Library
Home / Waking Daylight / Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Harper

Leaving the coffee shop, the setting sun cast a warm glow over us as Sarah and I strolled toward the park, the place that had become our sounding board for future plans. Each step seemed to echo with our excited chatter about what lay ahead.

"We need to think about equipment first," I mused, kicking a small stone along the path. "Quality stuff, nothing less. Maybe some high-end cardio machines, weights, and definitely space for functional training. Oh, and boxing!"

Sarah nodded, her eyes gleaming with the same fiery enthusiasm that I felt burning in my chest. "Yes, and we should consider some innovative classes. Maybe even some wellness workshops that could set us apart," she suggested, her brain always ticking away with ideas.

As we strolled through the park, I couldn't help but let my mind race ahead. "What about the name? We need something catchy."

We tossed some ideas back and forth.

"How about 'Rise and Grind'?" Sarah offered with a half-smile, watching for my reaction.

I chuckled, rolling the name around in my mind. "Rise and Grind, huh? I like it! We could have a coffee bar, too."

Sarah grinned, excitement bubbling over. "Imagine starting your day with a workout and a top-notch brew in the same spot. It's exactly the kind of place where I'd want to hang out."

Our walk took us deeper into the park, each turn and tree seeming to listen in on our dreams. "Operating hours are going to be key, too. We need to accommodate early birds and night owls alike. Maybe open from 5 AM to 11 PM?"

"Sounds about right," Sarah agreed. "We'll need a solid team, though. Can't do those hours with a skeleton crew."

"Definitely," I replied, my mind briefly clouding with the weight of responsibility. Starting a business was no small feat. The logistics, the planning, the execution—it could be overwhelming. Yet, the thought of diving into this venture with Sarah, of building something from scratch, made all the potential hurdles seem surmountable.

"And trainers," I added, "we need passionate people, not just anyone looking for a job. They have to believe in what Rise and Grind stands for."

Sarah nodded vigorously. "Absolutely. The right staff can make or break a gym. They're the heart and soul of the place."

The park around us was quiet, the occasional rustle of leaves a soft applause to our plans. The sweet, stray dog napping under his favorite tree. "It's going to be a hell of a lot of work," I confessed, stopping to look at Sarah. "But damn, I can't imagine doing this with anyone else by my side."

She reached out, squeezing my hand. "Neither can I. We're going to make something amazing. Something real and full of heart."

We resumed walking, our steps syncing up as if in rhythm with our shared vision. The park slowly emptied as the evening drew in, the sunset streaking the sky.

"You know, this park has been the backdrop to so many of our plans over the years," I mused, a reflective tone creeping into my voice. "Feels right that it's here we're putting down the roots for this one."

"Yeah, it does," Sarah smiled, her gaze lingering on the horizon. "It's like it's been waiting for us to catch up with our own dreams."

As the last light of day faded, we made our way out of the park, the blueprint of our future gym etched deep in our conversation. The excitement was palpable, a tangible buzz that followed us out into the cool evening air.

Driving home, the silence was comfortable, filled with the unsaid promises of what lay ahead. We had plans to draw up, financials to sort through, and a thousand little details to manage, but for now, the dream was set in motion, and that was enough to keep the fires of anticipation burning bright.

Tonight was not just another evening; it was the beginning of something new, a chapter neither of us had anticipated but both desperately wanted. Rise and Grind was no longer just a concept; it was a forthcoming reality, and with Sarah by my side, I felt unstoppable.

***

The morning buzzed with a kind of electricity that only comes when a big decision is about to be made. Sarah and I had been through a slew of meetings over the past week, a makeshift office in Sarah's mom's home becoming a revolving door for contractors with pitches and portfolios. But today felt different; today we were meeting Quinn, the last contractor on our list, and there was a hopeful buzz in the air that this could be the one.

Quinn walked in, their presence immediately commanding yet comfortable, a contrast that piqued our interest right from the start. They were of average height, with a lean build that suggested both strength and agility. Their dark hair was styled in a modern undercut, the longer strands on top swept back casually, framing a face with high cheekbones and a delicate jawline. They had sharp, expressive eyes. Quinn wore a fitted work shirt with rolled-up sleeves, revealing a series of intricate tattoos that wound their way up toned forearms. Their attire was a blend of practical and edgy, with durable work pants and sturdy work boots completing the look.

They greeted us with a warm, engaging smile that didn't falter as they laid out their vision for Rise and Grind. It wasn't just the professionalism or the keen insight into our concept that struck us, but the genuine enthusiasm they showed for the project's unique aspects—the combination of a gym and a coffee bar.

"As a local through this town's revitalization, I've seen a lot of places open here, but nothing quite like what you're proposing," Quinn explained, showing us some sketches. Their hands moved with a practiced ease, pointing out potential challenges and innovative solutions. "I think Ravens Peak needs a place where community and wellness intersect like this."

Sarah and I exchanged glances, both of us feeling the click of connection, not just professionally but personally. As the meeting progressed, it became apparent that Quinn was not only capable but also shared a similar ethos to ours, valuing community engagement and sustainability, themes we wanted at the core of our business.

After Quinn wrapped up their presentation, their eyes sparkled with something like anticipation. "Look, I know this is more than just a job for me. I'd actually love to be your first member when you open. Rise and Grind sounds exactly like the kind of place where I'd like to go."

I laughed, the sound more relieved than I intended. "That's the best endorsement we could ask for, Quinn. We'd love to have you on board, not just as our contractor but as part of the Rise and Grind community."

The discussion shifted from timelines and budgets to more casual topics, and we found out that Quinn was also an avid hiker and coffee aficionado, passions that both Sarah and I shared. It felt like we were discovering an old friend rather than forging a new business relationship. By the time we wrapped up, the deal was as good as sealed, but more importantly, a new friendship was budding.

"We should celebrate," Sarah suggested, her eyes alight with the thrill of the progress we'd made. "How about dinner tonight, all three of us? My treat."

Quinn's agreement was instant, their smile broadening. "I'd like that. It's not every day you get to work on a dream project and make friends at the same time."

As they left, promising to return with finalized plans and a schedule, I felt a surge of optimism. Not only were we building something great with Rise and Grind, but we were also weaving new threads into the fabric of our personal lives, expanding our circle in ways I hadn't anticipated when this concept first began.

Comments

0 Comments
Best Newest

Contents
Settings
  • T
  • T
  • T
  • T
Font

Welcome to FullEpub

Create or log into your account to access terrific novels and protect your data

Don’t Have an account?
Click above to create an account.

lf you continue, you are agreeing to the
Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy.