9:48 p.m. So I have this crush at the gym.

Until yesterday, I had no idea what his name was. Sure I worked there and could've checked his info on the computer system but I always 'buzzed' him through the gate so I never got the opportunity to find out his name.

The thing that attracts me to him is that he smiles with his eyes. He's definitely cute, but I was taken with his smile.

I first saw him about the same time I started at the gym. Ever since I've wanted to work the courage to speak to him. Say something more than: hey! have a good workout or something equally as lame.

I also wanted to ask him out for drinks. Last week I vowed to ask him this week. Except there wasn't an opportunity. He'd be leaving and I'd be coming in; I'd be leaving and he'd just arrive...

My stomach did some serious gymnastic moves today when I saw him. While I was stretching, secretly watching him in the mirror, I was making up potential dialogue in my head.

Hi! Wanna go out for drinks?

Hmmm, too blunt.

Hey! Chris, right? (I know his name perfectly well because I asked Jenn for his name and she indectly introduced us by saying our names in passing- excellent move, Jenn!).

How are you? Can I ask you a question? Blah blah blah...

I didn't like any of my fantasy dialogue. I counted to 10 and stepped onto an odd looking machine beside him.

I felt like an idiot for about 15 seconds because he wasn't looking in my direction and clearly I was standing beside him waiting for his head to turn my way.

Then he looked and gave me that lovely smile.

*melt melt melt*

The conversation went smoother than any of my fantasy dialogue. But I didn't aske him out. I totally chickened out. I was going to just dive into asking him when I finally got the nerve to approach him but he caught me off guard by asking how one of the bodypump classes was; that lead into other personal topics (where he works, went to school, travel).

Then just as I regained my courage he finished his exercise, flashed me his smile and said have a good night, leaving me stuck on some lame-ass cardio machine that I don't even like.

He left and I stayed on the machine for 5 more minutes so it didn't look too obvious that I only used the machine to talk to him.

Loser.

At least the ice was broken, right?

n@s