Carla was feeling reasonably happy with life. She had a new house, a new job, a new gym and, hopefully, it wouldn't be too long before she had a new boyfriend. In her opinion, dumping the old boyfriend (or being dumped, as it was pretty much a mutual decision) was one of her better decisions.
She'd settled into her new house and job and was finally trying out the new gym, which was much classier and far more modern than the old one she used to go to.
Carla had had a good workout and checked out the local talent while she was doing so. Not much joy there, she'd thought. The gym-rats she'd dismissed instantly, too much in love with themselves to be good boyfriend material. The various instructors seemed a little too old for her taste and the other people exercising were an unlikely bunch.
Fortunately, Carla was in no hurry. She was young and attractive and had no concerns about her ability to pull in a likely partner. She'd arrange to go out with some of the girls from work and she would see what developed.
Before she got cleaned up and went home Carla decided to visit the sauna. She quite enjoyed them, always leaving them feeling relaxed and fit. She entered, liking the initial warmth, settled onto a seat and tossed her towel onto the bench next to her.
Then she relaxed, closing her eyes, letting the heat soak into her. Leaning back she heard the sauna door open and looked to see who had joined her. As soon as she saw, Carla squealed and grabbed her towel.
A man had entered the sauna. Not your average gym-rat or casual gym user but a big man. A very large man and from what Carla could see, and she could see a lot, it was all fat. The man was a veritable blimp. What the hell was a man like that doing in a gym? Trying to scare the customers into working harder?
The man laughed at the look on her face.
"Hi. I'm Jim," he said, smiling. "I take it you didn't know that this gym runs a mixed sauna, all sexes welcome. Custom is that we keep our towels on when in mixed company but can feel free to shed them if not mixed. It's just a custom though, not a rule. Feel free to shed yours again if it makes you happy."
Jim sat down opposite her, leaning back and loosening his towel so that it draped over his waist.
Carla stared at him, fascinated and appalled, and slightly fearful. She was effectively naked in the sauna with an equally naked man. She wanted to leave but felt defiant. If I leave, Carla reasoned, he'll think I'm embarrassed and scared and I'm damned if I'll run.
She couldn't help wondering, however, just how much had Jim seen before she snatched up her towel.
She snatched her gaze away, determined not to look at Jim. He was just gross. She didn't even know how he could walk properly, he was that fat. Despite herself, she kept on flicking little glances across at him.
Jim was amused at first. It had been a pleasant surprise when he'd entered the sauna, catching her in the altogether. He'd had a nice eyeful before she'd covered up. Jim was surprised that she hadn't got up and bolted. She'd seemed to accept the situation, but now she kept flicking those funny little looks his way. It was getting irritating.
"Listen, girl, why don't you just take a good look instead of sneaking all those surreptitious little glances? I'm just a normal man, a bit bigger than most. See?"
Jim stood up, letting his towel drop away.
"See? Look at me. Nothing out of the ordinary."
