“Everyone, this is Lennox Gold, our new guest fitness instructor,” Selena said, introducing me.
“Welcome. I’m Naima.”
Her eyes held mine, and a flicker of something passed between us. Recognition, maybe. Or curiosity. Either way, it felt like a thread pulling tight, binding us to a moment only we understood.
Ms. Weed and Incense grinned as she took her seat. “Well, well. If word gets around about you providing fitness instruction. I'm sure our numbers will jump.”
I held in a laugh, my focus still half-locked on Naima with her creamy brown skin and big brown eyes. “I'll see what I can do.”
“See that you do. By the way, I’m Tasha and I’m not going to take it easy on you.”
“And I don’t expect you to.”
We shared a smile, but I was sure to draw my attention away from her so as not to send any mixed signals.
Selena began to outline our roles and what they hoped to accomplish with me on board. The hope with having a guest instructor, for now, was to see if it would increase booking and return booking. I would stay on for one cycle with an option to stay on if both sides found it to be a good fit. I nodded but didn’t say more because I already knew they would only get one cycle out of me. My father wouldn’t allow me to stretch this experiment any longer than that.
Selena went on to explain that The Three Bears typically hosted up to 20 guests at a time, prioritizing intimacy and personalized care over volume. Guests booked stays ranging from weekend retreats to two-week immersions, each program tailored to meet specific needs—wellness, grief recovery, self-discovery, or simply rest.
“Every two months, we take a blackout week,” Selena explained. “No guests. It gives us time to reset, deep clean, restock, and do any maintenance. It’s vital for our staff, too—everyone gets a breather.”
It made sense from a wellness perspective, but my financial brain ticked over the lost revenue. An entire week with no income could cripple a place like this, especially if margins were already tight. But I bit my tongue. I wasn’t here to fix them—at least not yet.
Selena shared more about her role, blending business management with mental health support. She held grief counseling sessions, hosted workshops on processing trauma, and facilitated group discussions for guests who needed a safe space to share. With a Masters degree in Counseling and acertification in grief counseling, Selena’s expertise balanced the retreat’s holistic offerings with evidence-based practices.
Tasha explained her role as the creative lead, hosting art therapy sessions, facilitating workshops, and coordinating events. “I mix a little bit of everything—painting, sculpting, even journaling. Art is healing, even if you’re just slapping paint on a canvas to get your feelings out.” With a background in Fine Arts and a certificate in Art Therapy, Tasha’s methods were unconventional but effective.
Naima described her work with yoga and meditation. “We have morning flows, sound baths, and guided meditations. I try to create space for stillness. For guests to connect with themselves without the noise of the outside world.” Her degree in Holistic Wellness and certification as a Yoga Instructor anchored her in both spirituality and structure.
In addition, they had a contracted Massage Therapist, Donna, who came twice a week for those who booked advanced appointments. And other auxiliary staff who were used on aneed-to-dobasis.
I could see how it all fit together—the art, the fitness, the mindfulness. It was a holistic approach that would resonate with people. But beneath the surface, I felt the gaps—the inefficiencies, the missed opportunities. Ideas churned in my mind, but I held them back, keeping my role intact.
Especially when Selena shared that they were in the process of seeking investment capital to update and expand the retreat. According to her, they had a potential investor they were waiting to hear from. I knew it was me. Or rather, my father.
When the meeting wrapped up, Selena stretched and yawned lightly. “It’s been a long day already. Lennox, why don’t you get settled in and rest up? Naima can give you a tour of the grounds tomorrow. You’ll need the energy.”
Tasha leaned against the doorframe, her lips curling into a playful smile. “I’ll bring you something to eat later. No need for you to come to dinner if you’re tired.”
Her flirtation wasn’t subtle. “I appreciate it.”
As I made my way to my room, I couldn’t shake the feeling that rest might be the hardest thing to find tonight. Not with Naima’s eyes lingering in my mind, and certainly not with Tasha’s lingering promise hanging in the air.
4
LENNOX
The next morning brought with it some reality checks. Day one proved The Three Bears Retreat was a place of relaxation and calm. I felt that immediately. But it wasn’t why I was here.
I wasn’t here to find myself. My father had made that clear. I was here to assess, to report back, and to stay focused. But fitness wasn't just a cover—it was a part of who I was. Before my dad turned into a ghost of himself after my mom died, before expectations became a straitjacket, I found solace in the gym. When the weight of grief and pressure became too heavy, lifting iron kept me steady. I might not have met my father’s definition of success, but I knew how to push my body, how to build strength when everything else felt weak.
After a quick shower and change, I found a folded note slipped under my door. Selena’s neat handwriting reminded me to find Naima for a tour. It was efficient, and direct—like everything about Selena so far. I appreciated it.
The retreat was quiet as I walked through it, the air cool with the promise of autumn coming soon. The cabins had names like“Harriet’s Haven” and “Zora’s Den,” a nod to powerful Black women.
Art lined the hallways, vibrant murals depicting Black joy, resilience, and history. The main lodge felt like stepping into a world where culture and comfort held hands. It was soft yet powerful—a place where you could breathe deeply and fully.
I turned a corner and found myself by the yoga pavilion. Naima moved through poses with a grace that seemed to defy gravity. Her body was fluid, her form controlled, and each movement sent a fresh wave of heat through me. She wore a cropped yoga top that hugged every curve, and as she dipped into a downward dog, the sight of her ass made my pulse kick up a notch.
