Page 21 of Carter

My heart races.

The walls of my office are closing in on me. Trapping me in a cage of memories. I’m ready to get the hell out of here.

Maybe I’ll move up my driver. Have a few drinks at the airport while I wait for my flight. Liquid lunch.

There’s a soft knock at the door.

I clear my throat. “Come in.”

The door opens.

My heart rate slows. It’s Leslie. The woman who works at the front desk. “Sasha just called. She’s going to be late. I thought you’d want to know.” She gives me a long look with her blue eyes. Her cheeks pinken. I’ve found her to be a bit shy in my presence.

“Thank you.”

She gives me a nod and leaves. She closes the door behind her.

I can’t wait in here, I’ll go crazy. I leave the office, mill about the gym. The spin class is going strong. Every single elliptical and treadmill is occupied.

I stop by the front desk. I’ve recently hired two staff members. I should get to know them before I go. Leslie, and her friend, Tiffany.

Tiffany has red hair, freckles, and is super outgoing. I hired her because I knew she’d be great at phone calls and greeting members. She’s got an easy, fun way about her that gives a solid first impression. She’s on the phone now, and I listen to her as she explains our membership dues to a customer.

She’s personal and helpful and by the end of the call, she’s signed the client. I made the right choice.

She hangs up the phone and looks to me. “Hey, Mr. Bachman! We just got another member.”

“I heard. Great work. And you can call me Carter. Everyone else does,” I say.

“Oh—okay. I wasn’t sure so I was just playing it safe.” She gives me a smile.

I smile back. “How are you liking it so far? Everyone treating you well?” I ask.

“I love it here! The only problem is everyone is so fit.” She sticks out her stomach, patting it. “I turned down a doughnut this morning for the first time in a year!”

I chuckle.

She begins to tell me a story of her first attempt at a barre class. We give all our employees free memberships—that’s how I got half of my workers in the first place. Tiffany is not one of those looking for a free gym. She hasn’t worked out a day in her life. She’s comical and before I know it, she has me laughing. Really laughing. And it feels good. She reminds me of a friend I had in high school. I lean on the desk and ask her what her next attempt to exercise will be.

She says, maybe walking to the doughnut shop to get the cream-filled she missed out on this morning. I laugh.

I sense someone eyeing me. I glance over my shoulder. It’s Sasha.

Her eyes are shooting daggers at Tiffany.

I know what’s coming. I’ve seen it before.

Only this time, she’s going to be way out of line.

I’m not hers to claim.

Sasha approaches the desk. Jealousy flashes across her face so quickly I almost miss it. “Tiffany, right?” she says. Her tone starts sharp, then she visibly reins it in. “I processed your paperwork. Welcome to Barbells.”

Tiffany looks between us. “Thanks. Your boss was just convincing me I won’t die if I try another class.”

Sasha’s mouth tightens at the word boss, but instead of taking the bait she says, “Start with mine. I’ll modify everything. No shame, no scales, and nobody apologizes for taking up space in my room.”

Tiffany’s face brightens. “Seriously?”