She tried. She really did. But holding a plank for more than five seconds felt like death by noodle arms. Every time she glanced up, the instructor on her screen was impossibly perky, her abs glistening like some kind of cruel taunt. Meanwhile, Kitty was certain her own stomach was just jiggling in open rebellion.
"Fuuuuuck this," she muttered under her breath.
"Wow, look at you! Superstar’s getting feisty," Derek chuckled from the couch, clearly entertained. "Don’t stop now—this is way better than the game replay."
"Shut up, Derek. I swear to God, just shut up!"
"Historic," he shot back, grinning. "Jesus, Kate, a little ab work and you’re cursing like a sailor? You’re just full of surprises today, aren’t you?"
She didn’t bother responding, choosing instead to tune him out and move on to stretching. At least stretching was supposed to be easier—emphasis on supposed to be. The moment she tried to reach for her toes, her hamstrings lit up like Fourth of July fireworks.
"Are you kidding me?!" she groaned, barely managing to touch her shins before collapsing back onto her elbows. "I’m made of wood. I am literally Pinocchio."
Sensing her despair, the cats began closing in like fluffy vultures circling a dying animal. Shadow wove between her legs, purring loudly, while Mittens stretched himself across the mat like he owned the place, tail flicking smugly.
"Oh, great," she sighed. "Even you two are mocking me now."