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found that it was already in the mid-seventies. He wanted to start off his day with a run at a nearby high school. He was soon dressed in one of his usual eye-candy outfits: dark running shorts that showed off long legs with double-dipped muscles, one stacked one upon the other; a white headband to absorb the sweat; and a white tank top that displayed arm muscles resembling the back of an alligator’s tail.
    Leotis was in the midst of tossing his gym bag onto the backseat of his car when he heard laughter coming from the direction of Sister Betty’s house.
    â€œI see great minds are thinking alike this hot and about to be humid morning,” Sharvon called out, laughing while she pointed to her outfit. She wore a pair of dark brown gym shorts, a beige tank top, and running shoes. She wore her hair in a ponytail, and it partially covered the backpack dangling off one shoulder. “Are you on your way to Barack Obama High, too?”
    Whether he meant to or not, as usual, the way Leotis smiled showed his appreciation for her well-toned body. He was still a man with manly needs, but he was also one who quickly shook his head, rebuking the possibility of a lustful thought. Over the months he’d come to respect and admire Sharvon, and he loved her like the little sister he’d never had. Although they hardly ever planned to run the track together, this wasn’t the first time they left their homes at about the same hour to do it before starting their busy days.
    â€œI’ve already got my things in the car,” Leotis called out. “Would you like a ride?” He then laughed and began running in place to challenge her. “I’ll give you another opportunity to break my record. Perhaps a fifth try will be the magic.”
    â€œIn your dreams, but thanks, as usual.” Sharvon ran down the sidewalk and into his driveway. “I plan on running only about an hour, so perhaps another time would be better to leave you gasping for breath.”
    Leotis, with both hands on his hips, looked at Sharvon. He shook his head, laughing. “I guess any excuse is acceptable in this heat. I won’t challenge your pride this time.”
    â€œOh, give me a break, Leotis,” Sharvon challenged. “I just saved your reputation. Besides, I’ve got two meetings at the firm this morning, and you know how crazy Fridays can get.”
    â€œI know how crazy every day can get,” Leotis replied, taking her backpack from her hands. He gently placed it beside his gym bag on the backseat. “It’s another reason why I gotta stay fit and prayed up.”
    It didn’t take them long to drive the mile to Barack Obama High School and park inside its lot. Like-minded runners were already rounding the oval track. Minutes after warming up with a few leg stretches, Leotis and Sharvon ran onto the field and blended in with the others. Neither spoke as they ran, preferring to let their challenging speeds and endurance speak for them. They’d just rounded the last lap of the fifth mile when Leotis’s head jerked from a tap on his shoulder. He’d never seen her come up behind him, and he was certain Sharvon hadn’t this time, either.
    â€œI certainly didn’t expect to see either of you out here this morning.” Ima’s breathing was steady and even as she gently tapped Sharvon on her shoulder. “You guys have room for one more?”
    Without waiting for an answer or a return greeting, Ima thrust her long and lean frame between Leotis and Sharvon. She had no problem keeping pace or keeping an eye on Leotis’s quick glances tossed her way. She didn’t bother looking at Sharvon, knowing that like most other women, she’d be jealous.
    As the three slowly walked the last few feet to one of the benches where runners usually ended with a stretch routine, Sharvon spoke first. “Hello, Ima.” Without waiting for Ima to reply, she began stretching her