Jasmine said, “When we are all clear in heart and mind, we will begin.”
Begin what? Jasmine’s outfit said “about to make a blood sacrifice.”
“Let’s start with silent meditation. We will meditate for as long as it takes to reach clarity.”
Gabby was barely holding it together as it was. Her feelings were so close to the surface. Markus had exposed all her hurt and desire. The sound bowls normally just provided background noise, but today, they struck a chord. All her feelings were spilling out already, and she couldn’t help herself. First one tear fell, then another. Pretty soon, tears were quietly streaming down her face. She couldn’t stop.
This was a nightmare. She might not have wanted to start a serious relationship with Markus yet, but she didn’t want to run through a whole relationship and fast-forward to a breakup. What had even happened? And then Phil. All while she was supposed to be solving a murder and figuring out who was selling secrets. She didn’t have time for feelings.
And why was she crying? She was an adult woman with children and important things to worry about. Somehow, she’d been going through life, making the choices that were expected of her. Getting married when it was time, to a man who was a good provider, having kids when she was supposed to, autopiloting her way through.
Now there wasn’t any room for the choices she wanted to make, something she felt deep in her bones. There was no room for Gabby in her own life, and it was her own damn fault. All of it was her own fault. A million choices she had made without thinking, and here she was. She had no room left to choose Markus.
And how long was this godforsaken sound bath going to last?
She tried to discreetly wipe her eyes with her dress. When she glanced up to see if anyone had noticed, Jasmine was watching.
“Look up when you’re ready,” Jasmine intoned in the voice she reserved for yoga classes and meditation. Jasmine must have realized presence wasn’t an achievable goal for this group. She said, “Now that we have clear minds and open hearts, I would like to go around the circle. Each member, please share a piece of wisdom. Let’s start with Lana.”
With a disinterested expression, Lana said, “I think you should drink nothing but water and fresh juice before tomorrow. That wedding dress is a little tight.”
Jasmine nodded. “Practical advice is always welcome.” Sheturned to her lover. In a softer voice, she said, “Naomi, your turn. What advice do you have about marriage?”
Looking straight into Jasmine’s eyes, Naomi said, “Pass. I’m not in a place to give relationship advice.”
Justin had had enough. “Does anyone else want to crash the bachelor party?”
Lana stood up like she’d been ejected from her Japanese floor pillow. “Yes, please. I think they have liquor.”
“And music, I hope.”
Even Naomi was on board. “I’m starving, Jasmine. Do they have food?”
Like a gang of twenty-somethings club-hopping, Gabby’s bachelorette party of middle-aged and better women piled out of the ceremonial hut and went in search of the men to see if they had anything better going on. It wouldn’t be hard.
Despite the circumstances, the spirit of the moment was infectious. Just a bunch of girls off to look for some cocktails and hot guys.
“Jasmine, you need better lights,” Lana complained about the poorly lit path after stumbling over some uneven terrain.
“We didn’t want to impede anyone’s view of the stars.”
Justin laughed. “Which they’ll be able to see great after they land flat on their ass.”
“I heard that!” Jasmine giggled and said, “But fair point.”
“There they are!” The bachelor party was on the yacht, its reflection glimmering on the water like a Monet. The boat was anchored within sight of shore.
Jasmine pointed to a dinghy for them to take to the yacht. “Shall I call for a driver?”
“Jasmine, no!” Naomi said. “We can drive ourselves.”
The entire bachelorette party piled into a smaller boat. Naomi started the motor, and it roared to life and burbled. “Everyone ready?”
“One second.” Justin finished securing himself in a life jacket and passed one to Gabby. He mouthed, “These women are unhinged.”
Naomi took no offense. While the rest of the women found seats, she expertly untied the small boat and steered their course through the inky black waters. Like an actual pirate, she hooked the smaller boat to the yacht. Naomi had definitely driven a boat before. Paddleboarding, boating—the woman was competent.
“Prepare to be boarded!” Justin yelled. “Did you hear that, Gia?” He whispered. “I might use that again later.”
