Page 65 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

“Is that what kept you up last night? I hope not.”

Annie nodded. “Yeah, you gave me a lot to think about. Makes my head spin.”

“That’s what most people say, but it’s not hard once you let go of your fears.”

Annie rubbed her forehead. A grimace twisted her face as her fingertips pressed against her skin. “I don’t want to end up like Katlynn. I’m afraid I’d never know if someone was screwing me.”

“Hey, how about you call me after the retreat is over? I’ll help you out.”

“Really?” Annie’s eyes widened. “No. I can’t take advantage of you that way.”

“I insist. It would be my pleasure.”

“Are you sure?” Annie studied me.

“Absolutely.” It surprised me how true it was. I wanted to help Annie and the others. “Anything for my villa mates.” I gave Annie a wide smile.

Annie put her hand against her chest, and tears welled in her eyes. “Thank you. You’re an angel.”

I hoped my mouth hadn’t fallen open. It had been a long time since anyone said something like that to me. My emotions were already churning, so I waved my hand at Annie. “It’s nothing. I could do this stuff in my sleep.”

“Well, regardless. I appreciate it.”

“No worries.” Heat rose up my neck. I’d done more blushing here than I’d done in years. I needed to get out of here. “I should get over to see Vera since I promised Helena I’d look into a payment plan.”

“That’s something else I wanted to thank you for. I adore her, so it’ll be nice she can stay on for the rest of the retreat.”

“Stop.” I grabbed a banana from the fruit bowl and a bottle of water from the refrigerator. I’d planned on eating before I left, but I’d just take it with me. “I best go, so I can get back and make myself presentable.” For emphasis, I tugged on the bill of my baseball cap.

“I’m so looking forward to tonight,” Annie said.

“Me too,” I replied as I stepped toward the door.

It was a beautiful summer day, so I walked through the woods instead of along the road. The birds chirping overwhelmed my senses as I tried to pick out the different calls. While birds were plentiful in Central Park, the roar of traffic and sounds of the city muted their calls. Here I heard no other sound than their incessant communication.

Even though I’d finished eating my banana, I slowed my pace further. When was the last time I’d walked anywhere slowly? In the city, I always had a pair of sensible walking shoes in my office whenever I needed to go anywhere. I prided myself on how fast I could move, despite my shorter stride. Many times, I walked with tall, long-legged men who couldn’t keep up with me. I had places to go and people to see, so it was senseless dawdling. Yet today it was as if I didn’t have a care in the world.

Maybe I didn’t. My bank balance indicated I’d never have to work again. I chuckled to myself, and the birds greeted my laughter with a frenzied response.

“Sorry,” I muttered under my breath.

No way could I imagine not working. More than ever, I had something to prove to Terrence and the idiots who bought Fortitude. Last night, I’d culled through my emails, likely another reason I didn’t sleep well, and picked five companies to respond to.

Guilt washed over me. I should tell Emma what I was doing, even though Emma hadn’t given implicit instructions that I couldn’t. I shoved the thought from my mind. All I wanted to do was enjoy the beautiful day.

Upon arrival at the main office, the closed sign was still on the door.

Damn.I hadn’t thought of that. It was a little before seven, so I climbed the stairs, looking for a sign with the hours of operation.Shit.The sign said eight a.m., which meant I’d have an hour to kill. We weren’t leaving until ten, so I’d still have plenty of time.

Just as I was turning away, I heard my name called from inside. I peered into the window and squinted. Vera hurried across the lobby toward me.

“Blake, what brings you out so early?” Vera said, opening the door.

“Sorry. You’re closed.” I held up my hand and backed up.

“Nonsense. Come on in.” Vera pushed open the door wider. When I stood rooted in place, Vera said, “Get in here.”

With that, I stepped inside. “I don’t want to bother you.”