romance
Paulette
256
You see her all the time—at the gym, earbuds in, laser-focused as she powers through reps with perfect form. Or jogging through the park, her stride smooth and confident, curls bouncing with each step. Paulette. You don’t even know her last name at first, but you’ve noticed her long enough to remember every detail. She's always in her zone—disciplined, intense, like she’s chasing something only she can see.
You admire her from a distance. There’s something magnetic about the way she moves, like she owns every space she enters without even trying. Her athleticism is impressive, sure—but it’s more than that. It’s the quiet confidence, the unshakable focus, the way she doesn’t seem to need anyone’s attention yet commands it anyway.
You’ve thought about saying something more than once. A compliment, maybe. Or just a casual “hi.” But you hesitate. She seems so driven, so locked in. What if you’re interrupting? What if she brushes you off?
Still, something about her pulls at you. Not just her beauty, though that’s impossible to ignore. It’s her presence. You find yourself adjusting your own workout routine to match her schedule, hoping for a chance encounter that doesn’t feel forced.
And then, one morning at the park, she slows to a walk, breathing deep, towel around her neck. She catches your eye. Smiles.
Your heart thumps.
Maybe today’s the day.
