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“I was saving the tour until after the pitch,” I explain.
“Well, about we skip ahead?” Jenn suggests. “After all, the spa design here is the big draw. You’ll absolutely flip,” she tells Mac, already ushering him to the hallway. “I swear, the steam room here is even better than that one you guys visited in Dubai on the show.”
“No way,” he exclaims. “That was incredible. Top ten most relaxing moments of my life.”
“Get prepared to bump one,” Jenn insists. “Oh, and don’t get me started on the special shiatsu massage. Hea-ven.”
I follow them downstairs, amazed to see Mac is fully engaged and paying attention as Jenn banters about our treatments, and what I can only guess are in-jokes from the show.
“No, you lose it,” she giggles with him.
“Loose it! Loose it!” Mac howls with laughter.
We reach the treatment complex. “As you can see, everything is focused on wellness through a science, tech lens,” Jenn says, easily parroting the marketing copy she’s been working on all week. “So many spas are tuned to the feminine, focused on anti-aging, weight-loss. What Austin’s doing here is curating the whole experience from a more performance-driven, athletic angle. Informed, of course, by his own background in sport.”
“A place for guys to buy into wellness, even if they’re hung up on not seeming too feminine,” Mac translates, nodding.
“Exactly.”
“You know, it’s crazy how much stigma there is bound up in these traditional gender roles,” Mac says, looking around. “Like it makes a guy any less of a man to enjoy a nice eucalyptus scrub and a pedicure. Because let me tell you, I’m secure enough in my masculinity to spend the whole day in that steam room, opening my pores!”
They laugh, and the tightness in my chest begins to ease.
Could he be coming around?
Mac keeps touring the treatment rooms and meditation suite, looking more thoughtful. “You know, now I see the whole thing, I get it, man,” he says to me. “You’re taking those insecurities, and cutting right through the bullshit, finding a way to deliver that same pampering experience, make spa treatments accessible to men, just dressed up in the high-tech image.”
“It’s not just dressing,” I add, “Everything we do here is backed by science and research. Back when I injured my shoulder, I really spiraled. It was my instinct to just push through, you know? Tough it out. But rehab and physical therapy gave me the direction I needed to take care of myself—my body, as well as my mind.”
“Hellyeah,” Mac whoops. “See, that’s what I’m always trying to say. People are like, ‘Oh, you and Lanie have the perfect relationship. How do you do it?’ Self-care, baby. I fill my cup so I’m in a good place to support her.”
We emerge back in the lobby, and I wrack my brain, trying to think of anything else I need to cover. The future of the spa is on the line… And resting in Mac’s well-moisturized hands.
Then a petite blonde woman struts into the space, blonde hair falling to her ass, wearing a hot-pink skintight dress and enormous heels.
“There you are, babe!” she beams, greeting Mac with a kiss—and a smack on his ass.
This must be Lanie—the shapewear queen.
“What do you think?” she asks, looking around. “Swanky space!”
“Yeah, it is,” Mac agrees. “And Austin here gets it. Like I always say, it’s all about mind-body connection. Balance and growth.”
“It was great showing you the space,” I speak up.
“Can I treat you both to dinner, talk some more?” We’ve got this back on track now, thanks to Jenn’s quick pivot. Now I need to lock them down. “We can have a longer conversation about your interests and goals with investing.”
“Wish we could, but VibeFest calls, we’re flying out tonight.” Lanie says. “Have you ever been?”
I have no idea what she’s talking about, but Jenn jumps in. “I wish! Isn’t DJ Parka headlining this year?”
“Yes! It’s going to be sick.” Lanie tucks her arm through Mac’s elbow and looks at Jenn and me. “Oooh, I know, why don’t you two come along?”
“Yeah!” Mac jumps in, looking enthusiastic.
“Come to the festival with us, both of you. The weather will be gorg in Palm Springs, and we can get to know you for real.”
Lanie nods. “That’s the only way we commit to a business. We’re a ‘good vibes only’ family.”
