Put on the spot
Added 2025-11-05 20:38:09 +0000 UTCThe gym was buzzing. Aubrey stood in the middle of it all, forced by Brian to practice posing.
βBrianβ¦ really? Now? During open hours?β Aubrey whispered.
Brian leaned against a nearby rack, arms folded, utterly unbothered. βIf you can pose here, you can pose anywhere. Youβll have a crowd when you step on stage. Better get used to people watching before the lights hit.β
Her eyes darted to the mirrors. Shyla and Mason had paused their sets, Fran leaned on the counter pretending to tidy, and a couple of Aubreyβs clients were whispering near the dumbbells. Every nerve in her body screamed for her to flee.
βI feel ridiculous,β she muttered, crossing her arms.
Brian stepped forward, gentle but firm. βYouβre not here to hide, Aubrey. Youβve worked too hard for that. Let them see it.β
She took a breath, uncrossed her arms, and shifted into her front double biceps pose. The way Brian had taught her. The first attempt was shaky, awkward. A few seconds passed. Shyla clapped once, Mason whistled. She blushed harder, but the laugh that slipped out was genuine.
Brian smiled. βStage lights are just brighter versions of these. Learn to own this, and the stage wonβt be any different.β
She looked at her reflection in the mirror. She didn't see a rookie, but the woman whoβd built herself from the inside out. Her cheeks flushed, but this time it wasnβt from embarrassment.
Aubrey met her own eyes in the mirror and, for the first time, didnβt look away.
Brian grinned. βThatβs my girl. Letβs make the crowd wish they trained half as hard.β
