Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 62095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 207(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 207(@300wpm)
“How fun!” She was lying. This wasn’t fun at all. But over the next few minutes, Laurie, as she introduced herself, got my first workout out of the way just by rambling a mile a minute and robbing me of all energy. Holy crap. Monthly fee this, key deposit that. I signed papers, I received a key for when the staff went home at ten every night, instructions on how to get in and out at night, general tour of the place—as in she pointed in all directions. We didn’t leave the front desk area. Where to sign up for classes—there were three screens on the other side of the desk. Locker rooms both up here and…evidently, they had a downstairs area in the basement too. That’s where the pool was.
Last but not least, I was handed a water bottle and a tote bag with the Quinn’s Fitness Center logo…and an iPad to scroll through their list of personal trainers.
“We have two dietitians and nutritionists on staff,” she explained, scrolling down to one man and one woman. “If you’re going all in with both diet and a custom workout plan, I highly recommend Ethan Quinn. It’s his place. Cathy is also amazing, of course, but she specializes in men’s rehabilitation—mostly work-related injuries and such.”
I bit my lip and glanced between the two profiles. My gut feeling told me to go with the woman, with Cathy, but… I didn’t know. Ugh, Ethan looked like a stereotypical gym-bro in his late twenties. Even wearing a T-shirt with the company logo, I could tell he was one ripped motherfucker. What could he possibly know about me and what was best for my journey?
On the other hand, if he had the most experience…
I suppressed a sigh and killed my insecurities for the moment. “If you highly recommend Ethan Quinn, I’ll trust your judgment.”
Laurie lit up. “I don’t think you’ll regret it, Natalie.” She accepted the iPad again, then returned her focus to her computer screen. “He’s actually downstairs in his office right now, so I’m gonna check his schedule.”
A noose tied itself around my neck. I wouldn’t mind a few days to let everything sink in—
“He’s available right this minute!”
Oh Christ.
What had I done?
“Ah—” She nodded to herself. “He’s had a cancelation. I was wondering, because he’s usually fully booked on Tuesdays.” She lifted her gaze to me once more and beamed expectantly. “So what do you say? Want me to send you down there now?”
No, not at all. Jesus. Fuck no.
“Sure.” I swallowed hard.
Kill me.
CHAPTER 2
Natalie Nolan
The basement wasn’t as bright. If anything, it looked like they’d had to make do with what they had. The pool area was small and intimate, definitely geared toward classes that had fewer participants. The pool itself couldn’t be more than thirty feet long.
Laurie guided me down a dimly lit hallway and pointed out more locker rooms and their rehab area. She rambled along the way. Ethan helped rehabilitate athletes and veterans too. Good to know if I ever enlisted or aspired to join the Olympics.
Please let this Ethan guy be nice. I couldn’t believe I was actually handing over my health to a damn kid.
Once I’d turned thirty, everyone younger than me was a child.
At the end of the hallway, we arrived at three doors. Staff only, staff-only bathroom, and “Ethan Quinn.”
Laurie knocked on the door to Ethan’s office. “Sir? I have a Natalie Nolan here to see you. She’s a new client.”
“Come on in.”
I hated him already. He was supposed to say he was busy.
Laurie gave me one final bright smile as she let me inside. “Good luck, and welcome to the QFC family, Natalie.”
Don’t leave me.
She was actually really nice. Couldn’t she train me instead?
Ethan’s office was pretty empty. Nothing on the walls. The space was divided into an office area with his desk and filing cabinets, and then a seating area with two sofas and—what the fuck? I did a double take at the man behind the desk. That was Ethan Quinn? I mean, I clearly saw it was him, but someone should tell him to update his profile photo on the website, ’cause that man was not in his twenties. Or thirties.
Still ripped, though.
“Natalie’s information is in the system already, so you’re good to go, sir,” Laurie said before she abandoned me.
“Thanks, Laurie.” Ethan got up from his chair and gave me a polite smile. “Nice to meet you, Natalie. I’m Ethan.”
We met halfway, and I shook his hand. “Nice to meet you too.”
He gestured at the sofas. “Have a seat, and we’ll get started. Can I get you something to drink? Tea? Water?”
“I’m good, thanks.” I cleared my throat and sat down on one of the sofas.
I couldn’t imagine having a windowless office. Spotlights weren’t everything. I needed the sun.
Ethan grabbed a laptop from his desk.