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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

WOOF - 4. Grand Opening

On the final Monday in September, we quietly opened our doors to the public. From The Village, through Chelsea, to Hell’s Kitchen, we had blanketed the neighborhoods with advertising. We had hundreds of palm cards printed and hired day laborers to pass them out near other fitness centers, outside restaurants, and in front of clubs at night.

Several businesses allowed us to place sign up boxes on their counters. We offered a complimentary week to anyone filling out the information slips and planned on holding a raffle for a free, one-year membership on opening day. The response was encouraging.

That first week, we ironed out operational snafus and by the time Friday rolled around, I felt confident we had a winner. Friday evening we held an open house. Healthy snacks and beverages tend to attract those interested in fitness.

Halfway through the evening, Apollo threw an arm around my shoulders as we both scanned the crowd. “We did it, buddy. This is the result of all the hard work over the past six months. I have a feeling we’re gonna be okay. Happy?”

“Yeah…” I nodded and grinned; the crowd was good and we had picked up a few new members. “Hope you realize the real hard work starts tomorrow morning. You and I are now tied to this place seven days a week.”

“Only for a bit. If things keep going this way, we’ll be able to hire a couple of assistants soon. No need for us to become slaves to the business.”

“We’ll see. I sure hope so.”

I was not ready to relax just yet. My professional life was back on track. Maybe, just maybe, if Apollo was right, I could concentrate on getting my personal life in order soon. But there was no returning to my old way. Next time I fell in love, I was gonna make sure it would be forever.

Copyright © 2020 Carlos Hazday; All Rights Reserved.
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Thank you for reading and my gratitude to Kitt for her assistance with this story.
Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Story Discussion Topic

Welcome to the discussion thread for CJ’s series. All things CJ are fair game, I simply ask you be respectful of others. I will actively participate in the discussion. Ask questions, speculate about what’s coming, or bitch about what happened. We’re now open for business!    
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Chapter Comments



It is a shame it is over so quickly, but I agree with your comment about it being a backstop. It really was a good place to end this story. Thanks. 

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The business seem as off to as good a start as a startup could expect and Colt has resolved to avoid his old routines so he can find a long term relationship. I won't classify this as storius interruptus. It was a good pause point.

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21 hours ago, Parker Owens said:

Apollo and Colt will be working long, intense hours. Both men, through connections to farm or family businesses, may be perhaps inured to it. Thanks for letting us see this at the inception.

Colt will probably work as many hours as he did with the investment bankers for less money. But he'll be his own boss and that often trumps the hours and income.

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20 hours ago, mikedup said:

Great chapter, and a pity it has come to an end. Awesome story

The story was meant to introduce Colt and give us a thumbnail sketch of him. The other goal was to open the gym. Hopefully, both goals were accomplished even if it was a short one.

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20 hours ago, chris191070 said:

Great chapter. Perfect place for the story to end with the opening of WOOF.

Thanks, Chris. Now that both PRIME and WOOF are open for business, next story will bring the respective owners together.

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19 hours ago, Wesley8890 said:

Loved this one! Chock full of hot guys, double entendres and sass!

Sometimes innuendo-laden stories are more fun than those explicit ones. Thanks, Wes!

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19 hours ago, dughlas said:

 

But the story hasn't ended. This was backstory to provide more depth to guys we've met elsewhere.

Thanks Carlos.

You're welcome and thank you!

I enjoyed giving Colt the same treatment I did with Tony in PRIME. I became attached to these two when I first created them and I'm glad I was able to revisit their origin.

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14 hours ago, drpaladin said:

The business seem as off to as good a start as a startup could expect and Colt has resolved to avoid his old routines so he can find a long term relationship. I won't classify this as storius interruptus. It was a good pause point.

A short meant to give the MC a little air time before I tackle further adventures/events. I'll revisit the premise. Thanks for reading, Doc!

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