Page 90

She contemplated calling her, but decided that it was better to present her with a fait accompli. She’d wait for the tow truck, then she’d call a taxi to carry her and the towels back to base. That was the best plan.

???

“Where is she?” wailed Alli. “Do you think she’s been in some kind of accident?”

“No, of course not,” Lex said. “Be sensible. She’s not even been gone that long. If you’re worried, then call her.”

“I don’t want her to think that I’m checking up on her.”

They were standing behind the reception desk so they had a good view of something coming toward the glass front door.

“Is that her?” Lex asked, tilting her head to try and understand what was happening.

Alli looked at the large box that seemed to be walking itself toward the door. “Um, I don’t think so?” She tilted her head in the opposite direction. “Unless towels come in big boxes?”

The box bumped into the door, stopped, turned, bumped again, and finally settled on the floor. Josh walked out from behind it, pushing the door open. “Don’t help or anything,” he said. “It’s fine.”

“What’s that?” asked Lex.

“New massage table,” Josh beamed. He’d finally found his calling and had trained in record time to become the retreat’s massage therapist. “The best money can buy.”

“It’s still in a box,” observed Alli.

“Yeah, but it only arrived today.” Josh grinned at her. “I’ll have it up and running in no time. In plenty of time for the party, don’t you worry.” He eyed the door. “Well, providing it’ll get through the door, of course. Fancy giving me a hand?”

Alli was propping the door open as Lex and Josh struggled through with the box when Sid appeared from the back. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Lunch break,” sniffed Sid.

“It’s ten thirty and you’re not leaving this building until that hole is fixed,” Alli said. “Get back to it.”

He grumbled, but disappeared back to his work. Josh stood on Alli’s foot.

“Sorry!”

“I wish Bea was here,” Alli said. “This’d be easier if she were.” Everything was always easier with Bea around. Bea calmed her,made her laugh, made her smile.

She was smiling even now, just thinking about her. Thinking about how she of all people was starting a relaxation spa and how she’d never even have imagined something like this. Not without Bea around.

“She’ll be here,” Lex said, voice muffled by the box. “Now, can you get that door open a bit wider?”

???

The mechanic sucked air over his teeth. “Oh, I wouldn’t think so,” he said, shaking his head. “No, no, not today. Might have it done by the end of the week.” Another suck of air. “Best say Monday, though, just to be on the safe side.”

“But I need the car,” Bea said.

He looked at her. “You doubting my abilities?” he said.

“No,” said Bea quickly. “I’m really not.”

“Good, because I’ll have to take her apart, you know. Then there’s labor, it’s just me and Gary today, and I’ll need to get parts in.”

“Right,” Bea said. “Alright.” She was starting to feel faint. What were they supposed to do? They needed Benny. Alli’s expensive Mercedes had gone back to her old company at the end of its lease. They needed transportation.

“Gonna cost you a few hundred as well, I’d expect,” the mechanic said, looking over Benny.

“Right.” She felt even more faint.