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“You made me realize I was marketing to women when I need to be thinking about the other half of the market I’ve neglected.”
“How did I do that?” I racked my brain, thinking of the moment when I’d alluded to that.
“It wasn’t anything you said necessarily, but you were reluctant to take a bottled juice to work. As if you would be embarrassed to be seen with one.”
“I never said that. I said the guys wouldn’t let me hear the end of it, but they act like kids. I wouldn’t change your business model based on those idiots.”
“It wasn’t even what you said. I sensed that you were uncomfortable.”
“Maybe you’re not as unobservant as you think.”
She smiled, and it made me wonder if she was just more observant when it came to me. As soon as the thought entered my head, I dismissed it. I was her sister’s ex. She didn’t think of me any other way. Not when she seemingly brought her sister up every time we saw each other.
“I don’t know about that, but I made a list of places that cater to men. Health clubs and hotels.”
“You want to add juice bars to gyms?”
“Maybe…or just sell my bottled juices at the counter. I’d share a percentage of the sales with the gym. It’s passive income like what I have at Ava’s bakery.”
I sat next to her because the small sofa was the only chair besides a large bean bag in the corner. “That’s a good idea. You looking to expand your business?”
“I’m always thinking of ways to avoid being a fad. I don’t want to be known for juice cleanses or diet drinks. I’ve thought about adding my juices to the yoga retreats or events going on, too.”
“You have a good business mind.”
A flash of hurt crossed her face. “Try not to act so surprised.”
Scrambling, I said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything—”
She held up a hand. “It’s okay. I know what people think of me. I’m flighty. Distracted. Weird even.”
“I don’t think that.” I worried she was inattentive to where she parked her car and her personal safety. But I never thought she was stupid. “I’ve always thought you were smart.”
“Do you know how I got started?”
“No.” I assumed she’d gotten a business loan, or her parents helped.
“I did pop-ups at farmers’ markets for a long time. Making and creating the juice myself. Then I got a bit of a following, and I started a weekly juice club, offering packages and meal plans for the week. But it was the cleanses that were the most popular.”
“What you don’t want to be known for?”
She smiled as if pleased I’d been listening. “Exactly. Eventually, I had enough members that opening a storefront made sense. I could produce more juice there than in my apartment.”
“You still have the memberships?”
“It’s my bread and butter. People want a little health coaching with their juice. They want to feel like what they’re doing is healthy, helping their body.”
“You believe in the whole mind-body experience.”
I’d noticed the yoga mat on the wood floor in front of the TV. I didn’t get the impression she’d placed it there for a workout. It was always there. Like at any moment, she’d fall into a downward dog position. The thought of her ass in the air, her head down, had my cock jerking in my pants.
She smiled. “Absolutely. I practice it myself. Yoga and meditation.”
“I get working out. But not so much meditation.”
“Clearing your mind, even for a few minutes, does wonders.”
“I’ll have to trust you on that one.”
