “Reese. How was your week?” I pushed a few unruly red strands that had fallen from my pony tail away from my face. It was here and maybe only here that I was able to do away my makeup and be me for a few hours. “The usual, Mad. Filled with drunks, bikers, and the usual college kids. How about yours?” “Filled with middle aged men who think they are Chuck Norris or Bruce Lee.
