It was a lunch date for business. Considering whom I was meeting, I should have expected something. Just gullible I guess. Besides, not that many people are willing to try me. Chuck always did have more balls than brains.
After the soup had been served an attractive woman in a conservative suit stopped by the table and greeted Chuck. I could see him nod in my direction. She turned to me and introduced herself. We shook and she handed me her card. "Cynthia" in 16 point Arial bold, and "Executive Performance Training" in 10 point standard. The address was close to my business. I thanked her and she went to be seated.
Chuck was desperately trying to look unconcerned. I decided to let him have his joke. "What kind of training?"
"Mostly in the area of focus and concentration. Its amazing how she can get you to remember the slightest little detail."
At that Chuck looked decidedly pleased with himself, so I let it drop. He coughed up the signature I needed, and that was the point of the lunch after all. It wasn't till late that afternoon that I wondered what he could have considered amusing. I dialed the number and made an appointment.
* * * * *
The appointment was for 4:00 PM, so I closed early. I found a small and sterile waiting area, so it was just as well that I didn't have to wait. I was on time. It was an agreeably surprise that she was also. She came right to the point. "Good afternoon Mr. Richards. Did Charles tell you much about our business?"
"Almost nothing. He mentioned that you were good at getting him to remember details."
She laughed. "That IS Charles. A number of my clients need help in that area. I have some sharp methods when required."
She handed me a contract and fee schedule. "This first interview is gratis. All I need is a waiver, and we can begin."
"Waiver?"
It was for unspecified mental and physical distress and not for medical or defamation. Waiving those would be illegal anyway. "Some of my methods can be um⦠uncomfortable. The waiver says that you agree in advance not to hold it against me. As with any waiver the real intent is to never use to it."
I didn't know what to think. I still had not agreed, or for that matter figured out exactly what she intended to do. But, it was clear she expected me to sign up and I could not help but notice her physically. She was about 5' 6", but seemed taller. He heels were high, but not unreasonably so. The appearance of height came from her very erect posture and confident bearing. Brown hair, long but done up. Brown eyes. BIG brown eyes. Like a basset hound. Trim. Obviously fit and healthy. Sharply if conservatively dressed. Attentive.
Actually, when I thought of it, I realized that she had been subtly coming on to me the entire time. Her suit was conservative, but her shirt was silk and you could make out the lace of the bra. Except for the handshake we had not touched, but her distance was intimate rather than formal. Her perfume was discrete, but definitely in the air. She scratched her leg with a foot, which brought attention to her well turned calves and high heeled pumps. Those were NOT your usual business suit kind of shoe. I had a client who would be trying to kiss that black leather as we spoke.
I was impressed. I deal with a lot of salespeople--my own and vendors. She was doing a first rate selling job. This was not a fitness trainer obviously. Especially not at these rates. What exactly she was, was elusive.
"Could we have a tour first?"
Smiling, "Of course."
Was that a bit of the sharks grin? She led me to the changing rooms. I would be expected to arrive early enough to change before the appointment time. There were two doors. Behind one she showed me a spotlessly clean sense deep tank. This could be rented only Tuesdays and Saturdays, and she would not personally monitor the sessions, just the in and out points. Finally, she paused dramatically and laid her hand on my elbow, then she opened the other door.
It was a gym of sorts. Latex and leather sorts. There was a vaulting horse with manacles dangling. An entire wall was given over to hooks and rings. Up to 12 feet up. There were benches and blocks, armed chairs and sofas, and everywhere were convenient restraints. I shook my head. I didn't have a clear idea of what to expect, but this was not it. I walked up to an equipment cart and picked up a pair of handcuffs. Looked real police issue to me.
"Want to give it a try?"
I was jolted back to reality. Many things were suddenly clear. I took the cuffs and clapped one ring onto her left wrist.
"I surely do."
She was surprised of course. But the next reaction was telling. She blushed. Cynthia clearly played both sides of the street. The flush stood out against the sober colors of her suit, and I suddenly wanted to see if she blushed all the way down.
"But I didn't⦠I mean.."
"Come. Come. You offered me the use of the room. And your services. Were you serious, or being rude?"