I finished my last rep of curls and was soaked with sweat. I was working hard, and it felt good. I felt I was getting soft -- physically and emotionally. In the mirror I searched for the sculpted body of David. All I saw was a slightly toned Barney. I picked up the 50 pound weights, and started flies.
ãWhat's the attraction to this guy, Hugs?ä I asked. ãUlyssesä was sitting at his regular table reading a new book. Didn't this guy do anything else?
ãI dunno,ä he said. ãHaven't you ever come across a mystery man?ä
ãHugo, to me every man's a mystery.ä
As I moved to the lats machine, I saw him: Hugo's mystery man.
Is he a member? I've never seen him work out here before.
I hoped he wouldn't recognize me, but I wasn't so lucky. With the club so empty, and me with no Walkman, I couldn't really avoid it.
ãHi, I'm Steve,ä he said and offered his hand.
ãHi, Greg.ä I shook it and started my reps. He stood and watched.
ãDo you mind...if I join you?ä
Huh?
ãI mean,ä he stammered on. I've only just started working out...ä
Buddy, from the looks of your muscles youâre either a big liar or you were born with a god-given structure.
ã...and so I thought maybe I could join you...ä
I can see I'm not going to get rid of you. ãYeah, sure. No problem.ä
We didn't talk much while we worked out. He was no Chatty Cathy, and I wasn;'t really in the mood. We were by ourselves in the far section of the gym, and it was eerie.
ãWell, I gotta go,ä I said after a few minutes. It was getting spooky, and I lost my motivation. ãI'll see you 'round the coffee shop.ä
It was weird. Steve definitely worked out before. He was familiar with the machines; he had good form; he was in good shape. Why would he lie about it? It was really weird. 
