Although this story stands alone, it is strongly recommended that you read the first chapter to fully appreciate the challenges facing Laura.
Laura has been experiencing problems in her personal and business life that other forms of therapy had been unable to remedy. As a last resort she has visited a school where Martin is the owner.
A very special thanks to my editor, WhiteWave48, for proof reading and for her very constructive comments.
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"What exactly is the problem?" Laura almost screamed. "I have the money and you have a service that I am willing to pay for. How can there be a problem? I'll pay double."
The look on Martin's face infuriated Laura. It wasn't arrogance, but it was his insufferable confidence and that she seemed so predictable. The infuriation was aggravated by his ability to make her feel her behaviour and reaction were always wrong. She felt like a mouse in a maze and that he knew all the short cuts. She was being led around the maze like a small child until she found the route that he already knew. But it was the enigma of the control that made her hot with anger and frustration, and hot with pure lust, wanting him to pound her like a rag doll.
"It is not a matter of money. Your views and attitudes are from your generation, just as mine are from mine. However, for the purposes of this school, the differences in our attitudes and expectations may be irreconcilable.
"What you will accept as a normal standard of behaviour -- and so would many of your generation -- I will not. You will have many challenges in this school if you decide to enroll. The added challenge of meeting my expectations may be beyond you, and may limit the degree to which you attain the peace you seek. In the exceptionally short time that you have been here -- a mere few hours -- you probably believe already that you have experienced a change in your perception of the world. It is, however, very small compared to the change that I would require if I were to take control of you and your group.
"Many coming to this school do not seek the fullness and the richness that can be achieved; most people today seek a much shallower level of reward."
At this Martin could feel Laura bristle and stand more erect, as though she was seeking to attain some dominance herself. Martin simply smiled as he continued.
"I know that is a big generalization, but I believe it to be true. Looks, physical appearance, and a hard body are taken as being much more important than other factors. Our clients -- or students -- are generally much happier with younger, fitter, and less demanding leaders compared to old taskmasters who only seek perfection."
At this Laura really did show her displeasure. She had rarely been so thoroughly challenged in one sentence by anyone. It was made even worse because Laura didn't believe that Martin could possibly understand or appreciate her values or attitudes, and that she really would be in control when he finally did. After all, one didn't become successful in a modern competitive business world without determination. Laura knew that she wasn't the shallow, self-centered bitch for which she'd been taken.
"Consider all those singing competitions for made-up groups. Once they've been selected, what happens? They get dragged off to a gym so they lose weight and tighten up so they look good on the screen. Forget how they sound when they sing. Appearance outweighs substance. Sinatra spent many hours with his head underwater, learning to control his breathing. Today, it's who has the best video. Besides, there are other issues that suggest that another leader would be the best choice."
"Who is Sinatra?" asked a bewildered Laura, somewhat confused over the direction the conversation had taken. Martin snorted and ignored the question.
"Before you commit to our program here, I think that it may be wise for you to fully examine the commitment that you are making. Perhaps when you better understand the program you may appreciate that there are better people more suited to helping you." Martin paused for effect and then continued. "Let me show you through the facility and you'll get a better idea what we offer. Please follow me."
With that, he turned on his heel and Laura could do little but follow him out of his office.
As they passed his secretary's desk, Laura noted, in a somewhat disapproving tone, "I see that your secretary is still missing."
Martin took a right turn down the corridor.
"We run a very flexible operation. I trust my staff and allow them to do their job in a manner that best suits them. If Nicole wants to sit by the pool all day, that's okay by me as long as everything runs smoothly. If it doesn't, then I expect her or them to fix it -- and minimize the possibility of it happening again. Often, blame and control are energy-draining activities and not cost effective. She has only been here for six months, but already she has made me feel almost redundant, and if that means she is not tied to her desk, then so be it. I employ independent, creative people, not children who require a wet nurse and are too scared and intimidated to make a decision."
The unattractive tone of disgust in his voice at her implied criticism was almost frightening.
Now her management style was being challenged.