12. Chapter Twelve
Chapter Twelve
Cameron
I’m missing multiple practices and games for this crap.
It doesn’t matter that there’s a phenomenal view of the mountains when we pull into the anger management retreat. There’s a blonde woman standing by with a ridiculous smile plastered on her face, ready to greet us. This place is still the definition of miserable—and the more real it becomes, the more I can’t stand the fact I ever agreed to it.
But this is what I have to do to not lose my place on the team .
“We’re here,” Nila chimes, unbuckling her seatbelt in a hurry. She’s been quiet for most of the trip, but I probably haven’t been all that fun to be around, either. After the initial hurt wore off from the article, I’ve just been left angry … and grumpy .
“Are you coming?” Nila looks over at me as she slides out, her sweater wrapped tightly around her body.
“Yeah,” I grunt, finally unbuckling my seatbelt as the driver pops the back hatch with our luggage. We’re supposed to be here for weeks.
“Welcome to Western Slope Anger Retreat,” the blonde woman greets me as I slide out. She’s dressed like a typical outdoorsy person, complete with a beanie that sticks up a ways off her head. “You must be Cameron.”
I blink at her a couple times, her bright smile causing me to frown. “I’m Cameron, yeah.”
“Right, well, I didn’t think she was the hockey player,” the woman cackles. “I’m Tina, and I’ll be taking care of you while you’re here. I’ll let you say your goodbyes and then we’ll go from there.
“Are you going to murder us or something?”
“I’m sorry?” Tina looks very confused by my question.
“She’s staying here, too.”
“We don’t...” Her voice trails off as she looks down at the clipboard in her hand. “I’m sorry, I had no idea your partner was also receiving counseling.”
Nila bursts into laughter. “Oh, I’m not his partner nor do I have anger issues. I’m just here to document the process.”
Tina laughs, but I can tell it’s just because she’s trying not to be rude. “We don’t let outside sources document the process... ”
“Well, then I guess I’m gonna have to leave,” I say. “She’s under contract, and this is what my management team wants. Either she stays, or we both go.”
Tina’s smile disappears. Now, she just looks annoyed. “We have a waitlist nearly two years long and someone will gladly take your spot before the night ends. You only jumped the line because Mark Davidson is friends with the owner.”
“Wow, nepotism at its finest,” I grumble. “Good to know.”
She stares at Nila and me for a few moments before gesturing to a UTV. “We’ll put your luggage there, and then I’ll show you to your cabin.”
I nod, gathering up as many bags as I can. As it turns out, Nila does not pack light. I brought two bags and she brought four. But then again, who am I to judge? She travels a lot and basically lives out of these things.
Tina grabs a couple of bags and Nila grabs the last one. Together we load the back of the UTV and then climb inside. I let Nila have the front seat and slide into the back. Tina hops into the driver’s seat, and her happy fa?ade is a little put-off.
Did they not tell them Nila was coming?
I open my mouth to ask, but Tina punches the gas and starts talking.
“We were founded almost sixty-three years ago. It’s a big deal that we’ve lasted as long as we have, especially in the world of therapy. We’ve always kept up with the latest practices and we pride ourselves on being able to individually tailor it to each person that arrives here.”
“That’s really great.” Nila beams—which I’m happy about because I have nothing to say right now.
“Our cabins are full, so you’ll have to share one. I hope that’s okay.”
“Grand.”
Nila and Tina both glance back at me, but Nila’s the only one that cocks a brow. Tina just keeps smiling.
“Yours is the northernmost cabin, so it’s the furthest walk,” Tina continues with her little welcome spiel. “It shouldn’t be much work for the two of you, though. You look like you’re both in great shape. We do have quite a bit of downtime, but you’ll find that peace and quiet can be one of the most life-altering experiences.”
“Great.”
“Phones are only allowed during certain hours. We don’t have cell service here and we only turn the Wi-Fi on during the phone usage window. Now, of course, you’re allowed to have your phone on you, so you can take pictures and all that. We just don’t want you perusing the internet or social media instead of working on yourself.”
“So ... I won’t have access to the internet outside of those hours? Even though I’m not participating in the program?”
Tina looks over to Nila and nods. “Staff has internet at all hours, but unfortunately, we can’t extend that privilege to other guests. You’ll have access to it in the evenings. Will that suffice for your documentation?”
“I suppose it has to,” Nila says with a smile. I can tell it’s fake, and I laugh in the backseat. This is going to be an interesting exercise for her—not being able to constantly check her pocket screen.
“I think you’ll find you appreciate the break from technology. Most of us who work here don’t spend a lot of time on our phones. You end up missing out on the life happening right in front of your face when you’re wrapped up in technology.” Tina nods to the phone clutched in Nila’s hand as she punches the gas, lurching the UTV up a rocky incline. “Almost there.”
My gaze shifts out the window, taking in the snow-capped Rockies. It’s a sight for sore eyes, but it’s not all-consuming like this lady keeps making it out to be. I’ve seen prettier views—like the redhead in the front seat.
But I’m trying to get over that.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have some sort of crush on her, but I won’t act on it. This is business, and when I asked her to dinner...
Well, it went terribly.
“So, we’re sharing this ?” Nila’s unsteady voice has me whipping my head toward the direction she’s looking—spotting a luxurious but tiny log cabin.
“Yes.” Tina gives the two of us a sympathetic look as the UTV comes to a stop. “If another cabin opens up, I’ll see what I can do ... but for now, you’ll have to make this work. The two of you seem close, though, so maybe it won’t be so bad.”
I nod, but my insides are all twisted up as I climb out of the UTV, grab a couple of bags, and follow Tina and Nila to the door.
This log cabin looks like something straight out of a picture. It’s set on the side of the mountain with stunning views. Leftover snow is still splattered across the ground, but grass peeks through from underneath.
“It’s beautiful,” Nila says. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen something so picturesque.”
I stare at her.
Just look in the mirror.
“I think this cabin has the best view of them all,” Tina comments as she unlocks the door. “There’s a sticker with instructions on the backside of the door for setting your own key code. We like to give our low-risk guests as much privacy as possible. We want you to feel at home here—though we can access the cabin if necessary.”
“Good to know,” I comment. “I’ll be sure to keep my valuables locked away.”
Tina smiles at me tersely. “You’ve got quite the sense of humor.”
“That’s what they say,” I remark, following her inside. It smells like cinnamon and vanilla … and I must admit the warmth of the cabin feels good against my chilled skin .
I set the bags down in the entryway before following Tina and Nila into the living room. “So, this is the main living area. The kitchen is there.” She points to a small area. “You’re more than welcome to cook your own meals if that suits you. Groceries are available at the main hall.”
“Does anyone stay at the main hall?” Nila asks, her voice tinged with curiosity.
“Our higher-risk guests do, yes. We have a whole team of doctors and nurses available there around the clock.”
“Ah, so it’s like a fancy psych ward.” I smirk.
“Hilarious sense of humor you have, Mr. Hastens.”
Nila giggles, eyeing me from beside Tina—who’s now giving us both a funny look—and I can’t help but smile.
“Anyway”—she clears her throat—“the bedroom and bathroom are right there.” Tina points to a small hallway with only one door. “The bathroom is connected to the bedroom.”
“Are there bears?”
“I’m sorry, what?” Tina turns to Nila.
“Bears.”
“Oh, um.” She chuckles. “Yes, but we’re pretty busy around here, so they don’t tend to wander up our way very often. You don’t have to worry about them.”
“Great,” Nila says, disappearing into the bedroom. But she immediately returns, the smile wiped from her face. “There’s only one bed.”
Tina nods. “Yes, that’s what I was getting at. ”
“There’s not even a full-sized couch.” Nila gestures to the small loveseat and recliner.
“Mhm.” Tina bobs her head again. “Again, that’s what I was trying to say. I can look into finding another option for you, or a blow-up mattress, but I can’t make any promises. So you may have to get creative ... or close.” Her eyes dart to me and I do my best poker face.
But internally, I am wrecked.
The thought of sleeping in the same bed as Nila is a head spin, but I can’t let anyone know that.
“Anyway”—Tina seems to like that word—“I’ll go finish getting your luggage and let the two of you get settled in for the evening. We’ll see you bright and early for the group breakfast in the morning.”
“Are we required to attend?” I blurt out, hating the idea of being stuck with a bunch of angry, unstable guests.
“Um, no,” Tina answers. “But the camaraderie we provide is part of the experience, and a lot of our guests enjoy the company. But, then again”—her eyes bounce to Nila—“you already have company.”
I scratch my forehead as Nila blinks, both of us staying quiet. We watch as Tina hums a tune to herself before slipping out of the cabin and going to get the rest of our luggage.
“This is weird ,” Nila comments as soon as the rest of the bags are dropped off in the entryway and the door closes .
I glance over at her. “I think that might be an understatement.”
“I’m not sleeping with you,” she says blankly.
“Wow, that’s a strong assumption.”
She cocks a brow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means I’m a gentleman, obviously. I’m sure we can figure something out.”
“Okay.” Nila sighs as she follows me into the bedroom. I take in the full-sized bed. There’s not even enough room to keep from touching each other.
I guess a pillow wall won’t do the trick.
“I don’t think she believed us that we’re not ... ya know.” I look over at her, noticing the crimson hue on her cheeks.
“Yeah...”
Nodding, I open the bathroom door and peek in. I’m surprised by what I see. What the bed lacks in size, the bathtub makes up for.
Floor or bathtub?
The choice of where I’m sleeping is a tough one.
“This is a nightmare.” Nila groans, running her hands over her face.
“Wow, good to know that’s how you feel about me. I’m sure it could be a lot worse.”
She makes a face. “Yeah, I guess we’ll see.”