CHAPTER ELEVEN
Everly
I ’m on cloud nine as I walk through the back doors of work. Everything looks so much more vivid, as if my eyes are opening for the first time in my life. It’s like I’m taking the time to stop and smell the roses. Last night was everything I’d hoped it would be. And more!
Linc was great at being patient and gentle, making sure I was ready.
He did things to me that I’m not even sure most of those erotica books I’ve read have in them.
My nerves were getting the best of me, but Linc squashed them with a single touch or kiss, making me believe that there are true men out in the world.
“Someone had an amazing night,” Lisa, our receptionist, announces to the lobby.
I’m sure my blush is giving everything away.
I wanted to call Saylor this morning and spill the beans, but she was meeting her mysterious man from the bar again.
When I’ve pressed her about him, all she told me was that she’d tell me after this weekend.
She’s been avoiding me like the plague so I know something is up with her.
“How’s my schedule look today?” I ask, avoiding her gaze as she stares at me to blab the details.
“Girl, you’re going to have to do better than that,” Lisa says a little too loud, making even more noise and gaining attention from people passing by the desk. “You’re practically floating across the floor and that grin tattooed on your face says it all.”
After not commenting for a few long moments, holding my ground, Lisa finally gives in and starts tapping away on the computer.
“Fine, but I expect details after work or I’m going to put Mr. Sasquatch on your regular rotation,” Lisa playfully threatens.
We have an older man in his late seventies who schedules an appointment every Tuesday afternoon.
I think his real name is Todd or Bob, but he’s covered in hair like it’s a second shirt.
He always has the foulest odor and thinks all the girls want him.
He flashes his money like it’s gum trying to impress anyone who’s watching.
He looks like bigfoot in a way, so the name stuck.
Lisa has the honorary duty of placing him on the schedule for all the massage therapists and gives him to the girls she’s hating on at the moment.
Which is why I always try to bring her some of Saylor’s baked goods to butter her up.
“Okay, okay. I’ll tell you a smidge of why I’m so happy,” I say to her and she all but shushes the lobby to listen in. “…after work.”
“You’re a real buzz kill, Everly, but I love you, so I’ll let it slide this time.”
“Thank you,” I say even though I’m not sure why. I love working here and all of us get along so well together.
“You’ve got a new client in thirty minutes.
She’s wanting to release some tension. She looks familiar but who knows, and then you’re booked with Cammie’s regulars every hour until five, with an hour lunch at one.
Cammie called and wanted to say thank you once again for taking on her clients today and that her daughter is doing better. ”
She prints up my list and I make my way towards the massage wing of the building to treatment room nine.
“I’m sticking around until you’re done so don’t think you can sneak away without talking with me!” Lisa shouts across the room and I pick up my pace to get away from her. She really is a fun girl when she lets her guard down.
I’m in my room making sure everything is stocked up for my new client, when there’s a knock on the door and Saylor steps in.
I haven’t turned on the light letting others know I’m in session yet.
She’s got a box in her hands, and I can smell the fresh croissants from across the room, making my stomach grumble.
Every Saturday, she brings pastries by, from her bakery down the street, for us girls at work and to take home so we can enjoy them over the weekend.
“Lisa said I should come check on you. Something about last night?”
“I’m going to kill her,” I mumble.
“Well, from the glow and the plastered smile I think I can guess.” She squeals which makes me squeal unintentionally.
“Oh Saylor, it was amazing, and he was so great and gentle and caring.”
“I know you’re filling in for Cammie, so when do you take lunch? You can share all the elusive details.” She checks her watch, and I see that my client should be here any moment.
“I’m at one today, what about you?”
“I’ll tell the staff that I’m needed then too. I’ll swing by and we’ll hit up the café around the corner.”
“Sounds good.”
“Knock, knock!” We hear from the door, and it’s the owner of the spa and Saylor’s grandmother, Sharolyn. I’ve called her Glammy since I was nine and she took care of me while dad was away on deployment, but when we are at work I call her by her given name.
“Hey Glammy!” Saylor greets, hugging and kissing her grandmother. She opens the top of my goodie box and offers her croissant.
I come over, giving her the same treatment.
She’s always dressed to impress. She’s got on a black lacy top with a long leopard skirt that has a wide thick belt around her middle.
She has short spiky hair that you see in magazines, and she is the essence of beauty.
Glammy never leaves the house without accessorizing every inch of her body.
People are always stopping her on the street or in a store, complimenting her style. I can only hope to achieve such a look.
“What are you girls up to today?” Glammy asks.
“I stopped by to check on Everly and see if she can have lunch later,” Saylor tells her.
“That’s great. Listen, I wanted to run something by you really quick, and I want you to really consider it,” she looks over at me.
“Okay? I’ve got about ten minutes before my first client if you want to tell me the short version,” I say, knowing that Glammy can be long-winded when it comes to her stories.
“Grandpa Alan and I were talking the other night. We’ve had an offer for someone to buy out all our spas, and I think we might take it. We really want to be in Montana more and this will enable that to happen.”
“Oh, really,” I say, a little disappointed that things will change around here soon.
“Well, we said that we might take it if they don’t include this location,” she pauses for a moment. “We want you to have this place and run it, dear. We’ve been so proud of how much you’ve grown over the years. You’ve got a really good head on your shoulders, and I think you could really flourish.”
“Uhh…” I’m speechless.
“Everly this is fantastic!” Saylor cheers.
“Are you sure, Glammy?” I ask, losing all professionalism. “You’d make millions off this as part of the sale.”
“What good is it if I can’t give it to my girls and watch as they live out their dreams. We may not share DNA baby girl, but we have always thought of you as our other granddaughter.”
Tears fill my eyes as she says this. “I love you so much, thank you!”
Saylor pulls all three of us into a hug as I let my emotions out. I couldn’t be more grateful to have them and Saylor in my life.
“I’ll have Reese start showing you the business side of things next week,” Glammy says when we pull away. “I’ve got to go but I’ll see you on Monday for our lunch date and we can discuss the details a little more. You girls stay out of trouble.” She walks out with a wave and goes down the hall.
“Ohmygosh! I’m so happy they are doing this for you,” Saylor says excitedly.
“I can’t believe Glammy just told us that,” I say still in shock.
“Believe it,” she says as she looks down when her phone buzzes. “I’ve got to get to the bakery.” She comes over and gives me a hug before she makes for the door, but turns when she’s crossed the threshold.
“This is a good look for you Everly. Whatever this guy is doing, I hope it sticks.” She giggles and I’m not sure why. “And I don’t just mean in you.”
“Saylor!” I chide her when it sinks in, and I get the double meaning behind her words. “You’re going to divulge about your new guy too.” I point my finger at her, giving her a knowing look.
“Later, slut!” She calls out with a wink, then she’s gone with the door closed behind her, and I’m back to my serene room with soft lighting and music.
The light above the waiting room comes on and finally pulls me from my thoughts of last night and what Glammy just informed me.
I really need to focus on work and stop thinking about all the ways Linc devoured my body.
I wonder if I’ll always feel like this, or if it’s because it’s my first time.
Shaking my head to get myself back on track, I tap on the waiting room door to let the client know I’m ready for them.
I make my way over to the counter to wash my hands and gather up the lotion that helps with tension, when I hear the door close. Turning to introduce myself, I see that no introductions are needed.
“Oh, I didn’t realize that you’d be my new client,” I say a little taken back because I’m shocked at her standing here in my room. We haven’t seen each other since that day over a month ago.
“I’m everywhere, or don’t you see my face on billboards across this town or in the news,” Linley Lewis bites, and I can tell this isn’t going to be a pleasant treatment.
Linley is standing inside the room, wearing a purple jogging suit with a baggy jacket. It seems a little hot considering LA weather is already in the low eighties this morning.
“Miss Lewis, I’m here at my job working. If there is something personal that you’d like to discuss I’m sure we can meet after hours, but this isn’t the time nor place to have a scene.” I’m trying to be as professional as possible.
“Oh, we’re going to talk. Well, I’m going to be the one doing all the talking at least.”