Texas Stranger by Janet Muncy Read Free Book Online Page A

the club was quiet. January was caught up in her own thoughts about the night before. Tragedy seems to be the only time they could spend together without fighting.
    It wasn’t long before Carl left to get his own business taken care of and January hated to see him leave. He didn’t ask to see her again, but she thought she would hear from him soon.

    The aerobic competition posters arrived and were being put up in the club. As the competition got closer, the girls would be more demanding of her time, so she was working on her work schedule as well as everyone else’ so she would be free to train the girls who were interested. She hoped several would be interested in trying out. It was hard work but a lot of fun when everyone had the same mindset. To be ready for the competition she had lots of work still yet to do.
    Several weeks had gone by and Carl hadn’t made any effort to see her or call her. January also felt it strange Mary hadn’t even mentioned him.
    Mr. Peters, the small bald headed man who managed the center and collected the rent on the building space, entered the club late one afternoon. January was about to start the aerobic practice and she noticed him come through the door.
    “Mr. Peters! Is there something I could do for you today?” January greeted him.
    “I thought I’d bring you some interesting news,” he said, shaking her hand. “Could I have a minute of your time.”
    “Sure, I can spare a minute,” January smiled, leading him into her small office. He sat down on the sofa crossing his legs.
    “It looks as though I’ll be having another two thousand square feet available at the end of the month. It’s located next to your east wall, you can knock out the wall and make your work out and aerobic room larger. The renewal on your lease will be coming up soon. That is if you still plan to stay? I can make you a good deal.”
    “What kind of deal?” January sat back in her chair ready to listen to any offer that would help her club grow.
    “Well, you’re paying one dollar a square foot now with insurance and maintenance free. I could let you have the additional two thousand feet for just fifty cents a square foot, and that would give you enough room to expand at a fair price.”
    “You’re being very generous, Mr. Peters. What has brought all this on? You’ll be losing money, not to mention having another shop for people to come into?”
    “You may be right,” he said, clearing his throat. “But on the other hand we have thirty seven shops in this strip center and they are all paying top dollar. Most of the people that shop here are the one’s that come from your club anyway. So.... we aren’t really losing money, we’re making it through your success, if you really want me to be honest.”
    “Need I ask who’s ideal this was Mr. Peters?” January’s eyes searched his for the apparent answer.
    His face turned a certain crimson color as he re-adjusted himself on the sofa. “Let’s put it this way Miss. Manson, Mr. Richards knows his business, I for one couldn’t possibly tell him how to run it.”
    “I see, well, I’ll certainly think about it. But, I’ll need to get hold of someone to give me a bid on what it would cost.
    I’ll call you.” January said, standing up to shake his hand. She was thinking she really did need the space, and this is still a good location even if Mr. Richards is the one who owns it. But still she wasn’t sure she wants to expand this particular club or open another one on the other side of town.
    “I know someone who can give you an estimate. His name is Kevin Spencer. I’ll have him give you a call.”
    January walked Mr. Peters to the door, thanked him again and watched him as he walked crossed the parking lot to his car.
    “What was that all about?” Mary asked.
    “It looks like I may be doing some business in the near future.” January smiled.
    “Oh? How’s that?” Mary questioned her again, smiling faintly.
    January proceeded to