Chapter 1 #2
“I appreciate you. Today was little man’s first day, huh?” I let out a low sigh. He moved to the sink to watch his hands before reaching into the bag to grab his sandwich.
“Yes and he gave me hell. Breakfast might have saved my ass today, but I know tomorrow I’ma have to try another trick.” Tunk laughed as he set his sandwich on the counter while I began to open the blinds, then readjusted the temperature on the thermostat.
“He’ll be aight. My nieces are going to a summer camp too. My brother had to deal with the same thing. Well, from the oldest… the youngest was all smiles and ready to finally be a part of the big kid crew.”
This was the side of Tunk he mostly kept to himself.
His family was his personal business that I never asked questions about because it had nothing to do with his job.
Him knowing me was all I cared about. He would share tiny details here and there, but I didn’t know names, only that it was him, his younger brother who had two daughters, and their dad.
“Well hopefully Jo-Jo can make some friends today so tomorrow he isn’t giving me the blues. I had no time to properly get ready this morning,” I said as I turned on the cameras and the playlist for the living room.
“My first one shou—” Knocking on the door had me moving to get it while Tunk moved to the second bedroom where his work area was. He didn’t go far, depending on the client. Sometimes he would leave the unit and wait in the hallway, but since today was a new client, he would be close.
I went to answer the door. I wasn’t surprised to see a man on the other side. Most of my clients were men but I did get a few women which I was fine with too. I stepped aside and waved him in.
I could tell from his hunched shoulders and his dropped head that he was extremely shy.
“Hi. I’m Olive. And you’re Tim?” He nodded as he walked inside.
“Well, welcome. When I originally spoke to your therapist on the phone, she informed me that you wanted to try my services so you could possibly be more intimate with your girlfriend. Is that still the case?”
“Yes. Can I say, I’m still not totally convinced cuddling a stranger will help though.”
I chuckled lightly as I ushered him toward the table so he could sign the proper consent forms.
“Well, for starters, I’m a professional who cuddles to help break down those barriers you might not know you have with physical touch with others.
I’m also here to hopefully find possible ways to make this happen with your girlfriend.
Tim, it’s okay if you need to be the little spoon sometimes.
Some men aren’t comfortable with the idea but still yearn for that closeness.
So here we find other ways to make it happen without feeling as if you’re being emasculated.
Or maybe it’s a simple act of just crossing legs that works for you.
Either way, I want you to be comfortable with me so you can implement that last act of intimacy in your relationship.
Now, before we get started with the cuddling, I will go over some very necessary boundaries and guidelines in play to keep us both safe. ”
Tim nodded and I proceeded with the code of conduct I had to follow to run a successful business while he went through the paperwork.
“Okay, to start this off, during your sessions, please come completely clear minded. Meaning not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, that includes medications that alter your mind or mood. Since this came as a referral from your therapist, I am aware of your mental health condition, but if any physical issues arise during the weeks of your sessions, please let me know because we do a lot of physical activities here. Also, please wear comfortable clothes. Pajamas are okay, within reason. No matter what happens, please remain strictly professional in this environment with me as I will with you. These cuddle sessions are strictly professional. Also be mindful of your hygiene habits while under my services. And last but not least, please inform me whenever something is uncomfortable for you or if you like a position. That way I know what not to do or to add more of. Do you have any questions? Or would you like something to drink before we get started?”
Tim finished signing the last form just as I wrapped up. His smile was timid as he shook his head.
“Well, then, shall we?” I got up and made my way to the massive couch I had here. It had deep cushions and lots of space. It could almost double as a full-size bed, perfect for cuddling.
I sat and patted the space next to me. I wanted Tim to make the decision on his own.
“Remember we only do what you want and are comfortable with, Tim. We can start close and just hold hands if you want,” I suggested. Tim scoffed humorlessly but was still hesitant to move.
“I can hold her hand, Olive.”
“If that’s an easy one, then come hold mine and tell me about your girlfriend,” I challenged him. I held my hand out, waiting for him.
A few minutes went by before Tim finally joined me but didn’t place his hand in mine. Instead he inched his hand close to me, just enough for me to know he was there.
I smiled because I knew this was his limit.
“Can I make a confession?”
“Sure.”
“Sarah isn’t my girlfriend yet. This is my issue.
She doesn’t want a loveless relationship, well an intimacy free relationship.
I do love her, it’s just—” He dropped his head and went quiet.
Before he could reopen his mouth, I cut him off from feeling obligated to tell me his situation.
I was no therapist, so he didn’t have to share any more than he was ready to.
I never wanted my clients to feel obligated to share.
And whatever Tim was holding was for him.
“Hey, well, if you trust me, I can get you there. Okay?”
Tim looked over at me through the tears in his eyes and nodded. I was sure with the help of therapy he would gain the confidence to tell me his story, not today though. It wasn’t necessary.
“Okay.” I offered him a warm, genuine smile.
We sat there a second longer before Tim gently placed his trembling hand into mine and I grasped it tightly to let him know I was here. We sat that way for a while, letting the low, relaxing instrumentals fill the space before Tim spoke.
“Do you mind if we talk about something?”
“Not at all, what do you want to talk about? You can pick the topic. I can handle myself with anything you throw at me conversation wise. The weather, sports, music, or movies. I’m well versed,” I said.
Tim grew quiet again before he said her name. I smiled.
“That topic works too. Tell me about Sarah and what makes her special enough to go through all this.” For the first time since Tim walked into my office, his eyes lit up with so much love and adoration that I knew he would walk through fire to save her.
And that act was my little subtle reminder of why I loved my profession.
They said physical touch could boost your serotonin levels, but nothing topped that feeling of doing something to make someone you loved happy.
And if I could help someone accomplish both, then I did my job.
For the next hour I listened to Tim go on about his love. I even got him to lean back and brush against my shoulder in his lax moment in time. I knew one thing for sure. For Tim, Sarah was his reason for being here and I planned to use it to my advantage.
The timer went off, letting us both know that time was up.
“Wow. I can’t believe it’s been an hour already. I feel like I just got here.” I looked down at our hands still locked.
“Well, it helps to pass the time when you’re focused on something or someone you love.
Thank you for sharing Sarah with me and I promise we will get you where you want to be for yourself and her.
Now, your therapist already scheduled your sessions for the same day you see her, but if that doesn’t work, we can always reschedule. ”
“Nope, it works for me. So two weeks.”
“Two weeks. It was a pleasure to meet you, Tim.” We got up and I walked him toward the door. I had twenty minutes before my next session and I was dying for a cup of coffee and two bites of my breakfast potatoes.
Not a minute later, Tunk was walking out with an empty wrapper in his hand.
“Man, it always amazes me how soon you get them to talk. I’m still trying to figure out why this and not a real therapist’s office,” Tunk said, making me chuckle as I placed my container in the microwave and put a coffee pod in the machine.
It wasn’t Brewed Bean but it would have to do since I couldn’t make it there this morning.
“Because here isn’t just for mental health cases.
I have clients who simply need hugs or cuddles; those are one and done.
And they all don’t go to therapy. I love it here.
I can prove the power of a good ass hug if you want,” I offered just as the microwave sounded off.
I turned, stretching my arms widely, making myself laugh. Tunk always turned me down.
“Hell no. I’m rough and tough for a reason and I want to keep it that way. You don’t need no soft ass security trying to protect you. There’s some real crazy ass people out there.” I laughed harder as I continued to get my snack and coffee.
“True. But one of these days, I’ma break that wall down.” I took the first bite of my potatoes before I pointed the fork at him.
“It won’t be today. But ay, give me ten, I’ll be right back. You covered the food; I’ll handle the coffee, because those pods ain’t gon’ do shit for me.” I snorted as Tunk made his way toward the door.