Chapter 8
EIGHT
With a grimace she checked the balances of the various outstanding credit cards, took a huge slug of coffee and had barely written the words Wellness Retreat – Draft Ideas when there was a light tap at the door.
Zenya stood on the step, smiling politely, as though this were the most ordinary thing in the world. ‘Morning, Rita. Would it be terribly rude to ask for a shower and a proper cup of tea right now?’
Rita nodded her inside. ‘Come on in. I’ll pop the kettle back on.’
Zenya followed her into the kitchen, glancing at the laptop. ‘You’re at it early.’
Rita hesitated, suddenly self-conscious.
‘I’ve had an idea. A sort of wellness retreat.
Using the barn and the High Meadow where you are.
Obviously the barn will need a good scrub and clear-out and I’ll have to buy stuff.
Yoga mats, cushions et cetera. Maybe a gong.
Plus get in staff for all the, you know, woo-woo stuff. ’
Zenya’s mouth curved into a slow smile. ‘Woo-woo stuff, eh.’ She sat down at the table.
‘Well…’ Zenya tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. ‘I major in all kinds of weirdness, so would of course be up for an interview.’
Rita laughed before she could stop herself. ‘Well, how about now? I guess it doesn’t hurt to get things moving!’
Zenya shrugged lightly. ‘I like helping people find their way back to themselves. And this place…’ She glanced towards the window, where morning sunlight spilled across the fields. ‘You already know what I think of it here.’
Rita folded her arms, pretending to think it over, though her heart had already jumped ahead of her. ‘All right, then. What can you offer, Ms… er…’
‘Just Zenya. And energy work. Herbals. Meditation. Bit of sound healing,’ she replied matter-of-factly, taking the mug Rita offered. ‘I also make an excellent lemon balm tea and for the record, I’m actually a pretty good cook.’
Rita raised an eyebrow. ‘Do you have a gong?’
‘Not yet.’ Zenya’s eyes gleamed. ‘But I know exactly where we can get you one.’
‘Right. Let’s do this properly. First question. What does the word “retreat” conjure up for you?’
Zenya’s expression softened. ‘A soft place to land. And maybe a gentle shove in the right direction when you’re ready to learn about yourself.’
Rita stuck her bottom lip out. ‘That’s lovely. I may have to use that for my website, if you don’t mind.’
‘It’ll cost ya.’ Zenya grinned.
Rita laughed. ‘OK, next question. Why would you want to work for the Seahaven Bay Retreat?’
Zenya’s smile widened. ‘Because I think it’s exactly where I’m meant to be.’
Rita nodded slowly. ‘Big statement, that. Care to elaborate?’
Zenya took a sip of her tea and let out a little groan of pleasure. ‘Because it wouldn’t feel like working. This place has got heart.’ She paused. ‘I can already tell that you’ve got heart. And I suppose…’ She let out a small, self-conscious laugh. ‘I could do with a bit of that myself.’
Rita felt emotion welling. ‘You realise it may not always be zen and candlelit, right? I’m new to this, but I can imagine it may also be cleaning out compost loos and guests complaining.’
‘That’s fine.’ Zenya smiled. ‘People are messy. Life’s messy. Doesn’t mean it isn’t worth pouring yourself into. And I’m more than happy to muck in from the start and help you get up and running.’
Outside, a gull screeched. Rita took another sip of coffee to disguise the sting behind her eyes. ‘Bloody hell,’ she murmured. ‘You’re good.’
Zenya laughed. ‘Is that a job offer, then?’
Rita lifted her mug in cheers fashion. ‘Zenya, just Zenya. Welcome to the team.’