Page 17 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

“Eight and counting,” Emma said through her laughter.

Now I was flat on my face, giving them more surface to run across. Something wet tickled the back of my neck. “Tell me someone didn’t just pee on me,” I called out, eliciting laughter.

Robyn had arrived by then. “Millie, stop.” She looked down at me with a sheepish smile. “I think she likes the taste of your body wash or lotion.”

The dog had expensive tastes since it was imported from France. The relentless licking continued, while the rest did aerobics on my back. At least it felt like it.

“Help,” I cried out, pretending to wave a white flag, but my laughter gave me away.

Another volunteer rushed toward me to help Robyn extract the dogs, but before she could intervene, the pile dispersed and raced across the lawn, chasing something none of us could see. Once free, I rolled over onto my back. Tears streaked down my cheeks as I laughed and tried to catch my breath.

Robyn reached out her hand. “We better get you on your feet before they circle back.” Her smile was broad, and her dark brown eyes twinkled, sparkling more as the morning sun hit them.

I grabbed her hand and let her pull me to my feet. “Oh, god, what was that all about?”

Robyn let go of my hand. “Animals have a sixth sense. I’ve seen it time after time. They seem to know who needs their services.”

Did I need the services of a marauding band of pugs? I arched my back and stretched. Damn, the tension in my shoulders was almost gone. I lifted and released my shoulders. “I think it’s working.”

“A pug is never wrong.” She smiled. “Just ask Millie.”

Millie was leading the charge toward another woman who was rolling on the ground with several pugs nosing at her shirt and pants. Their distinctive snorts echoed through her laughter.

Robyn continued our class as the dogs made their way through the group, not sparing anyone from their relentless pursuit, but I couldn’t help but notice they circled back to some more than once, myself included.

It was their reaction to Helena I found most interesting.

While the dogs had been rambunctious with me, they’d approached her with care.

Almost deference. Robyn had gone over several times during the class and gently helped Helena deepen into her stretches.

It was the first time since we arrived that I’d seen a relaxed expression on Helena’s face.

Maybe pug yoga wasn’t so bad after all.

I flopped onto my bed and stretched out spread eagled. What a day. It started out with pug yoga, but it didn’t end there. Emma had chosen vegetable art for our next class, where we made sculptures out of vegetables. None of our villa mates were there, so we’d met more women from the other houses.

I’d proudly mentioned to Emma that I hadn’t hit on any of them. She’d rolled her eyes, knowing none of the women were my type since they were all over forty-five. Still, I’d take it as an accomplishment.

After lunch, we joined a drumming circle, which turned out to be more fun than I’d anticipated.

Over twenty people participated in the class held at the lodge.

Many came from outside our retreat group, which turned out for the best since the larger group created a powerful sound that couldn’t be achieved with a smaller number.

We’d ended the first day of programs with a nature walk disguised as a treasure hunt.

They’d paired us, and we were given a list of items to find on the walk.

It appealed to my competitive nature, so I wasn’t happy coming in second.

Despite Emma pointing out the other group had the advantage of knowing about nature, while we relied on Google.

Unlike last night, when we’d eaten as a group, tonight’s meal was served in each villa with only our villa mates. After dinner, our housemates dispersed, going outside to chat around the firepit with other women.

I’d stayed in my room. By her expression, I knew Emma considered ordering me to join the festivities. Instead, she complimented me on how well I’d done the first day. She said she’d give me a bye tonight, but it wasn’t acceptable to retire to my room every evening.

I stretched out on my bed, enjoying how loose the muscles in my shoulder still felt.

Even though I knew I shouldn’t, I reached for my cellphone.

Was it a betrayal to Emma? No. She’d not explicitly given me orders not to check my email, or had she?

I pushed those thoughts from my mind as I pressed my thumb against the screen.

Holy shit. I had another dozen emails. Since Fortitude had released the news of the buyout, my inbox had been flooded.

Some were follow-ups to the ones I’d gotten earlier, but there were at least five new companies vying for my attention.

Would they wait for me to answer in a month?

Some maybe, but what if I missed a golden opportunity because of this experiment?

I’d never forgive myself, so I opened the first email.

An hour later, I’d answered nine of the messages, expressing my interest. I glanced at the clock. It was only eight. I’d make it up to Emma and join the others. Besides, Dana or Noelle might be lurking somewhere around the fire.