Just One Night Together (Flatiron Five Fitness #3) - Deborah Cooke Page 0,40
like a lot.”
“It’s a big responsibility and takes a lot of different skills to make it work. We each have our gifts.”
“What’s yours?”
“Marketing!” Cassie’s eyes lit with enthusiasm. “Kyle is the visionary. Ty is the money guy. Theo is the networker. That man knows everyone worth knowing, and who to call whenever we need something.”
“You said there was a fifth partner?” Haley asked, feeling very obvious.
“Damon. Our dark horse. He’s a bit mysterious and he tends to be quiet, but then he comes up with these amazing ideas. He’s a great designer. The layout and color scheme are thanks to his skills. It’s welcoming but professional.” Cassie pursed her lips. “I don’t know how to describe it, but he sees things differently, and often puts his finger right on something the rest of us have missed.”
“He sounds like a good person to have on the team.”
Cassie grinned. “Even though he doesn’t take his turn with the club. We love to tease him about it.”
“I thought this was the club.”
“Yes, F5F is the fitness club but there’s also the F5F dance club, which is only open Thursday to Saturday nights. It’s totally Kyle’s brainchild and it works well to attract new members. Its popularity also gives us a lot of media visibility, thanks to Theo’s connections.” She hesitated, falling so suddenly silent that Haley knew there was more.
“Why does it sound like that’s not a good thing?”
“Because we have a policy that at least one of us is in the dance club when it’s open. With four of us—Tyler does the math and the money but also has a day job—that worked out okay. The thing is that right now Kyle and Theo have been spending time in San Francisco, managing the setup of our sister club, our first expansion.” She heaved a sigh. “I like the dance club. I don’t mind working Friday nights, but I’ve been working every Friday night. Damon has a standing date with his girlfriend every Friday night and he won’t even talk about breaking it.”
Haley blinked. “His girlfriend?” she echoed, without meaning to do so.
“Natasha,” Cassie said with a roll of her eyes. She shook her head. “He refuses to mix it up. Kyle was back last weekend and for New Year’s, but this coming weekend, it’s back to me again.” She winced. “I could really dislike this inflexible and demanding Natasha, if I’d ever met her.”
Haley was shocked. Damon hadn’t told his partners that his mom was sick, much less that she was dying. She knew from her courses in palliative care—and from experience—that he was going to need emotional support when Natasha passed away.
Cassie smiled. “But we’re all friends as well as partners. We have each other’s backs.”
These were his friends as well as his partners! How could he not have confided in them?
Cassie’s expression turned contrite. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I ended up telling you all of that.”
“People tell me stuff all the time,” Haley said, because it was true. “I must look sympathetic.”
“Or you’re a good listener. Thanks for letting me vent. Now, you must be here for a class or a workout?”
“I have a guest pass.” Haley pulled it out of her bag but didn’t turn it over so Cassie could see Damon’s handwriting on the back.
“So, you do. How can I make your visit to F5F a success?”
“I’d like to attend the massage class at two.”
“Massage and yoga are both on the seventh floor. You can take that elevator right there. There are change rooms and lockers on each floor, if you want to stash your bag and coat. Did you bring a lock?”
“No, I didn’t think of it.”
“We’ll lend you one.”
“Thanks. Do I need to hand this card in somewhere?”
“I’ll stamp it for you and you can keep it.” Cassie smiled. “So you don’t forget where we are.” Haley nodded agreement. “Let’s get you a wrist band so you can go wherever you want. F5F is all yours for the day. You can install the app on your phone, too.”
Haley followed Cassie to the desk. She put on the wrist band she was given and Cassie stamped the front of the card and handed it back without turning it over. Haley breathed a sigh of relief. After Haley had the app on her phone, the receptionist pointed her to the elevator.
“Have a great class!” Cassie called. “If you have any questions about the club, Sonia here can answer them for you.”