Page 64 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

Katlynn shrugged. “I get a quarterly report. The last two years have been brutal.”

“Are you aware the S&P 500 was up over twenty percent the last two years?”

Katlynn stared at me with a blank expression.

“How well do you know this planner?”

“My dad used him for over twenty years. And after my dad died, I’ve been using him the last six.” Katlynn’s brow furrowed. “Well, not him. Nathan, that’s my broker’s name, took over the business from his dad two years ago.”

“So you don’t know what you’re invested in?”

Katlynn glanced down at her hands and picked at her fingernail. “Not really.”

“Unfortunately, that’s not all that uncommon.”

“Blake,” Emma said. “You’re making her uncomfortable.”

“Uh, sorry.”

“No!” Katlynn looked up and met my eyes. “I mean...uh...would you be willing to look at my statements?” She waved her hand. “Never mind. You’re here to relax not give financial advice.”

I glanced at Emma, who gave me a subtle nod. “I’d be happy to. Either your investor is terrible at his job, or you’re being scammed. Either way, you need to protect your money.”

“Yeah. At this rate, I won’t have anything left. Maybe after dinner, I can pull it up on my laptop.”

“Absolutely.” I turned to Helena. “If you want, I could talk with Vera. See if she’d agree to a payment plan, so you can stay on.”Or I’d cover the cost and pretend Vera did it, but I wouldn’t say that.

“You’d do that?” Helena’s face dropped. “Or maybe I should talk to her.”

“I don’t mind. Besides, I’ll try to negotiate a no- or low-interest rate. You staying on is nearly all profit since it’s not like she’ll rent your room if you go.”

Soon the rest of the table was asking me financial questions. I glanced at Emma several times fearing she’d be annoyed, but she had a smile on her face the entire time.

CHAPTER 18

I woke up earlySaturday morning, having spent most of the night tossing and turning. There was no sense of lingering in bed. Since arriving, I’d slept soundly, except last night. Too much rattled around in my mind.

After dinner last night, Dana showed up at our table, making it clear what she wanted. I bet I turned ten shades of red, but the other women were gracious enough to pretend they didn’t notice. Well, except for Emma, who shot several disapproving glares at me. But I was in the middle of coaching my villa mates on finances, something I loved doing, so I hadn’t needed Emma’s influence to turn Dana away.

Shortly after, Dana and Noelle had slipped from the group again. Did it bother me? Weird, but something told me working with my friends on their finances would be more rewarding than what Dana offered.

Fuck.What was happening to me? After a week here, my brain had been sucked out and my libido ruined. I wouldn’t havechosen Blissful Breeze, yet I enjoyed the other women and might be having fun. But it was the programs that caused me to lose sleep. I didn’t want my feelings stirred up, but no doubt, they were.

With a sigh, I rolled out of bed. I might as well go talk to Vera about Helena wanting to extend her stay at the retreat. I’d already decided I’d pay, but Helena would be none the wiser. Vera could pretend Helena qualified for a special scholarship and wouldn’t have to pay the money back.A win-win.

I threw on a baseball cap and slid into the clothes I wore yesterday. I’d take a shower when I returned. While I had ample time, being up early, I’d still better get moving.

Everyone from all four villas was making the trek into Madison today. If I were honest, I was eager for the weekend and our plans in town today. During the day, we had free time to choose our own activities. Well, I wouldn’t since Emma called the shots, but she wasn’t saying what she had planned for us. Then we’d join the entire group for dinner before attendingWickedat Overture Center.I’d been fortunate to see Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway, but I’d likely keep that to myself.

I opened my bedroom door quietly, not wanting to wake those still sleeping. When I entered the kitchen, Annie was already up, sipping on a cup of coffee.

“Early riser?” I asked.

Annie shook her head. “Not always. My thoughts were racing, so I thought coffee might do the trick.”

“Mine too.” I smiled.

“Thank you again,” Annie said. “For the advice on my Danny’s life insurance payout.”