Cassie looks thoughtful for a moment. “I don’t think so.” She studies me for a long time, those green eyes so intense I feel like a soil sample under one of her high-powered microscopes. “You’re different now. More centered.”
“I agree,” Sarah says. “More balanced. Regardless of what a jerk Dax turned out to be, I think we can thank him for that.”
“He’s not a jerk.” My reply sounds weak, and hearing his name makes my throat hurt. I ignore it and focus on adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to the contraption next to the steam vents. “It’s fine, really. I’m doing okay.”
“Of course, you are.” Cassie pats my hand, and I know what she’s thinking. She and Simon went through a rough patch like this before they got together for good.
But it’s different for Dax and me. There won’t be a happily-ever-after for us. If he hadn’t made that clear in the alley during the Diamonds and Opals event, he’s sure as hell made it clear with his silence in the week since then.
I wish that didn’t sting so much.
“Well, anyway,” Cassie says. “I love that you’re volunteering at the dog place now.”
“And that you did karaoke with us the other night,” Sarah adds.
“And your recipe for homemade marshmallows is out of this world,” Missy adds with a little less enthusiasm. “Even if you did make us assemble that filthy fire pit instead of roasting them indoors like civilized people.”
I smile at the compliments, proud of how far I’ve come. They’re right, of course. I have changed, at least a little. I’m still me, obviously. Still fussy and pretentious and way too focused on appearances.
But appearances are my business, so I won’t apologize for that.
I will, however, embrace some of the things Dax introduced to my life. Laughter and bravery and the ability to take myself less seriously. I owe him a debt of gratitude for that.
Thinking about him again has my throat pinching painfully, so I change the subject. “Isn’t it just about time for our massages?” I glance at my watch before remembering I left it in the pocket of my robe outside the steam room.
“Yeah, we should probably get out,” Cassie says. “Our appointments are in a couple minutes.”
“I do hope they can do a good Shiatsu massage,” Missy says.
“I suppose this isn’t the sort of place that does a happy ending massage?” Sarah jokes. “I’m having a dry spell right now.”
We laugh as we stand, filing out of the steam room to fold ourselves into the big, plush robes provided by the resort. I adjust the chignon at the back of my head, eager for an hour of feeling good.
You know who else made you feel good?
“Shut up,” I mutter to my subconscious as four attendants walk in wearing crisp white polo shirts bearing the resort’s logo. A pretty brunette consults her clipboard and steps toward me. “Are you Lisa?”
“That’s right,” I say. “You’re Annabelle?”
“Yes, I’m your massage therapist today. If you’ll follow me this way.”
I cinch my robe tighter and move behind her down the plush-carpeted hallway filled with soothing Enya music. At the end of the hall, Annabelle turns and points me through a small door. Her expression seems rather odd, but I don’t think much of it as I step into the waiting area that separates the couples’ massage suite from the treatment room for hot stone massage.
“Right in here,” Annabelle chirps as I walk through the door.
I take two steps and freeze. There, on the bench between the rooms, is a familiar figure. A huge familiar figure with tattooed arms jutting out of the sleeves of his too-short robe. He wears a shaky smile and socks that clash horribly with the plush robe, and he’s the best damn thing I’ve ever seen.
“Dax,” I choke out when I finally get air in my lungs.
He stands up, looking big and uncomfortable, but determined. He glances at me, then at Annabelle, who hovers nervously by my shoulder.
“I hope this is okay,” she whispers. “Your sister told me?—”
“It’s fine,” I tell her. “Thank you.”
“Oh, good,” she breathes. “I—um, I’ll be right outside if you need anything.”
And with that, she pivots and hustles through a door. As soon as it closes behind her, I turn back to Dax. We’re alone in a waiting area filled with flickering candles and ferns. A small fountain bubbles in the corner, and he takes a step forward.
