Just a little east of Portland, out by the college, I was canvassing the area for prospective clients when I came upon a massage parlor. I was walking out of a printing supply business when I looked up and across the street was the place. I walked across the street and found out the place was closed. But there was a note on the door with a number and a name. The note said that this location was closed but to "Call Richard" if you need a massage at this number.
So I took a picture of the note and continued my canvassing. I visited two different potential customers before I decided to call Richard. He didn't answer so I left a message. My phone rang after just a few minutes, it was Richard.
"Hello, this is Keith," I said.
"Hi Keith, this is Richard. You left a message on my cell phone," he said.
"Hey Richard, I was looking to get a massage today. I went by your place and I saw the note and called you. It is too bad that you closed," I told him.
"Well, due to the economy, I had to get out of that high rent, but I still do massages at my place. I have a nice studio set up here at the house. It's really private and casual," Richard said. "Would you like to schedule an appointment?"
"Well, I was hoping for a walk-in today and I won't be back in the area for a couple of weeks. I guess we can schedule for a few weeks from now," I said.
"No, I am open this afternoon," Richard said, "just name the time." There was something in his voice, or maybe it was just his response, that told me he didn't want to lose this opportunity.
"OK, how about five o'clock," I said, before looking at my watch. It was already 3:50 and I still had to work out. "No, forget five, I have to workout. How about six?" I asked.
"Sure, I can do six. I'll text you my address," Richard said.
"Is it close to here?" I questioned.
"I am about six to seven minutes to the east of the shop," he said.
"OK, text me your address and I'll see you at six," I responded.
I hung up the phone and wondered what this guy was like. I have not even seen him and I didn't get any feel for him from our conversation. I walked back to my car and headed to the gym. I got a good workout in -- I ran an extra mile to get warmed up, swam a little, then hit the weights, took a shower and headed to my massage appointment.
I put his address in my phone and drove to the house. I rang the bell and Richard answered promptly. "Hi, you must be Keith," he said, extending his hand for a handshake.
"Hey Richard, nice to meet you," I said.
"Come on in," he said. "The studio is in the back bedroom. Follow me."
I follow Richard to the studio, checking him out as I follow him into the room. The studio is cozy with two candles burning that made the room smell like vanilla and cinnamon. The colors are very warm and inviting. There are four can lights on and pretty bright. The massage table is directly in the middle of the room. There is a wooden chair in one corner.