Page 16 of Fierce-Dane

Sounded to her that someone changed their mind.

She’d bet it wasn’t Dane. The guy seemed too good-natured and committed. She was positive he’d sacrifice everything for family.

Maybe be a martyr. Not sure how she felt about that and had to tell herself not to assume or judge.

Thinking thoughts in her head and not voicing them didn’t mean she judged.

She did that a lot with her clients. Tried to imagine what was going on in their lives, because the truth was, she had no clue and only knew what she was told.

“It’s a good thing to pass on,” she said. “I had no clue what I was going to do with my life after graduation. I just knew I needed a way to support myself. I sat down and looked at my options and realized that maybe this would be a good thing. I got my massage therapist license first. Then I moved on to nail technician and lastly an esthetician. I’ll never stop learning and getting certificates as long as I own this business.”

“Smart,” he said. “Giving yourself options. I’ve got to imagine massage all day long is hard on the body. You’re giving yourself a way to change course if need be.”

She smiled. “I’m good at changing courses. You’re right. It’s hard on the body. But I like to be able to cover the services I offer if I need to. I’m adaptable. I enjoy the massage now but keep my hand in everything else so I don’t get rusty.”

Massage was what she did the most, but she did make sure she had a few appointments a month for pedicures, maybe even a manicure, but not often there. She loved doing facials and other treatments but wouldn’t take awayfrom her other staff. Those, she gave herself as fillers of time between massages if she could.

“I believe adaptability is the name of the game,” he said.

“Guess what?” she asked. “You made it through your first massage.”

“It’s over?” he asked. He almost sounded bummed. “That went by fast.”

“It normally does,” she said. “I’ll leave the room for you to get changed and be waiting in the hall when you’re ready. Just open the door.”

“Thanks,” he said.

She left the room and went to wash her hands and check her schedule like she always did.

He was dressed quicker than most even though he had to button up his shirt and put on dress shoes and socks. Not like most people with shorts, a T-shirt and sandals when they came here. Even men half the time.

“How are you feeling?”

“Like I could sleep for hours. Thankfully my on call doesn’t start until tomorrow.”

“I’m glad,” she said. “Make sure you rehydrate well.”

She walked him to the front desk. Now that she’d touched most of his body she had time to look him over in a better light.

His hair was on the dark side, short and neat. His eyes were light, but she couldn’t tell if they were hazel or brown.

She was in front of him now so it’s not like she could look at much more.

“Can I make another appointment with you?” he asked when they got to the desk.

“You can,” she said.

“What do you recommend in terms of timeframe? It’s probably too much weekly, but man, that would be great.”

She laughed. “I normally recommend every four weeks or so, but it’s your choice to come more frequently.”

“Four weeks is doable. I can figure that out in my head on my schedule too.”

“Sloane, a vendor is waiting for you. They said they didn’t have an appointment but had products you’d be interested in,” Vanessa said.

“They always say that,” she said. “Dane, you have a great weekend.”

“You too,” he said. “I’ll see you soon.”

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