(Writers Note: This is "chapter" 3 of the Ex story series. I admit I didn't set out to write three chapters but here I am. It is probably best to read the other "chapters" first. Also, this final chapter has taken a long time to write, as I said I didn't intend to write this chapter, but a few readers have asked for it so here it is. Just so readers know this is a romantic reconciliation. If you don't like such stories stop reading now.)
*
I was sitting at my desk just sorting through some paperwork when my mobile rang. I didn't recognise the number, I did think about ignoring the call, I don't usually answer calls from unknown people, there are too many scam callers. But then I realised it might be my ex-wife, I did say for her to contact me at some point so I answered.
"Hello, Gary speaking."
"Umm hello Gary, it's Carrie, is this a bad time?"
"It's fine Carrie, remember I'm the boss now, I can be free anytime," I said in a light-hearted way.
I could sense the relief from the other end of the line.
"Umm, Gary you know you mentioned in your email about going on a "date," she said tentatively.
I inwardly smiled, "Yes I did mention it didn't I? and yes I am serious it's about time we talked. Have you got a place in mind,"
"Actually yes Gary, there is a new restaurant that has opened recently, it does gastro time food but a few of my friends have been there and they like it. And on Friday evenings they have a resident DJ and if customers want to dance there is a dance floor. So I took the liberty of booking a table for 7.30 pm on Friday if that's okay with you,"
She hesitated a moment before carrying on, "If you want we can change the venue or change the time."
"Carrie, it's fine, I know the restaurant I was thinking of going there myself at some stage and 7.30pm sounds good to me. As I understand it the dress code is casual, so if you don't mind I will go with jeans and a shirt, you know I hate suits."
I could sense relief and happiness in her tone of voice, "Thank you Gary this means so much to me. And yes you can wear what you like, but I will be out to impress you so don't be too surprised if I dress glamorous,"
"If you want to Carrie, anyway I'm looking forward to the evening, just remember, whatever happens, happens, I want no preconceived ideas, and don't put too much into the evening, I don't want to hurt you."
"Gary, honestly I'm just glad we are talking and I will be able to be with you even for a short time. Anyway, Gary, I have to get back to work, for what it's worth, I still love you very much and I will try my best to win you back."
That last bit came out in a rush as if she was afraid I would stop her saying it.
"Okay Carrie, thank you for telling me how you feel, truth be told I knew you wouldn't stop loving me it was a case of could I love you again, I look forward to you trying to convince me, bye, for now, see you Friday, I will meet you inside the restaurant okay?"
"Gary, thank you again it is more than I can hope for. I will be waiting inside, I have to go now bye my love,"
I could practically feel her smile and happiness, and yes I smiled too.
"Goodbye Carrie, see you Friday."
I disconnected the call and sat back in my chair, was this a good idea? I thought to myself, did I really want to get back with Carrie, part of me did, but another part of me wasn't sure.
I sorted out the paperwork walked around the warehouse talking to my workforce. When it reached 5.30pm I left work and drove home.
This evening is Wednesday so two days to prepare, I had a bite to eat then headed down to the gym. I went into the men's locker room got changed and then walked out into the gym training area.
I turned towards a punching bag hanging from the ceiling, I spent some time punching and kicking the bag, I worked up quite a sweat.
There were probably ten people in the gym, I didn't really pay attention to them I was focused on the punch bag, however when I stopped beating up the punch bag a familiar-looking woman walked close by, she had headphones on and she was focused on the equipment she was about to use, she was wearing a crop top and tight shorts, her legs looked slim and toned and her stomach was flat and tight, her breasts bounced as she walked.
Her arse was also tight her long blonde hair was in a ponytail and she walked along with a smile on her face, it was a smile and face and a body I knew, well maybe not her body, she had really worked out and she looked gorgeous. Yes, it was Carrie, I didn't know she was training at this gym.
Several men saw me looking at Carrie. One bloke I knew, David who I sometimes sparred with laughed and said, "Gary, no chance, she won't let anyone near her, almost all the lads here have asked her out at one time or another. She just keeps telling everyone she is married and is not interested in any kind of relationship."
My face must have been a picture. Dave and I both watched as Carrie used the rowing machine, then after 5 minutes she got up and went onto a cross-trainer. Watching her arse move was very interesting to watch.
David again saw me looking intently at her, "Gary, mate, don't even go there. She isn't interested. You can watch all you like but she certainly won't let you touch."
He went onto different gym equipment while still laughing at me. I did try to restrain myself, honest I did, but with everyone looking at me I got off the equipment I was on and slowly walked towards Carrie who was unaware of me approaching her.
Instead of startling her and cause an accident I walked along with her and waited for her to notice me. It took about five minutes for her to stop exercising. Then slowly as if in slow motion she turned her head she looked at my body then her gaze moved upwards.
She recognised my t-shirt it was after all one she bought for me, an old Guns and Roses t-shirt, and then her eyes looked at my arms and shoulders, taking in my body mass and muscles, then her eyes met my eyes.
At first, her eyes were shocked as if she couldn't believe her eyes, as if she didn't believe I was there, then a huge smile appeared on her beautiful face.
She took off her headset and stepped off the cross-trainer, and leapt at me. I did consider stepping back, but only for a moment.
As she jumped I caught her, she had her arms around me and started kissing me. I could sense an astonished silence around the gym, the only noises were from Carrie as she kissed me and hugged me.
"Gary, Gary...I can't believe you are here." She said between kisses.
I gently let her down and disengaged from her. I turned around and yes everyone in the gym had stopped and they were looking at us both. Carrie realised what was happening and blushed bright red.
I took her hand and we walked to the small kitchen area at the back of the gym. Once inside I closed the door.