Paddy wiped the sweat from his brow as he stood in the gym, gripping the barbell with determination. The clink of weights and hum of treadmills filled the room, but his mind was elsewhere- on Y/N.
Since texting her yesterday and getting a cheerful "Thursday is perfect!" response, he'd been buzzing with energy. He wanted to make the best impression on their first date, and part of that meant feeling confident. So here he was, training harder than usual, imagining Y/N's smiles as his motivation.
He adjusted his stance and prepared for another set of deadlifts. "Focus, Paddy," he muttered under his breath. He lifted the barbell, his muscles straining as he pictured Y/N laughing at one of his jokes when they were at the cafe. The thought made him push a little harder, holding the lift for a moment longer than he normally would.
Between sets, he grabbed his water bottle and let his mind wander. What if she noticed his effort? Would she compliment his broad shoulders or the way his shirt fit just right? Paddy smirked at himself, shaking his head. "Don't get ahead of yourself, lad," he chuckled.
He moved to the treadmill for some cardio, setting a brisk pace. The rhythm of his feet hitting the belt matched the thrum of his excitement. As the minutes ticked by, he imagined telling Y/N about his training. Would she find it impressive? Or would she tease him for going overboard? Either way, he hoped it would make her laugh- that sweet, musical laugh that had been stuck in his head for days.
After an intense session, Paddy finally sat on the bench, panting but satisfied. His body was exhausted, but his spirit felt alive. He knew he was doing more than just preparing for a date. He was building confidence, reminding himself that he could step up when it mattered.
With a grin, Paddy grabbed his towel and headed for the locker room. "Tomorrow can't come soon enough," he thought, already looking forward to seeing Y/N and sharing an evening that, if everything went right, would be the first of many.
Paddy had just stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed and a little sore from his workout, when his phone buzzed on the bench he was on. He glanced at the screen and saw his sister's name. Smiling, he picked up.
"Hey Fiona. What's up?" he said, toweling his hair dry.
"Nothing much. Just checking in on you," Fiona replied. "You've been quiet lately. Everything okay?"
Paddy chuckled. "I'm fine. Just... busy."
"Busy, huh? That's new," she teased. "You're not exactly the 'swamped with life' type. Spill it."
He hesitated for a second, then decided there was no point hiding it. "Alright, you got me. There's... someone I've been thinking about."
Fiona's gasp was audible through the phone. "Wait, what? Someone? Paddy, are you telling me you're seeing someone?"
"Well, not yet," he admitted, sitting on the edge of the bench. "But I've got a date with her tomorrow." He smiled at the thought of Y/N.
"Tell me everything," Fiona demanded, her excitement bubbling over. "Who is she? Where'd you meet her? What's she like?"
Paddy grinned, feeling a bit shy now that he had to put his feelings into words. "Her name is Y/N. I met her at the cafe I go to sometimes. We just... clicked, you know? She's smart, funny, and her laugh- Fiona, you'd lover her laugh."
"Oh, this is serious," Fiona said, her tone teasing but warm. "Paddy's got it bad."
"Maybe," he admitted, running a hand through his damp hair. "I've been planning our first date. Fancy restaurant, good wine, all that. I want to get it right."
Fiona let out a soft laugh. "Wow, look at you. Mr. Romantic. I'm proud of you, Paddy. You deserve someone great."
"Thanks, Fi," he said, his voice softening. "I'm nervous, though. It's been a while since I've felt this way about anyone."
"That's a good thing," she reassured him. "It means she's special. Just be yourself, Paddy. She'll see the amazing guy I've always known."
Her words settled some of his nerves bubbling in his chest. "You're the best, you know that?"
"Of course," Fiona replied, laughing. "Now, call me after the date. I'll need every detail."
"Deal," Paddy said, grinning. "Thanks for checking in, Fi. I needed this."
"Anytime. Go knock her socks off!"
As they hung up, Paddy felt lighter. Fiona's encouragement was just the boost he needed to carry his confidence into tomorrow.
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Author's note :)
Hi! I'm the author. I just wanted you to know that Y/N = your name. Also please let me know if I made any grammar mistakes. Thank you!
