AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Good morning, dear. You look lovely.” Grams settled in at the table after serving Fancypants. She’d made him eggs and bacon, and a piece of toast. “What are you doing today? I thought I’d go into town and talk to Bree about day excursions around the area.”
I hesitated, then said, “You suggested I join a gym to take out some of my stress. I thought I’d drive to town before the shop opens and sign up for a membership.”
“Good idea. There’s nothing like working the body to relieve you of stress.” Grams handed me a coffee and poured her tea. “I might go out exploring this afternoon. I’ll text you so you don’t worry.”
We finished breakfast, content in the morning warmth.
* * *
The one gymin Starwood Hollow was called Iron-Fit, and it was owned and operated by a bear shifter named Jon Elstad. He was buff, built, and bear-a-licious, dressed in a pair of compression shorts and a sweat-wicking muscle shirt. He had a buzzcut, and his muscles had muscles. Jon was also gay and had a husband who owned an accounting business. Warren was a wolf shifter, and both of them were lip-smacking gorgeous. I’d met Warren through Bree, but I hadn’t had the chance to meet Jon yet.
“Hey,” I said from the other side of the counter. “I’m Elphyra MacPherson. I’ve met your husband, Warren.”
Jon sized me up. “That’s right. Warren mentioned a new witch moved to town. What can I do for you?”
I frowned. “I might want a gym membership.” I didn’t particularly, but then again, it wouldn’t hurt me to get into shape and maybe Grams was right. Maybe working out would help me take out some of the anger.
Jon motioned for me to take a seat by the side of the counter. He leaned on it with his elbows. “So, what are your goals?”
I worried my lip, then said, “I want to get out some frustration and stress. I guess…lower my stress level? Increase my endurance. But I’m too wired for yoga.”
He laughed. “I think a lot of us are too wired for yoga. It’s a fantastic practice but it takes a certain mindset to handle it. Well, we can work up a routine to help you reduce stress, that’s for sure. How often do you plan on being in the gym?”
I almost shot back, “never” but bit my tongue. “A couple times a week to start. If I try anything more extensive, I’ll quit. I know myself.”
Again, he laughed, but then motioned for me to join him at the counter. “Let me get some information, if you don’t mind. Your name and address?”
“Elphyra MacPherson, 7863 Oak Leaf Road.” I gave him my phone number and answered some basic medical questions. “I can’t do anything that’s going to constrict me or make me feel tied up in any way,” I added. I half-expected him to ask why, but he was good about typing in the information and not questioning me.
“We have three levels of membership. The first gives you access to all machines at all times of day and to the showers, but you have to rent a locker and no training or access to the pool. We’ll answer questions about how to use the equipment, of course, and if we see you attempting something dangerous, we’ll step in, but no personalized training. That’s the Copper level. The second level—the Silver level—also gives you access to the swimming pool, and a private locker. The third level—Gold—offers you an hour a week of private training, and full use of the gym and pool. You’ll also be assigned a locker.”
He handed me a brochure that listed the costs for each level. There wasn’t much difference in cost between the Copper and Silver levels, but the Gold Level jumped up by two hundred a month, probably to cover the private training. You could sign up for three, six, nine, or twelve months at a time.
“Eh, sign me up for Gold, for six months. That will give me time to know whether I’m really going to use everything.” I pulled out my wallet. “Month to month, or can I pay for a half-year?”
“If you buy a six-months Gold membership, you have the option for paying for the entire period, or in two installments.” Jon typed in my choice. “Your total will be $1,980.00. Or $990 if you want to pay for half today.”
I grimaced. That was more than pocket change, especially if I decided to bail. “All right, here’s my credit card. Let’s go for the entire amount. I assume it’s non-refundable?”
“Yes, and no,” he said. “I offer a seven-day trial to see if you enjoy the workouts, and a chance to work with one of the trainers here. If you aren’t satisfied, you can downgrade or ask for a full refund. If you change your mind after seven days, you can cancel but you won’t receive a refund.” He brought out a gold rubber wristband, a badge with a bar code on it, a waterproof lanyard, and a copy of the instructions. “Don’t bother coming in if you’re drunk—we don’t allow drunk workouts. Or stoned. I don’t want to carry liability insurance for idiots.”
“Well, that’s a good plan,” I said. “Can I book a time with you in the next couple days?”
Jon glanced at his schedule as I opened my planner, and we agreed on Saturday morning at 8:00 AM. I dreaded it—that was too early—but then again, I didn’t want to give up my evenings so I might as well try to become an early-morning gym bunny.
As I left the gym, I felt like, for good or bad, I’d started the journey into my new life.
* * *
“Canyou make me a charm to stop my husband from cheating?” The woman on the other side of the counter was young, she looked about twenty-four, and she had blond curly hair pulled back in a ponytail. She was wearing a yellow and brown striped dress cinched at the waist, and brown heeled pumps. She was cute as a button, and it occurred to me that any man cheating on her had to be nuts.
I glanced around the shop. One of my regulars was poring over a selection of new tarot cards. Otherwise, the shop was empty. I motioned for the girl to follow me over to a side table where I gave readings.
“Please sit down, Ms.…?” I waited until she hesitantly took her place on the chair.
“Tammy. I’m Tammy Norwyle.
“Hi Tammy, I’m Elphyra. So, why don’t you tell me a little bit about why you need this charm?”
