Page 2 of Accidentally Joining His Cult (Chicago Awakenings #1)

CHAPTER TWO

Cody

I ’m having the best day, and it’s not even nine a.m.

When I checked into my hotel room yesterday, the friendly clerk, Rachel, asked me why I was in town. I told her I was running a seminar for the Caldwell Corporation, and she upgraded me to a suite! Apparently, the Caldwells own the hotel, and she wanted me to experience everything it has to offer.

She even volunteered to show me around the city or come up to my room to help me practice my presentation. So nice.

I give these presentations all the time, so I thanked her and explained I didn’t need to practice, but that I really appreciated her kindness. She looked pretty disappointed until I invited her to the Individual Empowerment Program I’m running this weekend.

She seemed excited when I told her how the company I work for, Kyla, has developed these specialized classes to help people achieve personal success in whatever they aspire to do in life. We’ve helped everyone from celebrities, politicians, billionaire CEOs, and so many regular people find the tools to unlock their full potential.

I know it sounds cheesy, but over the years, I’ve witnessed so many people improve their lives with these classes, and I know they really work. I seriously have the best job. I get to meet incredible people from all over the world and share in their joy as they work toward their goals.

This morning, I kicked things off with a workout at the hotel’s amazing gym. I met some fantastic guys who were really interested in my fitness routine, asking questions and complimenting my dedication. We started talking about why we were all in town, and when I told them about my seminar, they signed up right on the spot!

Harold and Roger could apply it perfectly to elevate their new business. And William sounded so deserving of that promotion at work. I’m confident these classes will give them all the tools they need to succeed.

Back in my suite, I got to use the most incredible shower I’ve ever seen. There were shower heads facing every direction and a rainfall overhead, deep benches built into three sides, and even a Bluetooth speaker. It’s probably big enough for like six people in there, not sure why six people would ever need to shower at the same time in a hotel room , but I certainly enjoyed the experience, so I’m not complaining.

Then on the way to my presentation, I decided to grab a coffee, and the man in front of me generously let me go ahead of him in the line. I only drink black coffee because it’s healthier, so I was in and out in no time.

With the extra few minutes, I decided to take a longer route to the venue. The walk was spectacular, I was able to enjoy the gorgeous Chicago River and the city’s incredible architecture.

I love that my job allows me to travel and see so many beautiful places. I can never decide if I like big cities or smaller remote places more. I also really like it when I get to see the ocean and beaches. Mountains might actually be my favorite, though. It’s so hard to choose the best when there are only good options.

Caldwell Tower is a tall, gleaming, all-glass building on the river. Checking in with security was a breeze; everyone was so kind and welcoming. Now I’m all set up in a swanky ballroom, ready to share the Kyla Corporate Empowerment Program with all of the people who work here.

I’ve got a microphone clipped to my suit jacket, and there are screens on either side of the stage with a camera set up in front of me to project my image for the entire space to see more clearly.

Our company has a lot of different programs tailored to the specific needs of the people taking the classes. Big companies' HR departments will hire us to come in with corporate-focused programs, as a way to show support for their employees and inspire individually driven success. When one person is succeeding within a corporate setting, it benefits everyone around them, as well as the company as a whole.

The ballroom is filling up, but I want to give everyone a chance to get settled so that they don’t miss any of the presentation.

Corporate attendees, while sometimes more skeptical, still receive my full effort. Even if not everyone takes advantage of the information, I know I’ve done my part. Every corporate seminar I’ve led has inspired at least a few people to join the individual programs, and knowing I’ve helped improve someone’s life is both humbling and incredibly rewarding.

There are hundreds of people in this room, the crowd for this presentation is one of the biggest ones that I’ve had in a while. The Caldwells own a lot of other companies that all operate out of this building, and most of their employees were encouraged to attend this program.

To me, it doesn’t matter if I’m talking to one person or five hundred. I know what I’m saying is important, and I absolutely love what I do.

As I launch into my speech about our plan for the day, movement in the crowd catches my attention. It isn’t unusual for people to trickle in late, especially in these larger groups, but most people who do, don’t confidently approach the stage.

For a moment, I think the man strutting up the aisle is going to join me up here, which would be a first. At the front row, he stops, resting his hand on the person’s shoulder to his left, and looks down at them. They glance up and look like they’ve seen a ghost. I’ve never seen someone jump up so quickly. They offer their chair without him saying a word, and scurry to the back where there’s open seating.

That was a little strange.

Maybe this man needed to sit up front for some reason, and there weren’t any other seats open. You never know what someone else is dealing with in their own life, so I always try my best not to judge anyone without all of the information. That was really nice of the other person to switch with them.

I could give this presentation in my sleep, so the distraction does nothing to slow me down as I give a brief intro. “Okay, now for the fun part! Everyone please get up, and, if you’re physically able, stand on your chair.”

We always warn the facility ahead of time that this is the plan and are assured of the quality of their furniture before making this request. Companies also sign over liability in case anyone were to get hurt, so we won’t be blamed.

As usual, everyone hesitates. There are hushed questions and looks of confusion all around the massive space. A lot of people have stood up, but most people don’t seem very excited to jump up on their chairs.

Except for the man in the front row. He steps onto his without hesitation, his boldness creating a ripple effect. People around him follow suit, and soon the entire room is standing on chairs, eyeing him. He must be someone important at the company.

As I give him my full attention, I realize that I recognize this mystery man. He let me cut him in line at the coffee shop this morning. Small world.

I beam at him. “Do you always do what you’re told, or are you so bored of me already that you want to speed along the workshop?”

His answering grin is a little wicked, “I like to look down on everyone else, and this seemed like an advantageous position to do so.”

I can’t tell if he’s serious. The slightly less intimidating but similar-looking man next to him barks a laugh, and those around him echo with their own laughter. They must be used to his darker brand of humor.

Are they the Caldwells? It would explain why everyone around them is so captivated. They certainly seem to hold a lot of influence in this massive crowd, I don’t think I’ve ever had everyone up so quickly.

My boss always gets excited when influential celebrity types take an interest in the programs. Viktor thinks they can inspire larger numbers of members to join us because people tend to trust the recommendations of those that they look up to. I don’t think that means we should necessarily give anyone special treatment to get them to join, they’re not more important than anyone else, which is why I never bother to look up pictures of those people before meeting them. But if we can inspire more people to improve their lives, who am I to question the man who designed the programs?

I still can’t believe I get to work with him at all.

Apparently, I have high recruitment and retention percentages, so he likes to have me run the workshops that have these potential influencers in them. I’m not sure what’s so special about me. Every coach who runs these seminars does a fantastic job helping people. I’m just honored that Viktor wants me to help spread his ideas and knowledge.

I draw my attention away from my coffee shop friend, addressing the room. “The idea of this opening exercise is to force you out of your comfort zone.” I pace across the stage to my own chair, circling it. “To encourage you to question the motivation behind your actions.” I spin the chair around so that the back is now closer to the audience. “Do you do things because they’re considered ‘normal’?” I use air quotes, pausing as I speak. Then step up onto the chair. “Or, do you do things because you want to? Because they bring you joy?”

Then I do a backflip off the chair, landing calmly on my feet as some people gasp, and others start to clap. I’ve also done this enough times to know what suits work for flips, and I love how surprised people always look.

I wait for everyone to settle down before continuing. “I apologize if that was a bit obnoxious. I’m not trying to show off or impress anyone,” I say. Smirking, I straddle the chair, leaning forward on its back toward the audience in a relaxed stance. “I know it’s early, I’m simply trying to get everyone’s attention so that we can have some fun today.” I flash them all a cheeky grin. “Plus, I think flips are fun.”

My opening works like I hoped it would, people seem more relaxed and engaged, and I talk for about twenty more minutes before I have them break off into smaller groups to work on exercises while I walk around to some of the groups that seem like they could use the extra encouragement.

Once they’re done with that portion and back in their original seats, I play videos that Viktor and some of the highest-level coaches have put together. No matter how many times I watch them, I never get bored with their insights and teachings. But, I skip the ones I’m featured in—I prefer engaging with the audience live rather than relying on pre-recorded material.

We work through lunch. Kyla always requires businesses to supply food for their employees during our corporate seminars to keep people engaged and reward them for their active participation during these day-long events. Time flies like it always does when I’m working, and before I know it, I’m giving my closing remarks.

“Thank you to every single one of you for showing up today! I hope that our time together has allowed you to reflect on your personal aspirations and to begin a new chapter of growth in your life,” I say, meaning every word. I’m always so bummed when the day is over. “If today inspired you, I would be absolutely thrilled to see you again for our Individual Empowerment Program that I’m hosting on Saturday. Please feel free to come up and chat with me if you have any questions, and links to the sign up should already be in your company email. I sincerely hope to see you again, and that today has made a positive impact on your life.”

We offer a lot of smaller classes to individuals, like the one I’ll be hosting this weekend. Anyone can sign up for them. We work with each person to determine what their goals are and help them overcome whatever hurdles may be a barrier on their path to success.

For some people, it’s career-related: starting a business, working toward a promotion, or earning a degree. Others hope to improve their personal lives, relationships with partners or family members, or to change personal habits with fitness, food, or drugs. We’ve also helped countless people improve their anxiety and depression.

Really, whatever is holding a person back from reaching their full potential, we can empower them with the knowledge and tools to overcome and succeed.

The smaller classes are my favorite because they foster deeper, more personal connections with participants who actively choose to engage. Limited to a hundred people, these sessions prioritize meaningful interaction, where engagement is key to success.

Waving, I walk down to stand in front of the stage where there’s already a small group gathering to ask about the classes. Smiling, I answer a few questions, confirming details and expressing my gratitude that so many people are showing interest. After about fifteen minutes of chatting with everyone, they disperse with promises to see me this weekend.

As I unclip my microphone and turn to pack up my laptop, a deep voice surprises me.

“How much money for a one-on-one lesson?”

Startled, I glance up to see my coffee buddy. He’s a few inches shorter than my six four, and I can tell he’s into fitness with his broad shoulders and trim waist. He’s got dark hair with an expensive-looking style, longer on top and faded on the sides. Shockingly blue eyes. Blue eyes always fascinate me. No one in my family has them and I find myself staring at people a little too long to study the endless shades of blue that are out there. I think that he was clean-shaven this morning, but a hint of a five o’clock shadow is already evident on his sharp jawline.

“The programs are designed for group participation,” I finally answer. “But, I’m always happy to talk more about it with people individually, free of charge.”

I know that other coaches would probably insist they only talk about it in the structured class environment, but I’m passionate about my job and am happy to talk about it whenever someone will listen.

“I’m Beckett,” he says as he holds out his hand for me to shake. “Is it too forward if I ask you out to dinner and drinks tonight?” His gaze drops to my mouth, and I feel my cheeks heat. Do I have something in my teeth? That would be embarrassing.

“Cody,” I say, laughing a little because he probably gathered that during the presentation. “Sadly, I have plans tonight.” I really would love to spend more time talking with him about the Kyla programs. But I already promised the guys from the gym this morning that I’d grab dinner with them at our hotel. “Maybe we could go out Saturday, hook up after my class?” I offer, perking up at the idea. “Were you planning to attend?”

He grins back at me. “Absolutely.”