My last 'partner' didn't want to come with me.My last 'partner' didn't want to come with me. I guess I wore him out. Anyway, I'm looking for a replacement. You interested?" "What, you want me to be your training partner?" I felt slightly foolish. "Not exactly. I don't need motivation when I lift, but I get my best exercise wrestling," Joanne replied. "I don't think I'd be much of a match for you. I'm pretty much out of shape." "Don't worry. A few weeks with me and you'll start getting into shape -- that is, if you're still around in a few weeks." "What if I say no?" I wanted to know. "Well, that might be a problem. If you refuse, then you might have a hard time leaving here today." Joanne looked me up and down appraisingly. "I don't think you can beat me to the door from where you are right now." "Are you threatening me?" I demanded. I was not pleased to note that I sounded scared. "Well, yeah." I made the most foolish decision of my life so far. "OK, I'll do it," I said. "I've always wanted to do this. Why not?" Joanne beamed at me. "Great. Let's get started. You go and get changed, then come back here. And don't forget, I know where you live." I went back to my place and changed into a tee shirt, sweat pants, and socks. "Well, you're about to live your fantasy," I told my image in the mirror. "I hope you know what you're doing." I quickly returned to Joanne's place. She had placed the rowing machine up on the wall and the weights were in the closet. She laughed when she saw my upper body. "Man, I'm going to have to take it pretty easy with you. Ready? Let's get started." I felt somewhat insulted by her attitude. We started circling on the mat. Joanne feinted toward me a couple of times. I charged her, but she easily evaded me and we continued to circle. There was a small, mocking smile on Joanne's pretty face. Suddenly, Joanne was on me before I could move! She wrapped her brawny arms around my chest and lifted me off the floor. I gritted my teeth and tried to pull her arms apart, but couldn't make any headway. Joanne suddenly threw herself backwards and flung me across the room. |