After The Spa
As Jen and I headed home after our couples massage we initially didn't talk. For my part, I was re-thinking what we'd just experienced; I assumed that Jen might be doing the same.
"So ..." I said, just to get a conversation started.
"So," Jen replied, "what did we learn today?"
I had to laugh a bit, which elicited a giggle from Jen.
"Quite a lot" I said. "But a better question to ask is what did we learn today that you can apply to your business, right?"
"Right" said Jen. "I'm going to have to think that over a bit. Perhaps we can offer some variation of the couple's experience, as well as a 4-hand option. I know there are probably a few clients that would want to try that."
"But for now," she continued, "we have to get you more involved with the clients."
"Fine with me," I replied. "How do you see that happening?"
"I'm thinking that I can call you my apprentice, or assistant. Initially you can be responsible for getting the clients settled in, supplying towels and sheets, water afterwards, whatever. And, if I clear it with the client ahead of time, you can be a silent observer during the massage."
This sounded good, and reasonable, to me. I told Jen that I could do that.
Jen continued. "That way you can observe how I deal with clients. How much pressure they want, how I address any special issues, and how much, or how little, conversation there is. Once you get a better understanding of that, I don't see any reason why we can't get you more hands-on experience."
"You mean 4-hands and couples?" I asked.
"Yes, initially." she replied. "Eventually you can fly solo with new clients, or take over some existing ones. And you could also fill in for me when I'm not available."
Jen smiled and then, after apparently thinking of her response, said "Do you remember us talking about ethics? About there being a line that each masseuse has to set for themselves, and then decide if they are willing to cross that line?"
"Yes," I said. "I remember."
"Well, after what we experienced today, I might be rethinking where that line is for me," she said, with a hint of a smile. "And whether or not I'll be crossing it."
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For the next couple of weeks Jen wanted me to be more visible to the clients. In the past she had requested that I be out of the apartment before a client arrived. There were a few occasions when I had met a client, usually if Jen was running late, but I was always gone by the time the massage was over. Now I was being introduced by name, as her trainee. Primarily I led the clients into the room, supplied a towel if they were going to shower, made sure that all of the supplies were there (some clients had specific requests for types of oil or cream, fragrances, music, etc.) and, afterwards, led the clients out. I also took care of the payments and bookings, although most of the regulars paid in advance. I got to know some of the regulars by name and they became accustomed to seeing me.
One day Jen called and asked if I was available. Christine, a long term client of Jen's, had agreed to let the 'trainee' sit in on her massage. Jen also cleared it with Christine that if an opportunity arose that she thought would be a good teaching moment, she'd get me involved. She had offered her a ½ price discount as incentive to be the 'test' subject.
I quickly changed into shorts and a T shirt and headed over. Once at Jens I had some time to research Christine's background in the database I had set up for her business. I found out the Christine was 37 (we had started keeping birth dates in order to give the regulars a free birthday massage), saw that she scheduled a massage more or less monthly, and had only once reported an injury (lower back). In Jen's additional notes I saw that Christine preferred medium pressure, had on a couple of occasions requested a shower prior to her massage and was an avid golfer, which was how she had hurt her back.
When Christine arrived I greeted her, led her into the room, then left while she got undressed and laid under the covering. She knew the routine of course. In a couple of minutes, after checking the she was ready, Jen and I entered the room.
Christine was laying face down and had covered herself with the draping, from the small of her back to mid-thigh. She looked up at us as Jen asked "So how are you feeling today? Any aches or pains that we should be aware of?" Christine replied that she was feeling good, with no issues. Jen said "OK, just a nice relaxation massage today".
I took a seat off to the side of the table. With her face back down in the doughnut I took some time to evaluate Christine. I knew her age, but if I didn't I would have guessed she was just hitting thirty, seven years younger than she was. She wasn't thin, nor heavy, but solidly built with muscular definition in her shoulders, upper arms, and calves. She had noticeable tan lines, most likely from golfing. I could see the side of her breast, pushed into the table. It was hard to tell from that position but it seemed that she had average size breasts.
The massage progressed as usual, as Jen had massaged and taught me, starting on her shoulders then down her back. At one point Christine let out a moan and I could visibly see her body tighten. Jen had hit a knot in her back above the right shoulder blade. Jen motioned me to come over. She took my hand and placed it where the knot was. Christine tightened again, this time most likely because a different hand was on her. I then watched as Jen manipulated the muscle and worked out the knot.
The only other incidents of interest during Christine's massage was when Jen worked on her butt and when she turned over.
Jen's normal massage routine was to work on the legs, from the feet up, then undraping the butt cheek on the side she was working on. Before she did this with Christine, she softly asked her if it was OK, thinking that she might have an issue being exposed with me being in the room.
Christine, who might have actually been dozing off, just murmured that it was fine. Jen folded the draping back over her cheek, almost, but not, exposing her crack. At that moment I wished I had a seat at the foot of the table. I'm sure that would have been a fine sight.
The other interesting moment was after Christine had flipped over and Jen started working on her from the head of the bed. At that point Christine was covered from neck to mid-thigh. Jen asked me for an extra towel. She held it over Christine's breasts and asked me to slide the draping down to her waist. This move exposed Christine's belly but kept her breasts covered. I found out later that usually Christine went bare breasted when on her back, but had requested some more modesty with me in the room.
I sat in on a couple of other client's massages. As with Christine, I'd participate if Jen saw an opportunity to show me something special, any unusual issues, but mostly I just observed. One client wasn't shy about showing her breasts when she flipped over. And neither was Christine when I sat in for a second time, so I had the opportunity to reevaluate her breasts. They were probably smaller than average, but because of the size they seemed very pert for a woman of her age. She also had noticeably erect nipples. Was she cold? That's doubtful as the room was always kept on the warm side. Was she excited? Perhaps she has a streak of exhibition and got some thrills from finally showing. Or perhaps, more likely, she was blessed, or cursed, depending on who you ask, with naturally prominent nipples. Either way, they were mesmerizing. And it was nice to know that clients, or at least Christine, could relax with me around.
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