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Once I’m settled behind the wheel, I feel frustrated tears stinging the backs of my eyes. Mikey happily gets busy with his action figures in the back seat as I pray to God this was the only awkward issue that the universe has planned to send my way.
“Come on, Amaya. Head in the game,” I reprimand myself and start the car.
2
Amaya
Ihaven’t seen Kace, Finn, or Elias since I started on Monday. It’s now Wednesday, and I believe I am doing well in my new role. The clients seem to love me, making it a point to tell me that at the end of every group session. Some of them have even asked about private yoga sessions. There are rooms available in the rec center—smaller than the studio itself but just as properly equipped—and I am happy to accommodate such requests.
The yoga studio has soundproof walls, the finest hardwood flooring, an awesome surround sound system, massive windows for full sunlight throughout the day, and a soft, yet neutral, color palette on the walls and ceiling. Any and all yoga equipment you can think of is stored in a large space off to the side, and there’s a small area with storage lockers and changing rooms, along with two restrooms and a beverage station, all inside the studio.
I think I’m going to like this place.
The staff is great, they’re all so nice and friendly—not the fake kind of friendly, but genuinely warm and chatty. I wonder if it’s the company policies that nurture such demeanors, or if they were selected precisely for their kind nature during the interview process.
Either way, I’m loving the Golden Sequoia Estate along with the opportunities that it offers.
Most of my business is limited to the fitness centers, but Tanya gave me a full tour of the place on my first day. I got to see some of the private residential suites—unbelievable. She showed me the restaurants—indoor and out—along with more offices and meeting spaces, the infinity pools and the gardens with their cross-fit circuits and tennis courts.
Every inch of this estate was carefully thought out and designed to maximize the use of space without causing any significant offense to the environment.
“How many clients did you have today?” Tanya asks while hanging out in the employees’ lounge on our lunch break.
“I’d say about a dozen,” I tell Tanya while casually sinking into the sofa. It feels like a warm hug.
“It’ll get busier at the end of the month, once the tech conferences in San Francisco are over,” she says. “It’s always quieter this time during the summer. They all huddle over there to rub elbows with one another and score some new investments, then rush down here for some much-needed R&R.”
“Do clients actually do their work here? I mean, I saw the office spaces, but I’m just wondering which parts of the estate are more popular throughout the year.”
“Oh, yeah,” Tanya replies. “They get away from the city and come here, some just for the cooler evenings, in particular. But it’s mostly the high-level execs. Our price range isn’t exactly for everyone.” She pauses and gives me a curious smile. “How do you like it so far?”
“I love it. At first, I wasn’t sure I’d fit in, to be honest. It’s been a while since I’ve worked in a studio, let alone one as ritzy as this. But I love it.”
“And what were you doing before?”
I can’t help but chuckle dryly. “Stay-at-home mom,” I say. “I don’t regret it; I loved the time I got to spend with my son. But it came at a high cost. If I could go back, I doubt I’d do things the same way.”
“Bad relationship, huh?”
“Is it that obvious?”
“We’ve all had our share of those. At least one,” Tanya replies. “How’s Mikey? The daycare center should be a good fit for him.”
“It is. Laurel is a great teacher, too,” I say. “She tends to bring out the best in him. I love how tired and excited he is when I pick him up at the end of the day.”
We laugh and continue to talk some more. I’m fascinated by how this place brought people together from all walks of life. To my astonishment, I’ve learned Tanya is a recovering addict. She told me her story during the tour on my first day.
The restaurants, on the other hand I learned, hired mostly from Ivy League schools. The majority of their service staff are students at some of the most prestigious colleges in the U.S. The managers are all experts in the hospitality industry; however, each bearing at least one Michelin star on their resume.
The outer grounds are a mixed bag, but everyone working for the Golden Sequoia Estate has been thoroughly vetted and trained for their position. We’re held to the highest standards, and I appreciate that because it makes me want to strive to do better overall—for myself and for my son.
“The clients are pleased with your classes, and I’m hearing nothing but good things about you,” Tanya says. “I don’t know what it is that you do to them in there, but they always come out smiling and fully recharged.”
“I introduce a fitness element into all of my sessions,” I say. “Most yoga instructors focus on the mindfulness and breathing exercises, but I think my clients get more of their money’s worth if they burn some extra calories on the side. Although I am adding another session simply for rejuvenation, including the simplicity of the breathing exercises, and how they can help reset and recharge you, as well.”
“Makes sense.”
Yvonne, Tanya’s colleague from the reception desk, cautiously approaches us. She gives me a rather awkward smile, and my first instinct is to hold my breath, an unpleasant feeling subtly sinking in before she even speaks. “Hey, Amaya. So, I’ve got a bit of a situation back at my desk, and I figured I’d speak to you first.”
