“Can you draw a picture too?”
“What should I draw?” I ask.
“A butterfly.”
I blow out a whistle. “It’s been a long time since I’ve drawn a butterfly.” Add on top of that the fact that the furry surface of the tennis ball is not an easy canvas. “I’ll do my best.” I draw an oval body and two roundish wings. Then I add antennas. “How’s that?”
“I love it! Don’t forget to sign your name by your art.”
“Thanks for reminding me.” I add my signature and hand it back to her. She runs happily back to her parents.
After about fifteen more minutes, everyone is pretty much cleared out. I stand and stretch my legs.
I notice Maya starting to gather up the rackets and balls, so I join her. That’s when my wrist begins to ache. I move it in a circle, trying to alleviate the pain.
It hits me that this is the first time my wrist has bothered me in the last couple days. Usually, I wake up with a dull pain, and as I begin training, it gradually gets worse throughout the day. Maybe rest really is what I need. Just minimal tennis at lessons today aggravated the tendonitis. If I truly take the rest of the week off from repetitive tennis movements, maybe it could heal. I sigh, reminding myself not to get my hopes up.
“We should get some ice on that wrist,” Roger says from beside me.
I didn’t see him walk up. I look down and realize I’m rubbing my forearm with my other hand.
“Is your wrist hurting?” Maya joins us, looking concerned.
“It’s fine. Just sore.”
Maya nods. “I read about that. Wrist injury, right? A Mynt Peak Resort spa treatment might help.”
I feel my eyebrows rise.
First of all, she read up on me? Second of all, I receive regular sports therapy massages, but it’s hardly a spa treatment. Sometimes it seems more like torture as my sore muscles are poked and prodded.
“You look uneasy,” Maya says.
“I’ve just never been to a spa before.”
“Honestly, me neither, but from everything the guests say, Mynt Peak Resort’s spa is the best around. You have to try it!”
Her enthusiasm is very persuasive. “I’ll go,” I say, then add, “if you come with me.”
“Oh, um…I don’t know if that’s allowed.”
“Really? Because Roger told me that Mr. Mynt said he wanted me to enjoy myself. I’ll feel much better if I have my host with me as I try a spa treatment for the first time.” I’m surprised at my own boldness, but I’ve yet to decide if a spa day will be enjoyable or extremely uncomfortable. If it’s enjoyable, Mayasurely deserves a day of relaxation. If it’s uncomfortable, I won’t have to suffer alone.
Maya responds after a moment of silence. “I’ll have to touch base with my boss Lauren, but if she says it’s okay, I’ll be there.”
I nod while my pulse increases at the thought of spending more time with her.
That realization takes me aback. It’s been so long since I’ve wanted to be around…anyone. I keep to myself, which allows me to stay focused. But, I’m realizing it might be keeping me from human connection and spontaneous moments that make life meaningful.
When we get back to the resort lobby, Maya says she’ll get in touch with me after lunch. I nod as she waves and walks away. My mood dips as I watch her go. There’s something about her personality that’s undeniably captivating to me. Without her, my serious side returns.
“Eddie, hey, great job at lessons today,” Roger says, ripping my attention away from Maya.
“Thanks. It was surprisingly fun.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” he says with a small smile, which is weird for Roger. He’s more of a whole face smiler. “Can I talk to you for a minute…” Then looking around he adds, “In your room?”
Roger's words and tone are concerning, but I try not to panic. “Sure, let’s go.”
