Inform the new student

You step away from the front desk, the place is still humming with the vibration of Dana and her students’ departure. Walking down the short hallway, you push open the door to the back office.

Lauren is sitting at the oak desk, her bright blue eyes focused intently on the glow of the laptop screen as she reconciles the month’s catering receipts. Her medium-length brown hair is pulled back in a casual clip, a few loose strands framing her porcelain-pale face. She looks up, her expression instantly shifting into her signature warm, bubbly smile the moment she sees you.

“Hey,” she says, leaning back in her chair. “Did Dana and her group get settled in? I heard her voice out there. It’s always so lively when she arrives.”

“They’re on their way to the cabin now,” you say, walking over and leaning against the edge of her desk. You look down at her, a small smirk playing on your lips. “But their group is a little smaller this year. Two people dropped out at the last minute.”

Lauren blinks, her empathetic nature instantly kicking in. “Oh, no, that’s a shame. Dana’s training session are always so exclusive. It must be tough to have empty slots.”

“Well, one isn’t empty anymore,” you say softly. “I just spoke with her. I told her we’ve been wanting to expand our amenities and offer yoga to our regular guests. So, I asked if you could take one of those open spots. She agreed. You start tomorrow at sunrise.”

Lauren’s eyes widen in absolute shock. For a second, she just stares at you, her mouth slightly open. Then, a massive, radiant smile breaks across her face. She leaps up from her chair, her usual reserved demeanor completely vanishing in a burst of pure excitement.

“Are you serious?!” she gasps, throwing her arms around your neck and burying her face in your shoulder. “Mark! Dana’s certifications cost a fortune, and she never lets people just jump in like that! Oh my gosh, I’ve wanted to do this for years!” She pulls back, her blue eyes sparkling with a mix of thrill and sudden nerves. “Wait... do you think I can keep up with them? Her students are usually so intense.”

“You’ll do great,” you reassure her, sliding your hands down to her waist, enjoying her infectious energy. “Dana thinks your grounded presence is exactly what the group needs.”