Chapter 10
Maya
After arriving back from tennis lessons, I make my way to the cafe for lunch. Midway through my turkey wrap, I see a text from an unknown number. When I click on it, I read, “Hey, it’s Eddie. I have another migraine. I need to take the rest of the day off.”
My stomach sinks. Things were going so well. I reply back, “I’m sorry to hear that. Spa day tomorrow?”
“Yeah, sure that sounds good,” is all I get back.
I sigh and text Holly. “SOS in the cafe.”
A few minutes later she speed walks in and slides into the chair across from me. “What’s up? Everything okay?”
“Yes…and no.” It seems weird to explain that Eddie and I bonded when I taught him how to smile, so I just say, “Things improved at tennis lessons. You were right, he was able to open up doing something he enjoyed.”
“Okay, so what’s the problem?”
“He just texted me saying he’s got another migraine. He seemed fine at lessons. But, maybe it’s a good thing, because I need to figure out what to do about a spa day. I told Eddie that a spa treatment might help his wrist and he agreed to go…” I pause. “But only if I go too.”
Holly’s eyes go wide. “That’s great! Lessons must have gone very well.” She wiggles her eyebrows.
“It’s not like that. He said he’s never been to a spa before. He seemed nervous about it. That’s why he wants me to go.”
Holly nods with a devious smirk.
I ignore her and continue. “I told him I’d have to talk to Lauren because I wasn’t sure that was allowed. So I called her before leaving the community center and she said, ‘Because of Mr. Mynt’s special directive to do whatever it takes to ensure Mr. Evans has a great time, you have my approval.’”
“So what are you going to do?” Holly asks.
“I mean…a free spa day is hard to pass up. However, I’m afraid it might be awkward. Spa treatments can be kind of…intimate. Especially when I’m supposed to keep a professional distance.”
“I think you mean spa treatments can be romantic.” Holly leans her head back, clearly lost in her own fantasy.
I snap my fingers. “Holly! C’mon, I need your help. I’m freaking out. I don’t even know what type of treatment to book.”
Holly puts her arm around me. “I know a woman that works there. I’ll take care of booking the spa treatment.”
“Really?” I shouldn’t be surprised Holly has connections at the spa. I’m friendly but keep to myself. Holly, on the other hand, is a social butterfly.
“Really. I think you need this spa day as much as Eddie.”
I exhale. “It would be nice to get pampered.”
“You deserve it. Now, go, take advantage of having the afternoon off. I’ll text you the appointment details.”
“Thank you, Holly.” I give her a hug before heading to the locker room. I’m looking forward to sitting at home, reading a book and not thinking about Eddie Evans for a few hours…or at least trying not to think about him.
The next morning, I’m sitting in the Mynt Peak Resort Spa. I stare down at Holly’s text. It says that she booked Eddie and I the Total Relaxation Treatment for Two, whatever that means. Total relaxation sounds pretty amazing. I hope Eddie likes it.
Speaking of the man himself, I hear the door open and see Eddie walk in. He’s wearing black joggers and a black hoodie, with a silver Mynt Athletic Co. logo on it. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anyone look so good in lounge wear.
It helps that he flashes his closed-mouth smile my way when he sees me. I think it’s more relief than happiness on his face. That’s fine with me. I like that he’s beginning to see me as someone he can be comfortable around.
Before Eddie can even sit down, a woman approaches carrying a clipboard.
“Good afternoon, I’m Jules,” she says in a hushed tone.
It’s like she’s whispering even though we’re the only ones in the lobby.
I don’t recognize the woman, which isn’t shocking considering there are more than 300 people on staff.
She continues, “Welcome to Mynt Peak Resort Spa. You must be Mr. Evans and Mrs. Evans.”
I almost choke on my spit. “Oh no, I’m…I just…”
“We’re not married,” Eddie says succinctly.
“Forgive me. I must have misread the reservation.” Jules makes a note on her clipboard.
I am mortified. Eddie doesn’t know that I didn’t book the reservation. Holly is in so much trouble.
I glance over at Eddie. His cheeks are flushed pink. I want to clarify everything for him, but I don’t have a chance.
Jules says, “If you could follow me. I’ll take you to your changing rooms.” She ushers us through a glass door to an area with multiple doors. There, we see a sign that says, “Mr. and Mrs. Evans.”
My heart drops. This just keeps getting worse.
“I’ll need my own changing room,” I tell her.
“Oh, okay.” Jules sounds annoyed, but says, “You can use this one.” She points to the next door. “Once you are finished changing, you can sit in The Serenity Room.” She motions to an area with tan lounge chairs in front of a giant pink Himalayan salt wall.
Wow this place really is luxurious. I linger, making a mental note to have a salt wall at my future resort.
Eddie has already gone into his changing room, so I hurry into mine.
Inside, I find the softest robe I have ever touched in my life.
I’m about to rub the white fabric against my face when I stop myself, remembering that my makeup will get it dirty.
I slide my arms into the luscious robe, tie the belt and glance in the mirror.
I can’t believe I’m getting paid to spend time at the spa.
I almost squeal with excitement. Then it hits me that I’m about to see Eddie Evans in a robe.
I tense, then relax, remembering I’ve already seen him in his underwear.
He, however, has not seen his resort host in a robe.
My pulse races. Maybe this is a bad idea.
I sit on the bench. What am I doing? This is crazy. I shouldn’t be enjoying the spa. How is Eddie going to take me seriously after he’s seen me in a robe?
“Miss,” I hear Jules say through the door. “Are you ready?”
I want to yell, “No!” But instead, I feel myself stand. My legs have betrayed me. They must want a break. I take a deep breath and open the door.