Crossing Paths. 10. Coach Cathy

Crossing Paths – Episode 10: Coach Cathy

It’s Monday morning. Thomas is sitting in an armchair in his apartment, sipping coffee. For a moment, he taps his fingers nervously on the mug. Then he picks up his phone from the coffee table and scrolls through his contacts for a second. He stops at a name and presses “call.”

Cathy: Hello, this is Cathy.

Thomas: Hey, Cathy, it’s Tom.

Cathy: Tom? Ah, hey, Tom! Sorry, I didn’t recognize your voice right away.

Thomas: Haha, no worries. Is it a good time to talk?

Cathy: Yeah, sure! It’s good to hear from you.

Thomas: I found your number on the gym’s website and…

Cathy: Oh no… so you’ve seen my gym photos?

Thomas: Haha, actually, they looked pretty good to me. Very professional.

Cathy: Oof, thanks! I swear, I spent forever choosing the right ones.

Thomas: Yeah, no, you really look great.

Cathy: Thank you!

Thomas: Listen, I wanted to ask if you have room for one more client.

Cathy: Ahhh, I see! Well… depends who the client is. I’m kidding! Yeah, of course. But seriously, are you asking me to train you or someone else?

Thomas: Me. I was hoping you could help me get back in shape a little.

Cathy: Sure thing! I’d be really happy to do that.

Thomas: Cool. I mean, I know what to do in the gym. I just need some motivation and a bit of structure, you know?

Cathy: Yeah, I had a feeling you weren’t a complete beginner.

Thomas: Oh, before I forget—I have no idea how much you charge.

Cathy: Well… I think I can give you a special discount.

Thomas: Listen, I really appreciate that, but I’d rather pay the normal price. I know you’re busy, and I really appreciate you making time for me. So… no special treatment.

Cathy: Haha, fair enough. My normal rate is seventy-five dollars a session. Is that okay with you?

Thomas: Yeah, absolutely.

Cathy: Alright. I usually have a few afternoons free during the week. What works best for you? And how many times a week do you think you can realistically train?

Thomas: Well, I was thinking maybe three times a week. At least at the beginning.

Cathy: That’s actually perfect. Alright, let me see… I’m free Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at five, and usually Saturday mornings too—let’s say around nine. Would that work for you?

Thomas: Yeah, that actually works really well for me.

Cathy: Perfect. We could actually start this week, if you don’t have any better plans.

Thomas: I don’t. That’d be great.

Cathy: Oh, you already have a membership at Bomber Gym, don’t you?

Thomas: I do. I’ve had it for two weeks, but I’ve only been there twice.

Cathy: Haha, alright. Then we’ll work on discipline first.

Thomas: Haha. Sounds scary.

Cathy: Don’t worry, I’m a very patient teacher.

Thomas: Really?

Cathy: Haha, okay… maybe not that patient.

Thomas: Well, I guess I’ll find out tomorrow.

Cathy: You will. And don’t try to impress me on the first day, alright? That’s usually when people hurt themselves.

Thomas: Wow, you already think I’m trying to impress you?

Cathy: Well… you called me right after looking at my gym photos, so…

Thomas: Haha, alright, fair point.

Cathy: Listen, I’ve gotta run. I’ll see you tomorrow at five, okay?

Thomas: Sure. Thanks, Cathy. See you tomorrow.

Cathy: Bye, Tom.

Thomas: Bye.