Tara Thinks Of The First Time She Met Johns

Steve Johns had been the personal coach of more skating stars than you could count on your fingers, He had written a note and said he would like to see Tara at his office tomorrow afternoon at 3:00. Excitement and anticipation coursed through the girls veins. She knew, without question, that if 'the' Steve Johns was willing to become Tara's coach, then her financial problems would be over and, more important, Tara would be groomed for stardom. This was the best news she ever had! According to the note, Steve Johns had seen Tara skate in a competition and liked her.

The next day, Tara got dressed in her finest clothes and took the subway to the lower Manhattan office of Steve Johns coaching. She was so nervous and filled with hopeful anticipation that she actually felt goose bumps on her arms. She entered the sixty-two-story office building. Johns offices were in the penthouse. Even the express elevator ride to the sixty-second floor was impressive. The elevator doors opened to a large, granite reception desk set on a huge oriental carpet. Behind the desk was a pretty girl of about twenty. She smiled as Tara stepped up to the desk.

"May I help you?" She smiled.

"Yes," said Tara, "I believe Mr. Johns is expecting me."

"Your name, please?"

"Tara Wood."

The receptionist smiled and looked at Tara. " Mr. Johns is expecting you." The receptionist picked up the telephone and announced "Miss Wood is here."

She led her through two immense glass doors behind the reception desk and down a marble corridor with many people busy at work in offices off to each side. The walls were covered with larger-than-life-size photos of virtually every figure skater that Tara had idolized. At the end of the corridor, Miss Ellis opened the door to an enormous corner office, which was furnished with chairs and couches covered in the finest white Italian leather. The large windows overlooked much of New York City and Central Park. Behind a massive mahogany desk stood Steve Johns.

Johns was in his mid forties, and an absolutely gorgeous looking man. His temples were just touched with grey. His complexion was flawless with only the lines of an athlete around his mouth. He was slender, at least six feet tall and, and although he was wearing an Armani suit, you could tell he kept himself in very good shape. He stepped from behind his desk to greet Tara with a big smile.

"...Tara...thank you so much for taking the time to come." The sectary discreetly left the office and closed the door behind her.

"Please sit down. Can I get you something to drink? Perhaps a Coke Tara?"

Tara smiled showing white, even teeth, still missing the upper eyeteeth on both sides which had not yet come in. Johns went to a wall, pushed a button, and an exceptionally well-stocked bar appeared to come out of the wall. He poured a glass full of Coke and gave it to her.

Johns then walked around to the front of his desk and sat on the edge of it. This gave Johns a feeling of intimacy and informality although he was still at least ten feet away from Tara.

"I imagine you're wondering why I asked you to come. The fact is that I was at the Regionals yesterday, and I saw you skate. I liked what I saw, and I'm interested in coaching you."