13. Friendly Reconnection
The following morning, Claire was ready for their outing. She’d dressed in her swimsuit, donning a large, flowing dress. She wore some slip-on sandals that would work for the poolside.
In a large tote, she had sunscreen, a large beach towel, a small purse with cash, and a large comb. Since they’d spend much of the day in the water, she’d pulled her hair into a topknot bun. It would keep it out of the way.
Her phone dinged, letting her know Janie was waiting outside in her car. She locked the gate behind her.
“Morning!” Janie chimed as Claire opened the passenger door.
“Morning. Thanks for picking me up.”
Claire pulled the door closed behind her before putting on her seatbelt.
“My pleasure. Plus, it’s nice that we can spend the day together. It will give us time to catch up. It’s been so long.”
Claire relaxed in her seat. “You’re right. I’m so glad we’ve reconnected after all this time.”
“I figure we should treat ourselves, so sugar is in order. You game?”
“Sure. Why not? You lead, I’ll follow. Especially since I have to go where you want since I’m in your car.”
Janie laughed. “True.” Janie pulled out onto the street as they made their way over to Donas Donuts for breakfast. At the small shop, the warming fragrance of yeast and sugar enveloped them as they entered. The cases were laden with goodies, and both decided on some cinnamon twists. After paying for the twists and grabbing their coffees, they went outside. The tables were full, so they crossed the street to perch on a small retaining wall.
Claire took a bite of the still-warm treat. “These are yummy.”
“Right? When I first arrived, I had to stop myself from going all the time. Otherwise, I’d have become as big as a house.”
Claire wiped the sugar from her lips. “I doubt that. You’ve always been petite.”
Janie laughed. “Maybe so. But even petite people can grow in width if we’re not careful. I was always envious of your height. You’ve always looked so willowy, like a supermodel.”
Claire choked on her coffee. “What?”
“Yes, you’ve always been able to stay thin without even trying. While it’s been a constant uphill battle for me.”
Claire dusted crumbs from her lap. “It’s not as easy as that. I’ve been able to stay slender more from missing meals than anything. I’d get so busy with work or research. Then I’d look up and time had passed and I’d missed lunch or dinner. By then I was often too tired to make anything. I usually ended up eating a piece of fruit or a sandwich standing in the kitchen.”
“Well, whatever you did, it worked. You still look fantastic after so many years. Even your hair looks awesome. I tried going gray. I couldn’t deal with it. I guess it wasn’t for me.” Janie patted her auburn hair, styled in a short bob.
“Your hair looks nice and it suits you.”
“Thanks. I like your cut too.”
“Do you? I’m just now getting used to it. It used to reach to the middle of my back. I kept it in a braid all the time.”
“Really?” Janie made a face but quickly caught herself.
“Don’t worry. You won’t offend me. Pat suggested chopping it off. He got his hair cut, but I had to promise I’d do the same.”
“Ah, that’s why he looked less scruffy this go-round. Shows how much I pay attention.”
“I like it. He looks great.”
“But?”
Claire shrugged. “I guess I liked his hair a bit longer and that ‘scruffy’ look as you call it. It suits him.”
“Ah, you’re showing your hippie youth with that statement. But you’re right. It’s funny how sometimes it takes a while for us to become who we should be.”
“That’s pretty profound for a haircut.” Claire stood and stretched, nodding at a couple walking by them.
“It’s often not the cut. It’s the mindset of change. I’ve known women who’ve had the same haircut their entire life. Some the haircut suits. And for some others, it doesn’t fit their personality. Those are the women I see who constantly long for a different life, but won’t even do a simple thing like trying a new haircut. So their hair is almost a testament to fear of moving forward.”
“I can see why you leaned toward the healing arts. I never would have equated hair to life.”
Janie shrugged. “It’s a gift. And a curse.”
“Is that from that detective show?”
“Yes. Don’t you love it?” Janie grinned.
Claire nodded.
“Another thing we have in common,” Janie replied.
Claire sighed as she glanced at her coffee, disappointed to find she’d emptied the cup while chatting.
Janie laughed. “I hear ya. The dreaded empty cup. A good indicator to get moving.” She stood up, gathering the bag and napkins. They threw their trash in a garbage can before getting back in Janie’s car.
The drive over to the thermal pools passed quickly as they talked about old times. Janie parked the car, and they made their way into the facility. Passing through a large area with a pool and food, Claire followed Janie. Claire lifted her face toward the warm sun. She couldn’t believe how nice the weather had been the entire time she’d been there. They arrived at a desk in the back where the thermal pools were located. Paying to access the area, they made their way down the steps to the waiting area. The area had been landscaped, and the flora added to the appeal. There was also a view out to the lake.
Instructed to put their items in the convenient cubbies, they were offered their choice of a water or hot tea drink. They waited to be called for the pools.
Janie settled into her chair, cupping her drink. She blew on the hot beverage before taking a sip. “I love this place. We get to sit in each of the pools for fifteen minutes. By the end, you’ll feel like a limp noodle.”
Within a few minutes, they were called. They were instructed to pass through the area where water showered them before entering the first hot tub. Claire settled into the water, the warmth flowing into her bones. She tried to read the benefits of the pool, which were written in Spanish. Some words she understood, others were unfamiliar.
They continued going through the various pools with oatmeal, Epsom salts, and even wine.
“Janie, thanks for bringing me here. The stress is flowing out of me. And I think this will help whatever’s been ailing me the last few days.”
“Glad to hear it. Though sorry to hear you’re stressed. Anything I can do to help?”
Claire twisted to face Janie. “I have an issue …um, with Pat. I’m not sure what to do about it.”
Janie picked up her drink and took a sip. “That sounds intriguing. Go on.”
“I’ve found out something and I’m—well, to be honest, it’s made me pretty upset.”
Janie set her drink back on the edge of the tub. “What? Now you’ve got me wondering.”
“I can’t say, as I’m not sure I should. Or even if I have the right to share it. Though just so I’m clear, it’s not bad or illegal. Nothing like that.”
“Well, that’s a relief. I’d hate to think my impression of Pat being a good guy has been wrong all this time.”
Claire shook her head. “No, nothing like that. But I felt a bit misled. To be honest, it made me angry. Angrier than I’ve felt in a long time.”
Janie leaned forward. “Now you really have me curious. Are you sure you can’t say what it is? Pat’s always been above board with me and others, too. At least as far as I know.”
Claire scooted down in the water. “It’s not that he’s done anything bad. I don’t want to give that impression. It’s more that he didn’t tell me something.”
“How does that make you feel?”
Claire burst out laughing before saying sorry to the others in the pool. She lowered her voice. “Oh, I’ve so forgotten that you were a therapist at one time.”
“Once a therapist, always a therapist.”
They looked up as an attendant instructed them to vacate that pool and move on to the next hot tub. They repeated going through the cold shower before heading to the next pool.
“As I was saying before, it all goes back to how you’re feeling. Whether or not Pat did it on purpose isn’t the point here. It’s more of how you feel about it.”
“I guess I feel, um, disappointed.”
Janie slid over as a married couple entered the pool. “Why?”
“I don’t know. I don’t feel comfortable talking about it here.”
“Sure. Just know that answering why will help you understand your anger response. And of course, anger isn’t so much anger but a manifestation of fear. So anger is often due to a fear ‘of’ something.”
Claire let Janie’s words flow into her. Was she fearful? She had to admit she was. She was afraid that it meant their love wasn’t real. Or at least his wasn’t. She loved Pat. More than she’d ever felt for anyone in her life. She didn’t want to lose him, yet this felt like a betrayal. If he could hold this back, what else would he hold back from her? Or had held back?
Janie rose from her seat when the attendant came over. “I’m hot. I think I’m going to walk through the icy stream before the last one. Wanta come?”
“Sure.” Claire followed Janie into the cold water before moving into the next hot tub.
“Ack! You weren’t kidding that it’s cold!” Claire rushed through to the other side.
Janie responded, “It’s colder this time of year. In the summer, it feels awesome.”
“I’ll take your word for it. For now, I’m ready to get back in one of the warm tubs!” Claire rushed over to their next hot tub, sighing as she sunk into the heated water.
They’d opted for the mud addition so they smeared themselves in the mud, standing on the grass to allow it to dry on their skin before sitting in the last one.
Once finished with the last tub, they spent some time in the caves that created natural saunas. Claire had relaxed in all the pools but also felt energized.
“I’m getting hungry again. Ready to go over to the main pool area and grab some lunch?”
Claire nodded. “Sounds good.”
They grabbed their stuff before mounting the stairs to the large pool area. They ordered some tacos before heading over to a nearby table and chairs. After enjoying them, clouds rolled in, and the day had grown cooler. Not having anything but their towels to keep warm, they decided to head out for the day. Janie drove as Claire thought of their earlier discussion. Her muscles and mind now relaxed, she knew it had given her lots to think about concerning Pat.
Back at the house, Janie said, “Want to do a spa day again tomorrow?”
Claire exited the car, bending down to continue the conversation. “Let me think about it.”
“Alright. We could do mani/pedis or go into the city and see some museums.”
“Let me think about it. I just had my nails done. I’d like a facial, but not sure that would be good right now with just having the dental work done.”
“Well, let me know and we can figure something out. I want to take advantage of the time you’re here. I’m off.”
Claire held the car door open. She remarked, “Thanks again, Janie. You’ve given me a lot to think about. Plus, this day was exactly what I needed.”
“Great. Call me!” She mimicked a phone to her ear.
Claire shut the door and waved as Janie drove away.
Why had they let their friendship lapse? They’d gone different routes in life, but why hadn’t they kept in touch? She adjusted her bag to the crook of her arm and made to unlock the gate.
A voice called out from behind her. She turned to see him hurrying down the street.
It was Bob.