Page 47 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

Sweat poured off my body and my lungs burned, but I didn’t stop.

Since the cold shower hadn’t worked, I figured a hard run might do the trick.

After running to the cabins, I circled back toward the lodge before entering the last leg of my journey to the villas.

My feet pounded the path. If anything, I ran faster now than at the start of my run.

I glanced down at my watch. Six miles. It was at the edge of my endurance, but today, I felt as if I could run ten.

I’d stayed at Robyn’s until after midnight.

We’d sat on the couch, kissing like teenagers for nearly two hours.

This morning, I swear, my lips were swollen, as were other parts of my body.

The intensity of my desire was off the charts, but I didn’t push, though I believed she wanted me, too.

Robyn made me want to do better—be better.

She’d expressed her wishes, and I’d honor them.

As I made my way between the villas, I broke into a sprint and burst into the square, where several women were enjoying the grounds.

A friendly game of volleyball was in full swing on the sand court.

Other retreat-goers were scattered around the grounds in groups, and two women were drawing the fountain at their easels.

I glanced toward Tranquility Terrace. Annie was sitting on the porch. I scanned the area looking for Emma, but I didn’t see her. As I ran toward the villa, I waved at several women, but I didn’t stop to chat. I only slowed after I vaulted the two steps leading onto the patio.

“Holy hell. Your ass on fire?” Annie said.

I laughed, but it turned into a cough as I tried to catch my breath.

“Geez, you better have a seat,” Annie said.

I collapsed onto a chair.

“What are you running from?” Annie asked.

Was she joking, or did she sense something? Was I running from Robyn? No, I wanted to run toward her, if she’d let me. “Just getting in some exercise.”

“Right.” Annie winked. “How was your date last night?”

That answered my question. She sensed something. “Where’s Emma?” I said, hoping to get her off her line of questioning.

Annie laughed. “You got it bad, girl. But I won’t press. Emma went to the lodge with Helena and Katlynn. They’re helping Vera with the decorations for tonight.”

“I can’t believe it’s over.” I also couldn’t believe the sadness that washed over me.

“What you going on about? It’s far from over.”

She was right. Though the intense programs were finished, my villa mates had put together an agenda for the remaining two weeks. Something told me we’d keep busy. I hoped Robyn could join us. If not, something told me Emma would gladly excuse me.

“What have you guys come up with?” I asked.

“All the finest entertainment Wisconsin offers.”

I groaned.

“Now that Emma’s taken you off the leash, I can fill you in.”

I shook my head. “It’s been kinda fun being surprised. I think I’ll keep it that way.”

“From stalking us, trying to get us to vomit up the agenda, to this.”

“Ouch. You’re wounding me.” I put my hand against my side. “I’ve been reformed.”

“I think you should be the poster child for Blissful Breeze.” Annie pretended to frame my face with her hands. “Did we get a before picture of you when your tight ass arrived?”

My insides warmed at the good-natured ribbing. No way would I have predicted I’d feel this way. “That’s it. I can’t take the abuse any longer.” I stood.

“Don’t you mean you can’t stand the smell of your sweaty self?” Annie said.

“That too.”

“Is your hot little number coming to the party?” Annie asked.

“I assume you’re referring to Robyn.” Annie just grinned but didn’t answer. “If you are, the answer is yes.”

Since Emma returned from the lodge late and still needed to shower, I was on my own to pick an outfit. The flyer recommended comfortable and casual dress, so I’d chosen a ribbed T-shirt that clung to my body and a pair of cutoff shorts.

I might have had ulterior motives for my wardrobe selection, thinking Robyn might struggle to resist if I showed off as much of my body as I could. Manipulative yes, but we only had two weeks, and I didn’t want to spend it taking cold showers.

When I stepped out of my room, Dana whistled. “Jesus, Blake, do you think you could wear a little less?”

“Too much?” I asked. “Or would that be too little?”

“Who’s too little?” Emma said as she entered the kitchen. Her eyebrows shot up. “Ah, never mind.”

“Should I change?” I asked, feeling self-conscious. “I mean, I can.”

Emma stopped and sized me up before she turned to Dana. “What do you think?”

“Me?” Dana put her hand against her chest. “You want me to answer that?”

“Yes, now that you aren’t trying to get into her pants—shorts.”

I gaped at Emma, not believing she’d be so bold.

“Who says I’m not?” Dana shot back.

Emma smiled. “You aren’t. You’re not the badass you want us to think you are.”

“Oh, really?” Dana’s reaction showed amusement rather than ire.

“Yep. You wouldn’t do that to Blake or Robyn.”

“Fuck,” Dana said, surprising me. While I considered how to intervene, she continued, “If this place tears down my facade, what’ll I have left?”

Emma walked over and put her arm around Dana. “Oh, I think you have plenty left.”

Dana snorted and looked at me. “Figures, now I have her approval.”

We all laughed.

“I think the others are waiting outside,” Dana said. “Shall we go?”

The party had been bittersweet. We’d all been more emotional than I’d expected, and I’d succumbed to my tears when Vera gave the opening speech before dinner.

I’d gotten good at this crying in public thing.

When Vera spoke about lifelong friendships, I hoped it would be true.

I’d become closer to the women from our villa than I’d ever thought possible.

I knew if I needed to talk to someone, I could call any of them.

Sad, but I didn’t feel that bond with my friends back home.

I chuckled to myself. I could just imagine their reaction if I called them and told them I needed a shoulder to cry on.

They’d have me committed. Merely contemplating the idea caused me to shudder.

None would ever know about my breakdown, at least that was what I was calling it.

By nine o’clock, the party was winding down since we wanted the opportunity to return to our favorite spot—the firepit.

I’d gotten little time with Robyn since everyone wanted a piece of her.

At least, I’d been able to admire her from afar.

The casual elegance of her white sundress with blue flower print was undeniable.

The half sleeve wrap she wore over the top covered her shoulders, which I was dying to see.

While I’d chosen to entice her by showing as much of me as I could, she did the opposite, covering up, making me want to see what was underneath.

Tonight, I wasn’t jealous of the others monopolizing her time since she’d promised to come back to the villa for after party s’mores. I hoped I’d get some time alone with her. All evening, my gaze had wandered to her lips. I wanted another taste of their softness.

“How you holding up?” I asked Helena, who sat across the table from me.

“Pretty good.” She smiled, but pain flickered in her eyes.

“Flare-up?” In this short time, I’d learned to read her. Another thing that astonished me.

She nodded. “A little, but I don’t want to ruin the party for Katlynn.”

“She’ll understand.”

“I know, but I’m trying to push through sometimes. I’ll be in pain whether I’m sitting here or lying in bed.”

“Just don’t push yourself too hard. Doesn’t that make it worse?”

“I’m still trying to figure that out.” Helena’s eyes clouded, but then a determined look descended.

“In my previous life, my pain was discounted, so I always had to push for what I needed. Here, all of you—Katlynn—are the opposite. Everyone watches out for me, which gives me the energy to push through instead of expending precious energy fighting for what I need.” Her eyes narrowed. “Does that make sense?”

“Yeah. It does.” I’d never considered it that way. Coping with her illness must be hard enough without dealing with her girlfriend’s betrayal. Anger bubbled inside of me. “You deserved so much better.”

“Thank you.” Helena smiled. “Then I’d felt fortunate she stuck around when I was such a burden.”

I wanted to hug her or beat the shit out of her ex. “You put up with a lot.”

“More than I should have.” Helena waved her hand. “But no negative talk tonight. I’ve found if I dwell on it, my body absorbs it and then rebels.”

“Got it.” I pointed at the others gathered across the room. “It looks like they’re wrapping up.” I stood and walked around the table. I held my arm out. “May I be of assistance?”

Helena took my arm. “I’d appreciate that.”

I used more strength than I’d expected to help her to her feet. Not wanting to offend her, I wrestled with my response. No. Our friendship had blossomed through honesty, so I said, “I could borrow Vera’s golf cart and give you a lift back to the villa.”

She shook her head but stopped. “Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea. I’m afraid the walk will zap me, but I want to be part of the shenanigans around the fire. Laughter is the best thing for me.”

“Then you stay right here.” I helped her sit back in her chair. “Your chariot will be here soon.” I winked at her. “I’d love to be your chariot driver, but I doubt Katlynn would go for it.”

Helena smiled up at me. “I think you’re right.”

Selfishly, I was glad Katlynn insisted on driving Helena so I could walk with Robyn. I expected she’d be hesitant, but as soon as we began our trek back to the villas, she took my hand.

The party’s festive mood continued on our walk as more than a dozen women joined in the revelry. Someone from another villa started singing Girls Just Want to Have Fun , and soon the group was singing and dancing.