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I’ll be back home before I know it, and maybe I could sneak in a nap before starting the evening of house-flipping tasks.
Maybe.
Probably not.
I know what my life’s been like lately. The mess I call home is barely livable, and it’s hard to rest when there’s so, so much to get done.
The break room door gapes open. But before I reach it, I hear a booming voice farther down the hallway.
Deep, resonant, demanding.
My boss.
Epic Elevate’s CEO and founder, Brock Benson, steps around the corner of the hallway, and my senses are bombarded on all fronts: I can smell the spicy mix of his cologne and body wash. His dazzlingly handsome face makes me blink a few times in a daze because seeing him is always like coming face-to-face with a larger-than-life celebrity.
And that voice.
So smooth and rich and suave, I feel as though it’s being wasted in the hallway, unheard by the hundreds of thousands of fans who subscribe to his podcast.
He walks my way with his confident, energetic stride, and his executive assistant, Mandy, trails behind him.
I search for a doorway to duck into.
As a rule, I avoid Brock.
When I first started working for him, I tried to do the professional thing and greet him whenever he passed through the shipping department each morning. But whenever I looked up from my desk and said my polite “good morning, Mr. Benson” or a plain old “Hello, sir,” he just ignored me.
As in, flat-out refused to look my way.
No greeting in return.
No nod of acknowledgment.
Nothing.
At first, I was offended. But over the years, I’ve learned being invisible to Brock Benson is actually a good thing. I get a paycheck religiously, and I don’t have to deal with micromanagement, which is his style with the company’s favorites.
Today, however, there is nowhere to hide.
The hallway is decorated in typical Epic Elevate style: modern and minimalist. The polished black granite floor shimmers. A few sleek black-and-white photos adorn the matte-gray walls.
No nook to take cover in. No vending machine to face. No water fountain, chair, table, or stairwell to carry me mercifully out of his pathway.
There’s nowhere to go except forward.
I try not to stare but can’t help looking at him. Unfortunately, he’s the type of guy who does that to women.
A glimpse of his red-and-black shirt gives me a clue about his style du jour before I even take in the rest of his outfit. He’s rocking a lumberjack-themed look today. His plaid shirt hangs open over a black tee that hugs his muscular form. Black pants taper over his stylishly relaxed, tongue-poking-out leather boots.
A silver necklace hangs over his burly chest. The long black stone that hangs off the silver chain begs questions. As in: ‘So, Brock, tell us about this stone you’re wearing. Is that obsidian?’
I’ve listened to enough of his podcasts to imagine his response, too. ‘It is obsidian, good eye, good eye. Yeah, I got this from a good friend and client. We were in the Philippines. I was helping him train for a big upcoming mixed martial arts tournament. And actually, there’s a great story behind this piece…’
Then, in true Brock form, he’d launch into some captivating tale of adventure.
The public adores Brock for the workout programs he shares with the world and his clothing brand, the tales he tells on his podcast, and any show he’s a guest on.
Tales about traveling the world, mingling with celebrities, and achieving feats us mere mortals could only dream of. Tales of determination and domination. Grit and glory.
