Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 46858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
I look over his rain-spattered gym gear. “You made the right choice. We need warriors, not businessmen.”
His jaw hardens, and I see it in him, the willingness to fight, the urge to win. “Then let’s do it.”
“Okay. I’m going to read out a statement one of the kids might say to you. You respond exactly how you would. Don’t think of it as trying to impress me or get a job. Just say exactly what you would in that situation.”
“I got it.”
Reading from the worksheet, I say, “I’m sorry, but I can’t do this. It’s too difficult.”
Hudson leans forward. “Tell me which part specifically.”
Thinking quickly, I say, “I keep missing with my jab. It’s like I can’t aim it properly.”
“Where are you aiming right now?”
“At his head, but he keeps moving.”
This is basic stuff, but it’s appropriate for the age range Hudson would be teaching.
“Okay, then I want you to do something for me. First, take ten slow, deep breaths. Can you do that?”
I smile, nodding. “That’s good. Let’s pretend I’ve done that.”
“Clear your head as best you can. Relax. Be loose.” Hudson breathes slowly, getting into the role. “When you try again….”
“But I don’t want to try again.”
“I get that,” Hudson says, again without a pause. “But let me tell you something. You’ll hate yourself if you don’t at least try. You’ll regret it all night. And the more you don’t try, the more you’ll hate yourself. It’s a vicious cycle you want no part in, kid. Can you try, please?”
“Yeah,” I say, knowing that would work on the majority of the kids we train.
“Watch him. Don’t think about yourself. Watch his movements, and ask yourself…which way is he moving every time I try to jab him? He’ll have a pattern. Once you can judge that, you can start aiming for where he’s going to be instead of where he is.”
I place the worksheet down. “You’re hired.”
Hudson gasps, sitting up. “Are you serious…sir?”
“Call me Elias,” I tell him. “And yes, I am. I’ve had lots of responses to these questions, but you’ve just given me the model answer. You calmed the kid down, broke the problem into steps, and made it approachable. You’ll be on a trial period initially, but if you can perform in real life like you did in the roleplay, you’ll have a permanent position.”
“I’m sorry, sir. Elias…but what’s the….”
“The pay?”
He nods, his gaze flitting down, reminding me of the pride I held onto after the mom years, after all the degradation and shame.
“What do you make weekly at the factory?”
He gives me the figure, and I give him one in return, fifty percent higher.
“That will also include other duties around the gym when there aren’t classes to teach.”
“I’ll do anything you need,” Hudson says. “I won’t let you down. Reception, cleaning, hell, I’ll even pick the kids up for class if I can get some wheels. Anything.”
I stand. “Like I said, there will be a trial period. But I’ve got every confidence you’ll do great.”
He stands, and we shake hands. I hold on for a moment longer, looking him in the eye.
“I want you to know something too. You wouldn’t have gotten this job if you didn’t deserve it.”
He looks at me, head tilted, and I wonder if I’ve given something away again. I didn’t need to say that part.
It’s probably making him wonder why I said it.
But I needed him to know, because it’s the truth.
I want to help him. I want to help Della.
But I also always try my best to be fair, and he earned this spot.
“Thank you,” he says as he leaves my office.
“I’ll be in touch,” I tell him.
“And I’ll be ready.”
CHAPTER 15
Della
“Can you believe it?” Hudson grins, jabbing the air as he paces up and down the living room. “Obviously, I need to make sure I don’t mess up the trial period. It’s two weeks…but it’s paid, Della. The thing is, what if I do mess it up, and then the factory won’t take me back?”
“You won’t,” I tell him, my heart feeling like it’s expanding as I sit up, Hudson’s happiness infectious. “You were going to do this as a job if mom and dad….”
He pauses, nodding, his smile faltering.
“It’s great news.”
I beam, jumping to my feet and walking over to him.
He returns my hug, embracing me tightly.
“When do you start?” I ask.
He takes a step back, running a hand through his messy hair. “Tomorrow. He wants me to shadow one of the other trainers for a couple of days, plus prove I’m willing to put in the work elsewhere in the gym.”
“That’s so, so awesome.”
“Thanks, sis.” He smiles widely. “I wouldn’t have gotten this job without you.”
“Yes, you would,” I say firmly.
He tilts his head at me in that perceptive Hudson way. “Uh, no… I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t have even known it existed without you.”