The Physical State of Love; a Daryl's Story

Chapter Ten: Change of Space

Cassandras POV

I'm glued to my chair and my mind goes blank. I feel like a computer that has just been overloaded with information and needs to reboot. I blink a few times allowing my eyes to refocus. The blur of the man sitting before me is slowly becoming clear again and the faint memory of what was said slowly resurfaces in my brain. A what? I ask. The surprise and confusion still evident in my voice. A job. I spoke with David and he said you were almost finished with your current job assignment and you were unsure what to do next especially since he said you wished to stay in New York. I sigh and roll my eyes, understanding now that my big mouth brother couldn't mind his own business and shared my concerns with his best friend, Mr. Ryan Carter. I wasn't sure what my next plan was going to be or whether I would be staying in New York. I don't want to return to Chicago but I would have a job there but New York has become more of a home for me and I made a life her and friends. I cant imagine leaving here again, I cant imagine leaving Daryl.

I cross my arms over my chest and look straight into Ryan's eyes and ask, "What exactly did David tell you? There is a hint of agitation in my voice that Ryan picks up on and he clears his throat before saying, I think you have the wrong impression, Cassandra. David only said you may be open to suggestions. And you believe the best suggestion is to work with you. No offense Ryan but I'm not Carter Corp material. I don't crunch numbers. I'm not a big corporate business woman. Ryan laughs, sitting up in his chair, and smoothing the front of his shirt. I frown at him. Is he making fun of me. What's so funny, I ask. Cassandra let me explain. I'm not exactly offering you a job at my company more a career opportunity. There is rental space on the second floor of Carter Corp that recently became available. It's currently being renovated and if you would like you could have a say in its design. The idea would be that you would rent the space from me and run your business there.

I must look like a deer caught in headlights. This is completely unexpected and not at all where I thought this night was going but it does explain why Ryan asked me to dinner. It wasn't a date. Ryan and I spend the next 10 minutes discussing his idea. He believes the space would work great as a Wellness Center. I would run it, employ whoever I want, create the programs but the space would remain part of Carter Corp so I would have to pay for the use. I understand that you've been your own boss and that you've managed your schedule with private clients. You've worked in hospitals and with other people at physical therapy businesses. This would be your own business and the patients would come to you, Ryan says and I contemplate the possibility of it working. I can hire who I want? He nods. Different types of specialties? He nobs again. I could do this. I really want to do it. I could hire a chiropractor, a dermatologist, a nutritionist, sports trainers. If it's to be a wellness center, I might as well hire a massage therapist. This idea of Ryan's is exactly what I need.

I lean forward in my seat, resting my elbows on the table and my head in my hands. I churn the idea over and over in my mind. When could I open, how soon will the renovations be done, and what are the rental fees. There's so much to figure out but first thing first, I must see this space before I decide. I quickly look up at Ryan who has been patiently waiting for me to decide. He is so silent sitting across from me that I almost forget where we were. I ask, How far are we from your office? The question seemed to confusion Ryan. His brow creases and he says that we're about 25 minutes away. Good, then we have time to see it, I announce and push off the table. I stand, turn to grab my jacket, and turn back to see Ryan still sitting. Are you coming? Ryan's eyes are on me for a second before he glances at his watch. Cassandra it's almost 9 o'clock. Business hours ended awhile ago. I step towards him, lean to the side with my hands on my waist, and raise an eyebrow. Are you telling me that you don't have keys to your castle? Ryan pushes his chair away from the table and stands in front of me. I have to tilt me head upwards to keep eye contact. He smooths his tie and buttons his jacket. There's a glimmer in his eyes and he presents a mischievous smile. If you want to see inside my castle, we'll have to make a different date. But as far as seeing Carter Corps rental space, I'll take you there.