Chapter Seven – Therapeutic Investment #2
“If you worried this is because of your TV spot, I promise you, it isn’t,” Meka continued. “Some people just change their minds. Or maybe they simply forgot they had an appointment scheduled. If you want, I can reach out again. I sent our standard appointment reminder.”
There it was, the perfect excuse. Was it true? No, but I would lean into it.
“You’re right. I’m overthinking things. Thank you.” I nodded. “And no need to reach out again if you already have.”
I listened to her advice and went into my office, where there were, in fact, at least a dozen emails waiting for responses. I’d allowed myself to be distracted, but the buzz was hot, and I needed to take advantage of it.
I was on my fifth response when Meka poked her head into my office.
“Hey, client responded to my reminder. Said she was sorry but has to cancel the meeting. Didn’t take me up on a reschedule, though.”
“Right, okay.” I nodded. “Thanks for the follow up.”
“I mean, it’s one client, right? We have so many new people coming in now.”
“Meka, I don’t need you to comfort me right now.
You might have caught me looking kinda pathetic out there, but trust me, I’m a big girl.
I can handle a cancellation.” I chuckled.
“Besides, you were right. My inbox is loaded with opportunities for the gym, so this gave me the perfect opportunity to jump on these responses.”
“I’m glad to see it all working out. I mean, you’ve put so much into building this place, and you do an amazing job.”
“It’s not just me. It’s the entire team.” I leaned back in my seat. “I’m so proud of what we’ve done here.”
“Same. Now, question: are you really cool with this client canceling? It felt like you really liked this one.” She waggled her eyebrows. “If you know what I mean.”
“I do know what you mean, and that is exactly why I don’t mind her canceling.” I pointed at her. “This is how rumors spread about dirty trainers messing with their clients. No, thank you!”
I checked the time as I heard clients walking out of the last scheduled yoga session of the day. I ushered Meka out of my office and back to the front desk.
“You can head on home. I’ll wait for Jon to leave out and then lock up,” I offered. “Enjoy the rest of your night in peace.”
“Are you sure?” she asked, already grabbing her things.
“And if I weren’t?” I laughed as she snatched her phone charger out of the wall. “You’re damn near already out the door as it is.”
“Well, you know if you offer, I’m going!” She waved and skipped away from me.
“Yeah, yeah, enjoy your weekend!”
I called after her. Meka always had the weekends off.
She insisted on it, and I accommodated her because she was amazing at her job.
Brit covered the front desk in her place.
She was a mouse compared to Meka’s bold energy.
The nineteen-year-old did amazing, though.
She handled herself and the clients with ease, despite being so quiet.
After Jon finished up and headed out. I did a last check of everything and waited for the dryers to stop while responding to a few more emails. I didn’t trust leaving before they were done. As soon as they finished, I popped the lids and headed out.
“Shontae.” The melody of her voice reached me as I made it to my car, and I turned around to meet Likosa. She stood just a few feet away, in a sheer pink dress that put those nipples firmly on display.
“Likosa, what are you doing here?” I kept my eyes on her face.
“I’m here to find out your answer to my proposal, of course.
” She smiled. “I respect your boundaries and won’t show up for any more sessions, so now there is no reason for us not to spend time together.
Besides, I’m pretty damn amazing, if I do say so myself, and I think you would enjoy yourself with me. ”
“I would expect you to say nothing less.”
“Here is another question for you.” She stepped closer. “What if I needed something else from you? Other than your expertise with the physical form.”
“Excuse me?” I met her gaze. “What else could you possibly need from me when you barely know me?”
“I planned to draw this out a little longer because I love a slow build. You’re right, I barely know you…on a personal level. But I’ve known about you for a while. Trust me, I’ve done my research.”
“What is it, then?” I leaned back against my car. “Tell me, Likosa: what do you want?”
“For one, I’d like to get to know you better,” she answered boldly. “I felt your presence long before I ever saw you, and I must admit, that enticing energy is inside of a very delicious package. But I know there’s so much more to you than meets the eye.”
“Delicious?” I looked her up and down. “I see.”
“Look, if you’re not open to it, I understand, but I must admit, I think you’re making a big mistake.” She inhaled deeply, her nipples pressing against the thin fabric of her dress.
“I don’t even know what it is. You haven’t told me what you want. Do you often dance around the point like this?”
“You just suck the fun out of everything, don’t you?” She pouted. “I’m proposing a partnership. One that I think will be mutually beneficial if you agree to it.”
“A partnership?” I narrowed my gaze. “What kind of partnership?”
“The kind that can help you take things to the next level. Shontae, I’ve seen what you can do, and I know you’re capable of so much more. Let me help you get there.”
“Sounds like you’re a talent scout. Are you trying to recruit me? Because all of this becomes inappropriate for entirely new reasons if you are.”
“Talent scout?” Her melodious laughter wrapped around us. “Well actually, yes, in a way. But I wouldn’t be your manager. I’d be your amplifier.”
“Amplifier? That’s a first.”
“I invest in things that pay dividends. When I felt your energy and experienced being in your presence, I immediately knew investing in you would pay off. I know you want more. Let me help you get there.” In a moment of eerie déjà vu from just days before, she pulled out a card and handed it to me.
“There’s no pressure at all. This will be the last time I surprise you here, I promise. Just think about it and let me know.”