7. Jamie

7

JAMIE

S tepping out of her car, Jamie stretched luxuriously, feeling the satisfying pops in her lower back after a killer yoga session.

As she headed towards her apartment building, Mr. Fred, her ever-cheerful neighbor from across the street, waved her over with his trusty lawnmower.

Gotta hand it to the guy, at 75, he still kept his lawn looking like a putting green. His shock of white hair, as wild as a windblown dandelion, framed a wrinkled face that spoke of a life well-lived.

His lanky build belied surprising strength, evident in the way he maneuvered the heavy lawnmower with practiced ease. Weathered skin, thanks to years spent outdoors, crinkled around his eyes as he smiled.

A faded baseball cap, perched precariously on his head, cast a shadow over his twinkling blue eyes. His clothes, a mismatched assortment of worn jeans and a paint-splattered T-shirt, spoke of a life less concerned with fashion and more focused on getting the job done.

"Morning, Jamie! Saw that little dust-up you had online with that boot camp trainer yesterday. Quite a show, that was!"

Her stomach clenched. Jess Thompson. The name itself sent a jolt of irritation through her. Honestly, who did she think she was? Couldn't she just stick to her barbells and burpees without trying to discredit the power of yoga? Sure, a good sweat session had its place, but there was so much more to fitness than just physical exertion.

Mr. Fred seemed oblivious to her internal grumbling. "But hey, all that attention can't be bad for business, right?" He winked, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Easy for him to say. He was on the sidelines, watching the popcorn fly.

She forced a smile. "Oh, you saw that?"

"Sure did!" Mr. Fred beamed. "Keeps things interesting, doesn't it?"

But she hated to admit Mr. Fred might be right. Thanks to their online tirade, her post about the benefits of yoga versus Jess' barbaric boot camp torture sessions had exploded . Over two million views on TikTok! Two million! She couldn't believe it!

Seems there was a silver lining to all this. A little online sparring might be exactly what her business needed. After all, any publicity was good publicity, right?

"You got that right," she said, her voice a little tighter than she'd like.

Perhaps she could use this newfound attention to spread the message of yoga's benefits further than ever before.

Jess Thompson might have started the fire, but she could use it to illuminate the path to inner peace—for everyone, even boot camp-loving bullies like her.

Stepping inside with a sigh, the air conditioning instantly washed away the morning heat.

Just as she reached for her water bottle, a notification chimed on her phone.

She unlocked the screen, hoping it was nothing else about the online brawl, and her eyes widened in surprise.

"Ultimate Body Battle?" she said out loud in confusion. This couldn't be real. Could it?

Tapping on the notification, she was greeted with an email subject line that made her heart skip a beat:

Ultimate Body Battle: Interview Invitation.

Her stomach erupted in a flurry of butterflies. No way!

She quickly scanned the email, each word confirming her wildest dream. The producers of Ultimate Body Battle, the very same show she spent countless evenings curled up on the couch watching, wanted to interview her, Jamie Nguyen, for a spot as a trainer on their upcoming season!

A joyous squeal escaped her lips before she could contain it. Doing a little happy dance in her living room might seem silly, but right now, she didn't care. This was incredible!

The email detailed the interview date, time, and location—a studio there in Los Angeles.

The thought of guiding a team through physical and mental challenges, of sharing her passion for yoga with a wider audience, sent a thrill coursing through her. This could be a game-changer for her career.

Suddenly, the Jess Thompson situation paled in comparison. Who cared about a petty online fight when this kind of opportunity came knocking? Ultimate Body Battle. Her. A chance to truly inspire people and show them the transformative power of yoga.

A wide grin split her face as she reread the email. It was time to take her practice—and her message—to a whole new level.

Pulling her Mazda into a parking spot outside the imposing glass and steel complex housing the Ultimate Body Battle studios, Jamie straightened her pantsuit and took a deep, centering breath.

Today was the day. Just as she was about to step away from her car, she noticed a silver SUV gleaming under the harsh sunlight, parked right next to her. And like some kind of cosmic joke, Jess Thompson was just getting out of it. She must have been invited for the interview as well. Damn it.

There she was, preening like a beautiful blue eyed peacock in her window. Their eyes locked for a beat, tension crackling between them thicker than the smog hanging over the city.

Neither made a move to greet the other. In fact, a silent competition seemed to erupt—who could appear the most nonchalant? Then, just as quickly, Jess looked away, pretending Jamie wasn't there.

As far as Jamie was concerned, Jess was a ghost, a figment of her recent online past. She was here for an interview, and that was her sole focus. But even as she marched towards the imposing glass doors, she couldn't help but replay Jess' features.

The Jess Thompson of the internet, the one spewing fire and brimstone about the superiority of boot camp, was one thing. But the Jess Thompson she just saw in person? She was a goddess.

She might be the competition, but Jamie had to admit, Jess looked even more impressive in person. Her pictures online didn't do her justice. Tall and statuesque, with a lean, muscular build that spoke volumes about her dedication to fitness.

Even in a simple T-shirt and ripped jeans, she exuded an aura of raw power and confidence. Her sun-kissed skin glowed, highlighting her flawless complexion, and she had a combination of strength and grace that was oddly captivating—different from the aggressive persona she projected online.

A traitorous part of Jamie, a part she quickly shoved back down, was even a little curious. What was Jess Thompson really like? Was the online persona just a carefully crafted image, or was there more to her?

Ugh, Jamie, focus! This was a professional interview, not a beauty pageant.

Jess might be a walking advertisement for human potential, but Jamie had her own strengths to offer. Her passion, her knowledge, her ability to connect with people on a deeper level.

Pushing those thoughts aside with a determined shake of her head, she squared her shoulders and entered the cool, air-conditioned lobby.

The Ultimate Body Battle interview awaited, and she was ready to show them exactly why she deserved to be a trainer on their show.

Pushing open the studio doors, Jamie was greeted by a wave of nervous energy.

Glancing at the clock on the wall, she cursed under her breath. Her interview wasn't for another hour, but the other nine participants seemed to be there already, in the waiting area.

The friendly receptionist, a woman with a nametag that read Angela in a cheerful script, flashed a smile. Her short, blonde hair was neatly styled in a bob that framed her face, which seemed permanently set in a look of warm welcome. Her outfit was the picture of professional courtesy—a crisp black blazer hung over a knee-length skirt in a shade of teal that perfectly matched the company logo pinned to her lapel.

She pointed towards the only empty spot left in the waiting room, and Jamie's smile faltered slightly as she noticed the one detail that could potentially disrupt her calm.

The only empty spot left was right next to Jess Thompson.

There she was; the very picture of nonchalance. While everyone else was sporting interview-ready power suits or crisp blouses, she stuck out like a sore thumb in her casuals that screamed Weekend Hike . Not to mention the oversized headphones practically welded to her ears, blocking out the world.

Did she seriously think this was a gym session? Jamie narrowed her eyes at her. She couldn't miss Jamie's skeptical stare, but she pretended not to notice, a barely-there smirk playing on her lips. Did she…enjoy this little forced proximity?

Jess continued to bob her head to the music, as Jamie plopped herself down with a sigh. But the bass pulsing from Jess' headphones was a constant, unwelcome presence.

Ugh. The urge to rip off her headphones and launch into a lecture about interview etiquette was strong. But professionalism won out.

Focus, Jamie. Maintain a healthy distance from this walking negativity .

But the music, a relentless electronic beat, kept worming its way into Jamie's concentration. A silent battle of wills ensued.

Jamie glared at Jess pointedly, hoping she'd get the hint. Jess, in turn, pretended to be utterly oblivious, her gaze fixed on her phone.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jess glanced up, with a devilish smirk. The silence between them was thick with unspoken animosity like two storm clouds.

They were both well aware of the online battle that brought them here, and the unspoken subtext hung heavy: Can you believe we both ended up here?

The message was clear; this interview waiting room had just become a battleground of passive aggression.

Jamie looked away and decided to channel her inner yogi, with a book she pulled out from her bag.

One by one, the hopeful trainers disappeared behind the frosted glass doors of the interview room, only to emerge moments later with varying expressions on their faces. Finally, the receptionist called Jamie Nguyen's name.

Taking a deep breath, Jamie rose from the chair, her gaze flicking briefly towards Jess, who offered a sardonic salute with two fingers. Ignoring the urge to roll her eyes, Jamie straightened her clothes and headed towards the glass doors leading to the interview room.

The room was bright and furnished with a polished wooden table and three comfortable chairs.

The interview room offered a sense of neutral professionalism. Bright lighting ensured everyone could see each other clearly, while a polished wooden table and three comfortable chairs provided a functional space for conversation. It was uncluttered and professional, designed to put interviewees at ease without offering any distractions.

Two men and a woman sat behind the table, looking professional in their suits.

"Jamie Nguyen?" the woman in the center asked, a warm smile softening her features. "Please, come in and have a seat."

She was a vision of professional elegance. Her sharp, shoulder-length blonde bob framed a face that seemed both youthful and authoritative.

A well-tailored black suit hugged her curves, the crisp white blouse beneath the blazer hinting at a hint of personality peeking through the polished exterior. A swipe of classic red lipstick added a touch of vibrancy, completing the picture of a woman who meant business but with a disarming warmth.

Jamie nodded, taking the offered chair in the middle. "Thank you for having me."

"The pleasure is all ours," the man on the right said. "I'm Wills, and these are my colleagues, Sophia and Terry. We're the producers of Ultimate Body Battle."

The man was elegantly dressed in his tailored charcoal suit. His black hair was neatly cropped, not a strand out of place. A crisp white shirt peeked out from under the vest, and a colorful silk tie added a touch of personality to his otherwise conservative attire.

"Alright, Ms. Nguyen, tell us about your experience as a yoga instructor. How long have you been teaching?" Wills asked.

"I've been teaching yoga for eight years now, but my passion for it goes back much further than that. Yoga helped me reconnect with my body and mind after a difficult time in my life, and I'm dedicated to sharing its transformative power with others."

"Can you elaborate on that a bit? What sets your approach to yoga apart?" Sophia asked.

"For me, yoga isn't just about physical postures. It's about creating a sense of balance and well-being in all aspects of life. I believe in tailoring my approach to each individual, helping them find their own inner strength and resilience."

"Interesting," Terry muttered, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "And how would you translate that philosophy to working with a team on Ultimate Body Battle? The show is known for its intensity and competitive spirit."

Terry was a picture of corporate composure, with his brown hair meticulously styled in a side part. The crisp lines of his charcoal suit hinted at a man who valued order and control.

A smile spread across Jamie's face. "Challenges can be a powerful motivator. On Ultimate Body Battle, I wouldn't just be pushing my team physically. I'd be there to support them mentally and emotionally, helping them overcome obstacles and discover their hidden potential."

Wills raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. Many of our trainers here at Ultimate Body Battle come from a more traditional fitness background. What makes yoga a unique and effective approach to achieving results?"

"Yoga incorporates breathwork, mindfulness, and mental focus to create a holistic approach to well-being. It's not just about building muscle or burning calories; it's about building resilience, improving flexibility, and fostering a sense of inner peace. These are all qualities that can contribute to a person's overall success, both on the show and in their daily lives."

"What kind of yoga do you specialize in?" Sophia inquired, leaning forward with interest.

"I primarily teach Vinyasa flow, but I also incorporate elements of Hatha and restorative yoga into my classes, depending on the needs of my students."

The conversation flowed easily, and Jamie could tell the producers were engaged. Then, just as they were wrapping up the standard interview questions, Terry leaned forward with a smirk.

"We've been very impressed with your work. Like the other participants, we did some research and were particularly struck by your passion for yoga and the positive impact you have on your clients."

"But, what really caught our eye was your recent TikTok post," Sophia added.

Jamie's breath hitched. The post. The one where she (perhaps a little too vehemently) defended yoga against Jess' boot camp claims.

"Oh, right. That was… quite the discussion," Jamie said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Wills chuckled. "Let's just say it generated a lot of buzz. And that's one of the qualities we look for in our trainers—the ability to spark conversation, to get people excited about fitness. We want trainers who are passionate, not afraid to stand up for what they believe in."

Jamie was relieved. So, the online brawl with Jess wasn't negative after all? In fact, it might have even helped her case!