Phoenix’s long strides closed the gap between them in a few paces.
“Orchid, this is Tammy. Tammy, Orchid will be working on our campaign.”
Tammy stopped working her jaw long enough to give a nod. “Hiya.”
Orchid stuck out a hand to Tammy. “Great to meet you.”
Phoenix gestured towards the water’s edge where racers gathered. “I’m up next. You both good?” He turned to head toward the starting area.
“Break a leg,” Tammy called.
“Don’t drown,” Orchid added, with a half-smile.
“Stay out of trouble,” he called over his shoulder.
The guy on the bull horn announced his age group.
Tammy balanced on one leg and stretched the opposite hamstring.
“Dex and Phoenix think highly of you,” Orchid said.
Tammy paused her flexibility exercises to grin. “They said the same ‘bout you, when they texted me that you’d be coming. Somethin’ about bein’ a strategy hotshot?”
“Uh-oh, you think they’re snowing us with compliments?” Orchid joined her good humor.
“Nope. Can’t blame them for havin’ good taste.”
“I’m impressed with the cause you’re representing; glad to be part of it.”
“No sense having people suffer when they don’t gotta,” Tammy proclaimed.
Orchid intuitively trusted this straight-talking stranger. She turned to face her.
“Maybe Phoenix sensed I’d connect with this work. I saw something bad as a kid; I still have issues with it.”
Tammy studied her. “You know, somethin’ as simple as breathin’ helps me.”
“My aunt sent me to a counselor. I did group therapy.”
“The Navy Seals came up with box breathing. You know it?”
“Nope.” Orchid was intrigued.
“It’s easy. Try it with me. We’re going ‘round the four sides of a box. Just breathe in deep through your nose for four counts. Then hold for four, but not a tense hold. Real loose. Now exhale through your mouth for four counts. Until your belly is empty, then hold again for four.”
Orchid followed along, envisioning her breaths scaling a square.
“Yeah, good.”
“That’s it?”
Tammy guffawed. “Try it whenever you need it. My shrink taught me, this guy named Todd Head.”
“Okay, thanks. I’ll try it when I’m writing your brief.”
Tammy chuckled. “I like you,” she said.
“Same with you,” Orchid said.
