“Is everything okay?” Benny bit his lip and as usual, Jeremy could see the worry in his blue eyes. Why did the man always think the worst instead of the best? Jeremy rushed to reassure him.
“It’s fine. Better than fine. I had lunch with Carter, a client here, and he and I have been talking about adding a juice bar in the front, along with some grab-and-go snacks. What do you think?” This part would be the easier sell.
Gino and Benny glanced at each other, and Jeremy thought he saw a look pass between them. “What? You don’t like the idea?”
“The opposite,” said Gino with a huge smile. Benny too looked relieved. “It’s exactly what this place needs. So many times the guys ask me why we don’t sell bottles of water or a granola bar they can take with them when they leave. People finish their workouts and they’re hungry.” Gino propped his chin in his hands. “I think it’s great. But what kind of stuff are you talking about? Like fresh smoothies? That stuff can get messy.”
“Not to mention I’ve broken every blender I’ve ever touched.” Benny chewed on a fingernail. “Machines and I don’t get along.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll help you.” Gino patted Benny’s arm, and Jeremy caught that flicker of longing in Benny’s eyes at Gino’s touch.
“No. Neither of you would have to make anything. Carter has a client who manufactures cold-pressed juices. They’re looking for a distributor, and he thought of us—tying in the health angle with a gym is the perfect pairing. I’ve been thinking of ways to increase revenue and exposure, and this sounds like a great idea. You guys think it could work?”
“Jer, I think it’s awesome. And hook me up for sales. I drink those juices, and they are great. Pricey as hell, but really good.”
Gino’s infectious smile said it all, and even Benny seemed to catch the enthusiasm, nodding emphatically.
“I think so too.”
“I’d like to talk to you about that, Gino. I definitely want Benny on sales, but I was thinking you could work with Carter on the ad campaign if you were interested. I know you want to get into modeling and stuff like that, and I might be putting money into local advertising on cable.”
Gino’s eyes bugged out of his face. “Seriously?IfI’m interested?” His smile dimmed. “I mean, I know what happened to your brother, but I’m older than he was when he got hurt, and I can handle myself.”
The years Noah had spent recovering from his attack never strayed far from Jeremy’s mind. He was the big brother and should’ve known Noah was hurting. The fact that Noah hid it from everyone didn’t matter to Jeremy. He failed him, and he’d yet to forgive himself. He’d never let Gino get caught up in that scene.
“We’ll talk. Other things are going to change around here as well.”
“Like what?” A cautious note crept into Benny’s voice. “Sounds ominous.”
Might as well let it all out now. “We’re going to make a concerted effort to have more women join. This was never intended to be a male-only gym, and I want to let women know they are welcome here.”
“But why?”
Dumbfounded, Jeremy stared at Gino. “Um, because I’m a business and I don’t discriminate. How would you feel if you went into a gym and they made you feel unwanted because you were a gay man?”
“Yeah. I understand.” Benny adjusted his glasses. “I agree with you and kinda think it’ll be a good thing.”
Jeremy wanted to hug the young man. Instead, he gave him a high five.
“Thanks for the support, you two. I want Hard Core to go places, and I’m counting on you to be right there with me.”
Fully recovered from his initial petulance, Gino gave Jeremy a winning smile. “Yeah. I can see the benefits now. I mean, more women might also bring in more men. You can do date nights and mixers and—”
“Whoa. Chill a moment.” Jeremy put up his hands, laughing at Gino’s enthusiasm. “All good ideas and write them down, but one step at a time. I gotta get the deal set up first.”
“Whatever you need, Jer. We’re behind you. Thanks for including me in your plans.”
“You two are an integral part of Hard Core—the first faces people see when they walk through the door. Of course you’re part of the plan.” Jeremy squeezed Benny’s shoulder as he walked by on his way to his office. “I’ll be in my office, looking all the stuff over, so please, no interruptions unless it’s family or an emergency.”
Anxious to review all the papers Carter gave him, Jeremy closed the door. His phone buzzed, and happy to see it was Blake, he opened the text.
Really busy. Sounds good. Talk later.
Nothing could ever make him so stressed out that he couldn’t find the time to talk to his family or friends. But before Blake, no man or woman had occupied his thoughts from morning to night. Blake’s quiet confidence and sweet, surprising passion had captured his heart, and Jeremy knew he’d endure these few months of hell to have Blake in his life.
Chapter Sixteen
God, he hatedlying. And lying to Jeremy killed him. Blake rubbed his eyes and took a break from staring at the depressing listings on the computer screen. He’d spent every day since his meeting with Ruth Wescott holed up in his apartment, calling other headhunters, only to hear the same doomsday message from them:“Thanks for calling, but you’re overqualified. This is an entry-level position.”
