“Sorry!” Maya says in a whisper shout.
“Sorry,” I repeat. But I can’t contain the smile on my face. I actually can’t remember the last time I laughed at myself, or laughed with someone else. A spa treatment is just a bonus, pounds of tension and stress have already seemed to disappear from my body.
Jules ignores our apologies and begins speaking. “The Total Relaxation for Two package includes a revitalizing facial, reflexology therapy, and finally, a hot stone massage.”
I nod, trying to wrap my head around our upcoming spa treatments. I’ve never experienced any of the things Jules mentioned, but I’m intrigued.
“Right this way.” she motions for us to follow her down another hallway. Then, we enter an elegant, bright white room with a giant mirror. After a moment, I realize it’s more like a fountain. Water cascades down the mirror and into a basin filled with river rocks. The sound of the trickling is immediately soothing.
“Please lie down,” Jules instructs, pointing to two massage tables. I hold out my arm, signaling that Maya can choose which table she’d like. She takes the one closest to her, and we both attempt to scootch onto the tables.
“Your relaxation technicians will be in shortly,” Jules says, then we hear the door close.
I take a deep breath and hear what I think is Maya doing the same.
“I don't even need any of the spa treatments,” Maya says. “I could just lie here listening to the water. I’ve never felt more relaxed.”
“So you don’t feel awkward anymore?”
“Oh wow, you know what? I don’t. What about you? How are you holding up?”
“I’m good,” I say quickly, but my mind is lingering on her answer. I smile thinking about the fact that she doesn’t feel awkward anymore. It’s like someone struck a match in my chest. A little ball of warmth burns bright knowing Maya’s enjoying herself.
After the accident that took my brother’s life, my heart shrunk like the Grinch’s. Friends and relatives donated meals, gifts and money. They tried to help us, and they meant well. But, I hated the way they looked at me. Seeing me just made them sad. So, I avoided them. I avoided people that knew me, knew about the accident.
Since then, I’ve focused on myself and my career. It’s how I cope, but I forgot about the joy that comes from helping others. Maybe I’ve been wrong about charity. It’s not about pitying people. It’s about reminding them that there’s still good in the world. So far, all I’ve seen Maya do is care for others. I hope I can show her a hint of the kindness she’s shown me.
Chapter 12
Maya
It’sthemorningafterour spa treatment, and I’m still in a state of relaxation. I probably look like a lunatic, driving to work alone and smiling like a fool. I can’t help it. I had the best time at the spa with Eddie. We were completely unserious, which was in sharp contrast to the relaxation technicians.
Obviously it’s the technicians’ job to make the mood peaceful, but their businesslike demeanor only made it harder not to crack up. Like when you’re in church and you know you shouldn’t laugh, but it just makes everything funnier.
Eddie and I together are a recipe for childlike chaos. For example, I learned that Eddie’s feet are extremely ticklish. He was legitimately giggling during the reflexology session. The technician applied pressure to different areas of our feet that are supposed to stimulate healing throughout the body. However, Eddie trying to hold in his laughter sounded like a hyena. Search up what a hyena laughing sounds like. You will not be disappointed, and you’ll understand why I was laughing so hard I was crying. Then, to top it all off, I sneezed during the hot stone massage and made all the stones fall off my back.
Who knew laughing so much could feel the same as an ab workout? My stomach is still sore. I haven’t enjoyed myself like that…maybe ever.
There’s no denying that Eddie is good-looking, but his grumpy attitude was a huge turnoff. However, yesterday, I met a whole new Eddie. One that I want to get to know, not just because it’s part of my job but because he’s a fun person. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still quiet and introverted. But, I think that’s what makes him so funny. You don’t expect all the quirks. Plus, he doesn’t give a smile to just anyone, so when you get a glimpse of one, you know he means it.
I’m looking forward to spending more time with Eddie today. This morning, we have breakfast with Santa—the one that Lauren added to the schedule because Eddie left the Mingle Jingle event. But after seeing how great Eddie did with the preschoolers, I’m feeling more at ease. All he has to do is eat breakfast with a couple of young fans. I’m confident he can pull that off.
After breakfast, I’m going to see if Eddie wants to go snow tubing. It’s personally one of my favorite activities at Mynt Peak. We have a huge hill with a rope tow. My heart flutters imagining the smile on Eddie’s face while flying down the hill.
I woke up later than usual, which means I haven’t been able to update Holly. She texted me this morning though, saying she got a fun new assignment. I’m hoping for her sake that she gets to host a late-to-the-party hockey player.
I hurry to drop off my purse and coat in the locker room, then make my way to the lobby. Breakfast with Santa is going to be held in the ballroom at nine, but I told Eddie I’d meet him near the fireplace a few minutes beforehand.
I’m about ten minutes early, which is late for me. I expect that Eddie will show up right on time. However, I find him sitting in one of the oversized leather arm chairs in front of the fire.
“Good morning,” I say.
“Morning,” he responds with a small grin.
Today he has on gray joggers and another Mynt hoodie—this time in a navy blue. Forget what I said about white, navy blue is definitely his color. It accents his brown eyes perfectly.
“How’d you sleep?” I ask, forcing myself back into host mode.
