by Ali Spooner
†
Marley sat at her desk reviewing the software Lindy was teaching her to use. She had drained her coffee and was about to leave the office for a refill when Lindy entered. She smiled when she saw her dressed in her new clothing.
“Good morning. You look very nice.”
“Thanks, Boss. I think I’ll let you make all my clothing purchases in the future. These fit and feel great.” Marley stood and turned around to model her new look.
“I have a feeling most anything would look good on you.”
Marley felt the heat rising up her neck. “I was about to get a refill,” holding up her coffee mug. “Would you care for some?”
“I’d love some. I put a case of new mugs on the counter. I thought some with the club’s logo would be nice.”
“You’ve thought of everything. I do have one question though.” She watched Lindy cock her head as she waited. “I know we have a relatively mild winter usually, but what plans do you have for tennis lessons when it turns too cold to be outside?”
Lindy smiled. “Elin has already made arrangements with an indoor practice court at one of the local clubs. If we are as successful as I hope, we can add an indoor court of our own with heating and cooling sources.”
“I knew you would have arrangements. I’ll be right back.”
Marley walked to the coffee bar and opened the case of new mugs and rinsed out two before pouring their drinks. She glanced at the clock. Luna and Pepper would be arriving soon to continue to set up equipment. Maybe they could begin setting up some appointments for assessments if Lindy could give them contact information. She picked up the mugs and returned to the office. Lindy had pulled up a chair next to the desk. She placed the mugs down on coasters. “Here we go.”
“Mmm, there’s nothing like the smell of rich coffee.”
Lindy’s voice was a soft purr early in the morning. Marley felt her blood rushing as her nose filled with the soft perfume Lindy wore. She sat in the chair next to her. “I was thinking. Luna and Pepper have almost all the equipment set up until the final order arrives tomorrow. What do you think about them making some calls to set up assessments? Orientation should only take a day next week.”
“I do love the way you think. I’ve installed a file of client contacts. If you pull it up, you can print two copies for them to start making the calls.”
Marley pulled up the files and made the copies as they enjoyed their coffee. Lindy walked her through a few more spreadsheets and financial reports until they heard the distinct rumble of Luna’s bike. A few minutes later, Luna strolled in wearing turquoise sweats and a t-shirt. Looking delicious as usual. Marley couldn’t help but smile at the way Lindy appreciated the view, as Luna leaned against the doorframe.
“Morning. Ladies,” she grinned. “What do you have planned for us today, Boss?”
“Lindy and I thought between your setting up the last of the equipment, you and Pepper could start making contacts to set up assessments next week, starting Tuesday after we complete staff orientation.”
“Do we have to wait that long? The last of the equipment will arrive Friday, but Pepper and I can set it up Saturday.”
Marley looked to Lindy, who shrugged. “Fine by me. I know a few of them are aching to get started. Are you up to a few massages, Marley?”
“Sure, I can’t let my hands get lazy,” she chuckled.
“Have at it then,” Lindy handed Luna the printed copies. “I have one request.”
Luna took the pages, “What’s that, Boss?”
“Start with Danna Nichols. She’s a recent widow, and could probably use a good massage, and maybe some special attention from you Luna.”
Luna grinned. “She’ll be my first call. Can you be ready to do a massage by three, Marley?”
“I should be ready by then unless Lindy has other plans.”
“We should be done with our catering meeting no later than one. We’re meeting for lunch, so that should work well.”
Luna turned at the sound of the front door opening. “Pepper is here so we’ll finish with the equipment and get started with the calls.”
When Luna left, Marley turned back to Lindy. “Are there any specifics we should know about our clients? Like Mrs. Nichols, who is recently widowed, so we don’t make any embarrassing blunders.”
Lindy tilted her head as she thought. Marley thought she was adorable when she was pondering ideas. “This weekend, I’ll spend some time developing client profiles, that we can share with the group during orientation Monday.”
“That sounds perfect. What else do you need to teach me?”
“There is some additional human resource stuff I want to go over with you in preparation for Monday. I’ve got us set up with a health insurance carrier and an investment firm for a 401K plan. I’ve got packets of information we need to get filled out, and I thought we could start with yours. The club is covering each of you with life insurance equal to your annual salary, but there are still beneficiary forms and personal information to complete.”
Lindy reached for her satchel and pulled out a file folder. “There’s a lot of paper. Why don’t we go into the lounge to spread them out on a table? Grab a pen and follow me.”
They spent the next thirty minutes filling out benefit forms. When it was time to designate a beneficiary and emergency contact information, Marley entered her brother’s information. Lindy watched her carefully and when she finished writing, she smiled at Marley. “You know, this makes me realize I don’t know much about you. You know so much about me, but I know very little about you.”
Marley returned her smile. “There’s not much to share. Charles is my younger brother and only sibling. He lives in Montgomery, Alabama, and has two wonderful sons and a beautiful wife.”
“Do you get to see them often?”
“Not as often as I’d like. They are growing up so fast. I do try to visit over Thanksgiving and Christmas when I can.”
“Is that where you’re from?”
“Columbus, Georgia, originally. I came to Atlanta for college and massage school and never left.”
“Do your parents still live there?”
“No, it’s just my brother and me. Alzheimer’s took dad after mom died from cancer.”
Lindy covered her hand with her smaller one. “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t dredge up sad memories for you.”
Marley shook her head. “It’s been some time ago, but I miss them both dearly.”
“I understand. I lost both of my parents, and I am an only child.”
“Are you a native of Atlanta?”
“Born and raised. I wandered up to Athens for college where I met my husband. He was working for a local law firm and after we married, he took a position back here in Atlanta.”
“Any kids?”
“Not for me, but Jay Dub has a daughter from his previous marriage Susan. She’s a nurse practitioner and is doing some missionary work in Haiti right now.”
“Wow, he must be proud of her.”
“We are. I’m happy she’s following her heart to care for others, instead of chasing the almighty dollar.”
“Do you get to see her often?”
“A couple of times a year. She will be home for Christmas. I’d love for you to meet her. I think you two would hit it off.”
“Oh really? How so?”
“For starters, both single lesbians,” Lindy answered with a chuckle. “You both have huge giving hearts.”
Marley chuckled. “Does she have any idea about TWC?”
“She thinks it’s a great idea. We talked about it a few months ago. She’s no more pleased with her father’s behavior than I am.”
“I can imagine. I would like to meet her.”
“I think she’s a few years older, actually she’s only five years younger than me, but I think you would hit it off.”
“Is it strange for her, that her stepmom is so close to her age?”
“We’ve never discussed it. We get alon
g pretty well. For the short amount of time we get to spend together.”
Marley chuckled and shook her head. “How do you think she’d react with me giving pleasure to her stepmother?”
“Susan’s a pretty open-minded free spirit. I guess only time will tell though.”
Luna walked in and the personal conversation ended, much to Marley’s relief.
“You have a massage scheduled for three with Mrs. Nichols,” Luna told Marley. “She’ll be here at two for a fitness assessment and to set some fitness goals with me.”
Lindy smiled at Luna’s excitement. “Are your contacts going well?”
“Very well, we’re going to busy next week.”
“Do you mind if I go out and purchase some appointment books?” Luna asked. “My post-it-note filing system isn’t working.”
Lindy broke out laughing. “I knew there was something I was forgetting. Yes, go ahead and I’ll order everyone nice ones with the club logo. Once Haley comes on board, we’ll add appointment calendars to the computer system, but it will still be nice for each of you to have access to one.”
“Do you want me to take care of that?”
“That would be great, Luna. Let me download the logo onto a jump drive and get you the credit card,” Marley answered.
“You might as well order ink pens too, and pick up a box to get us through,” Lindy was saying to Luna.
“Are you okay on your bike or do you want to take my car?” Marley offered.
“I can fit everything in my saddlebags, but thanks!” She took the jump drive and credit card and left the room.
“Now I’m wondering if there’s anything else I forgot to plan for?”
“If anything pops up, we’ll handle it as it comes,” Marley assured her.
“I know we will. Thanks for helping me achieve this dream.”
“Thank you for bringing me and the rest of the team onboard. This is a dream come true for all of us.”
†
Their meeting with the caterer went well and plans were set for the grand opening. When they returned to the club, Tom was just leaving.
“I inspected the Roman bath, and have it filling for you. That should wrap us up unless you can think of anything else?”
“No, Tom I think that’s the last project to complete. Shoot me over the final invoice tonight and I’ll get a payment transferred for you. Thanks for all your hard work to get us up and running ahead of schedule.” Lindy shook his hand, and they entered the club. “Let’s go check it out.”
Pepper and Luna were busy doing client assessments, so she and Lindy were able to sneak past the workout room to check out the bath. The bath was rapidly filling, and Marley could already feel a slight rise in the room temperature. “This is going to be so nice and relaxing.”
“Yes, it will. Do you think it will be ready by tonight?” Lindy had a mischievous grin on her face.
“At the rate the water is filling, I’d guess so. I’m assuming it has an automatic shut off when it reaches an appropriate level.”
“Indeed, it does,” Lindy answered. “Which reminds me, where are we on a maintenance type person?”
“That’s the only spot left to fill. I have a few leads, but with everything being new and under warranty, I don’t think we have an immediate need. I’d like to wait for the perfect prospect to come along.”
“I agree with you there. We’ve done so well so far staffing the club, I don’t feel a necessity to rush.”
“I think between Luna’s muscle and my semi-handiness we can handle anything small for a while.”
“Oh, I’d love to see the two of y’all in tool belts,” Lindy smirked.
“Hey now, I’m not just a fantastic set of hands.”
“I know you are all that, and so much more,” Lindy bumped into her shoulder. “Let’s go meet the clients.”
†
When they entered the workout area, Marley was introduced to Danna Nichols and Carmen Fultz. Carmen was a beautiful Latino model, perfect body in her early thirties and Danna had more ample curves and was somewhere in her early forties. “I understand we have an appointment for a massage at three when Luna finishes your assessment,” Marley said as she shook hands with Danna.
“Yes, we do and I’m so looking forward to it. Lindy raves about your magic hands.”
“Lindy is all too kind, but I appreciate the comment. I’ll get changed and will have the room ready when you finish here.”
“That sounds wonderful. Nice to finally meet you.”
“Likewise, Mrs. Nichols.”
“Please call me Danna.”
Marley nodded and turned to Lindy. “Is there anything else we need to do today?”
“I think we’ve accomplished plenty. I’m going to stick around and have my assessment done while you’re giving Danna a massage.”
“I’ll see you later then.” Marley went into her massage area to prepare the room and then climbed the stairs to her flat. She heard Lindy talking with Luna as she passed by.
“Do you mind if I watch the assessment?”
“Fine with me, if Danna is okay with it,” Luna answered.
“I’m sure I don’t have anything you haven’t seen before,” Danna chuckled.
†
Marley had to pinch herself when she got to the flat. This is really happening, and I’m about to provide service to our first official client. She had given thousands of massages, but for some odd reason, she felt butterflies take flight in her stomach. I have no reason to be nervous. Relax, it’s just a massage. She opened a fresh bottle of water and took a long drink before heading downstairs. She stopped off at the workout room, just as Luna was finished with the assessment.
Danna looked up at Marley when she entered in shorts and a polo. She felt her eyes appraising her as she approached. “All done here?”
“She’s all yours,” Luna grinned.
“Do I have time for a quick shower?”
“Of course, do you know where the locker room is?”
“Yes, Luna gave me the complete tour.”
“Great, you can slip into one of the robes when you’re finished and meet me in room one.”
“Thanks. I’ll be quick.”
Pepper was also nearly finished with her assessment. Carmen looked like she worked out regularly or at least had some awesome body work done. She and Pepper walked over to the group and Carmen looked at Lindy. “Are all services available today?”
Lindy looked at Pepper who nodded. “Yes ma’am, they are.”
Pepper led Carmen to the staircase and they disappeared from view.
“One extremely happy client,” Luna chuckled.
“Do you have an appointment after our massage?” Marley asked Luna.
“Why yes, Ma’am, I do indeed.”
“That should make an interesting pairing,” Lindy grinned. “If she doesn’t fall down the stairs afterward, why don’t you join us in the Roman bath for a refreshing soak?”
“After we run through a quick shower,” Luna agreed. “I can’t wait to try that out.”
“Not spring fed like the originals, but I think it will be passable,” Lindy winked at Luna.
Marley smiled at Luna, “I’m going to get ready for Danna. I’ll see you all in an hour.”
†
Marley put some relaxing music on and took a long drink of water. A few minutes later a light tap on the door let her know Danna had arrived. Marley walked to the entrance. “Come in and take off your robe. Lie face down on the table for me if you would, please.”
Danna removed the robe, and Marley hung it behind the door. “Are you having any tightness or sore spots we need to work on?”
“I’ve been having tension headaches from tightness in my neck.”
“I’ll see what I can do about relaxing those muscles. Would you mind if I put your hair up in a clip?”
“No problem,” she lowered her body onto the massage table.
Marley took a hair clip and gentl
y brushed the long hair away from Danna’s neck and secured it on top of her head. “There, all set. Is this music okay for you?”
“It’s beautiful. I could fall asleep to that sound.”
“Well, be my guest if you want to take a nap.”
Danna chuckled. “Don’t be surprised if I do.”
“What is your impression of the club so far?” Marley asked as she filled her hands with the warmed oil.
“Everything looks fantastic. The staff seems very professional and well equipped to do their jobs. I’m looking forward to working with Luna and Pepper to get into shape. My late husband David wanted me to have some plastic surgery done, but I flatly refused. The good Lord gave me this body, and I need to take better care of how I treat it.”
“Were you able to set up your fitness goals?”
“Yes, I’ll be working out three to four days a week, getting massages, and working with Pepper on developing better eating habits. I want to be able to drop about thirty pounds.”
“That sounds very achievable.” Marley started working the warmed oil into Danna’s neck and shoulders, kneading the tense muscles deeply. “Let me know if this is too much pressure for you.”
“It feels heavenly. It’s been ages since I had a massage.”
“Don’t be surprised if your muscles are sore tomorrow then. Be sure to drink plenty of water tonight and tomorrow to help flush the toxins from your body.”
“Thanks, I will.”