Page 39 of It's Not PMS, It's You

Dee smiled. “Come inside and grab some while Nick shows Ruth the fountain.”

I can’t believe she is making a move on him right before my eyes!

I gave her a look to let her know I knew exactly what she was up to, but she just gave me a knowing smile and led Brandon back to the house.

Nick pointed to the fountain. “What do you think?”

I nodded, sitting on the bench. “I love it. It’s so peaceful.”

He sat on the bench next to me. “Yeah, I’ve always had a thing for fountains since I was a kid, tossing coins in. You picked out a good one. And you have excellent feng shui and an auspicious backyard since I made sure the water is flowing toward the house.”

“And what does that do again?”

“When the water flows toward the home it brings prosperity and abundance.”

I smiled. “I like that.”

“Plus, you get the additional health benefits of the fountain since the soothing sound increases your serotonin production, so you will feel happier, while helping relax the mind. Perfect for someone who needs to take a break from working too much.”

I blinked. “Who told you I work too much?”

“Well . . .” He scratched the side of his face, looking like he was caught off guard by the question. “I thought that was why you hired me. To create a zen garden, your own little spiritual retreat to disconnect from the stress of your job. Maybe I misunderstood Dee back in the planning stages. Are you saying you don’t have stress?”

I scoffed. “No—I would never say that. I’ve got plenty.”

“Well then, this will definitely help you, and we’ve only just started. We are going to kill your stress beforeitkillsyou.”

“Dee says the same thing.”

“Hey, I know all about stress.”

I studied him for a moment. “You seem like the most relaxed man in the world.”

He chuckled. “Now, maybe, but not before.”

I looked up into the sky when I heard the sound of a plane flying overhead. My thoughts traveled back to my flight from hell and thoughts of dying.

I didn’t like that feeling at all.

It was like I couldn’t control my emotions.

Nick leaned closer. “Are you okay?”

I tried to shake the negative thoughts from my head. “Yeah. I’m fine.” Maybe if I said it enough times it would be true.

“Close your eyes.”

I turned to Nick. “What?”

“Close your eyes. I want to show you something.”

“How am I going to see if my eyes are closed?”

Nick chuckled. “Believe me, you will. You will seeandfeel.”

“That’s okay. I’ll pass. I should get back inside.”

He crossed his arms, waiting. “Seriously?”