Chapter 11
Eddie
I’m staring at what I’ve learned is a Himalayan pink salt wall in The Serenity Room. There’s a sign with the room name. Underneath it, the words “calm, peaceful, untroubled” are written in the style of a dictionary definition.
Since seeing the kid that looked like my brother and learning about the Mynt interview request, I’ve been the opposite of serene. I rub my shoulder and stretch out my neck. It’s like my past is hunting me down, determined to break me.
That’s what brought on the migraine yesterday. It’s one of my body’s many reactions to stress. To get through it, I took my migraine medicine and laid in the pitch black of my hotel bedroom. I attempted to sleep, but instead, my mind ran laps around old memories and my current money issues.
I considered canceling the spa day, but I didn’t want to disappoint Maya. I can tell she’s trying really hard to help me enjoy Mynt Peak. It’s not her fault that Christmas is triggering and that being asked to share my life story means talking about the car accident that killed my brother.
I feel the migraine threatening to return when Maya walks into The Serenity Room.
Her presence fills the space with warmth like the rising sun, which also might be why my blood pressure skyrockets.
Her hair is in what I think is called a bun.
It’s very formal, which is in sharp contrast to the robe she is wearing.
She looks at the ground before meeting my eyes.
“You know, I thought it might be awkward seeing a guest while in a robe. And it is,” she laughs nervously.
“Imagine meeting your hotel host in your Cheez-It boxers,” I reply.
Maya sits in the lounge chair next to me.
She’s perched on the edge of the seat, not lounging back at all.
“I am so sorry about that, by the way. And I am very sorry about the Cheez-It delivery. I don’t know what I was thinking.
Well, I do. I was hoping you’d find it funny and that it’d make you feel less embarrassed, but I could tell that I really messed that up. ”
I wave away her concern. “I should apologize. I was so surprised to see you in my room and then you were so…” I pause, wanting to say beautiful but think better of it.
Instead I say, “professional. I hated that was your first impression of me. Then, later when you handed me the Cheez-Its, I panicked. I was so embarrassed by the whole thing.”
“Don’t be.” Maya smiles. “Besides, that is now one of my most memorable interactions with a guest. You took the top spot.”
I shake my head and smirk. “I promise, I don’t regularly wear food boxers.
I did a commercial for Cheez-Its, and Roger requested a pair for me as a joke.
Initially, I wasn’t planning on ever wearing them, but they are actually super comfortable.
I shouldn’t have slammed the door in your face. I’m sorry.”
Maya giggles and her eyes sparkle. I didn’t even think that was a real thing.
“Why are you laughing at my heartfelt apology?” I ask, confused.
“I was just picturing your face when you saw the Cheez-Its in my hand.” The laughs roll out louder. “You were like—” and she proceeds to make a shocked face, eyebrows raised to her forehead.
Now, I can’t help but laugh. “There’s no way that’s what I looked like.”
“You did! I’m not lying.” Belly laughs erupt.
That’s when we hear someone clearing their throat. Jules walks in and points to a sign that says, “Quiet please, relaxation in progress.”
“Sorry!” Maya says in a whisper shout.
“Sorry,” I repeat. But I can’t contain the smile on my face. I actually can’t remember the last time I laughed at myself, or laughed with someone else. A spa treatment is just a bonus, pounds of tension and stress have already seemed to disappear from my body.
Jules ignores our apologies and begins speaking. “The Total Relaxation for Two package includes a revitalizing facial, reflexology therapy, and finally, a hot stone massage.”
I nod, trying to wrap my head around our upcoming spa treatments. I’ve never experienced any of the things Jules mentioned, but I’m intrigued.
“Right this way.” she motions for us to follow her down another hallway.
Then, we enter an elegant, bright white room with a giant mirror.
After a moment, I realize it’s more like a fountain.
Water cascades down the mirror and into a basin filled with river rocks.
The sound of the trickling is immediately soothing.
“Please lie down,” Jules instructs, pointing to two massage tables. I hold out my arm, signaling that Maya can choose which table she’d like. She takes the one closest to her, and we both attempt to scootch onto the tables.
“Your relaxation technicians will be in shortly,” Jules says, then we hear the door close.
I take a deep breath and hear what I think is Maya doing the same.
“I don't even need any of the spa treatments,” Maya says. “I could just lie here listening to the water. I’ve never felt more relaxed.”
“So you don’t feel awkward anymore?”
“Oh wow, you know what? I don’t. What about you? How are you holding up?”
“I’m good,” I say quickly, but my mind is lingering on her answer. I smile thinking about the fact that she doesn’t feel awkward anymore. It’s like someone struck a match in my chest. A little ball of warmth burns bright knowing Maya’s enjoying herself.
After the accident that took my brother’s life, my heart shrunk like the Grinch’s.
Friends and relatives donated meals, gifts and money.
They tried to help us, and they meant well.
But, I hated the way they looked at me. Seeing me just made them sad.
So, I avoided them. I avoided people that knew me, knew about the accident.
Since then, I’ve focused on myself and my career.
It’s how I cope, but I forgot about the joy that comes from helping others.
Maybe I’ve been wrong about charity. It’s not about pitying people.
It’s about reminding them that there’s still good in the world.
So far, all I’ve seen Maya do is care for others.
I hope I can show her a hint of the kindness she’s shown me.