Page 67 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

Without thinking, I glanced around the lobby.

Vera laughed. “I know what you’re thinking. How could they be in any worse repair than this lobby?” She shook her head. “This is palatial compared to the cabins.”

“Can I see them?”

Vera studied me for a few beats. “Why would you want to do that?”

“I put together deals. Find investors. Maybe there’s something I could do for you.”

“I’ve been after Robyn to take over or buy me out.” Vera pointed at me. “But don’t you go telling anyone.”

“Of course not.”

“I don’t want to sell to just anyone. They’d change Blissful Breeze. Make it a fancy resort for people coming out of Milwaukee and Chicago.” Vera put her hand on her chest. “This place has my heart. I’ve seen so many women come here to heal. I get emails from people who met here, who’ve remained friends ten, twenty years later.”

“How long did you say you’ve been doing this?”

“Since 1988. I had a roaring business. More people wanting to come than I had spaces, but COVID hit me hard.” Vera threw her hands up. “Who am I kidding? It was already on the decline. There’s so much competition. Do you know they do onlineretreats now?” Vera’s expression conveyed her disgust. “How do you bond through a screen? You don’t.” Vera shook her head. “Look at me. Just ignore the ramblings of an old woman.”

“No. I find this all fascinating. This place...uh…” I didn’t know how to continue without being insulting.

“Spit it out.”

“The square…”

Vera laughed. “Doesn’t look like the rest of the place, does it?”

“Um, not exactly.”

“Very diplomatic of you. One of my patrons, who’d had a life-transforming experience here, wrote me into her will with the stipulation her money must be used on the square. I have more cash than I know what to do with for it.” Vera smiled. “That’s how I replaced all the flowers the goats ate, but I didn’t want to be wasteful and just let them eat them year after year.”

“Millie is happy you made that decision.”

“That dog! She’s a handful.” Vera’s affection was undeniable. “Do you really want to see the rest of the place?”

“I would.”

“All righty, let me grab the key to the golf cart, and I’ll give you the grand tour.”

CHAPTER 19

Once I returned frommy tour with Vera, I had to hustle to get ready to leave for Madison. I’d texted Emma, letting her know I’d be skidding in on two wheels and asked her to get my stuff ready, so I could jump into the shower.

Hell, I’d let her choose everything else, so I might as well let her pick my clothes for today. I was feeling adventurous and decided I’d wear whatever she chose.

I glanced at myself in the full-length mirror.Not bad.The all-black jumpsuit had perfect lines that hugged my body in all the right places. My legs appeared much longer with the flare of the pants, and the cut showed off the slight curve of my hips. But it was the top that accentuated my best features. The sleeveless design showed off my toned shoulders and arms, while the cut gave me a hint of cleavage. While I leaned toward the masculine, I didn’t mind showing off my assets sometimes.

I smirked at myself in the mirror. Dana’s eyes would pop out when she saw me. Why didn’t that give me as much pleasure as it should? I shrugged and turned away.

When I stepped into the common room where everyone was waiting, catcalls greeted me.

“Damn, girl. You clean up well,” Annie said.

I spun in a circle, showing off my outfit. As I turned, I met Emma’s gaze, and she winked at me.

“I don’t remember unpacking this outfit,” I said to Emma. “Is it yours?”

Emma shook her head. “Nope.” Her mischievous grin caused her eyes to twinkle.