Page 91 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

My words cut through me, so I wondered what they did to Robyn. If they hurt her, she didn’t show it. Her eyes remained soft and open.

“Okay.” She gave me a slight smile. “I hope this doesn’t affect our friendship. I’ve enjoyed your company and getting to know you.”

I shrugged. “The retreat’s done in a few days.”

She nodded. “But you will stay on for the next two weeks, won’t you?”

Will I?Maybe I’d tell Emma that I’d done my time, and I wanted to return to the city. I could get on with my career. Instead, I said, “Yes.”

“Good.” She clasped her hands together and put them against her chest. “I hope we can continue to spend time together.”

“It’s not like we’ll ever see one another again.”

“That might be true. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the time now.” Robyn gave me an even bigger smile. It was open and inviting.

It pissed me off. Had I imagined the pain in her eyes earlier? Was it a show of remorse for the others? Here she was deflecting my blows like I wasn’t even delivering them.

“Of course, if you’d rather not since I’m an instructor at the retreat, I understand and will respect your boundaries.”

Dismissed again.“How convenient.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

“I bet you don’t. And Emma says I’m a control freak. What are you doing with your professionalism and boundaries? Putting it on me under the pretense ofdoingthe right thing.”

Robyn pursed her lips. “I see.”

“Do you befriend all the attendees?”

It took several beats before Robyn replied. “No, I don’t. While I have developed friendships before, they haven’t been quite like what seems to be developing between us.” I noticed themovement of her throat, showing she swallowed hard. It was the only indication of her emotions. There was a crack in her calm demeanor, but only a small one.

It was enough for me to push. “Yet earlier you said it meant nothing.”

She looked at the ground. “I apologize if that’s what you thought I said.”

“Stop apologizing to me.” I raised my voice. “Talk like a human being. Get mad. Tell me off. Stop being so fucking controlled.”

As my words fell out of my mouth, I realized I was the one losing control. Something I hated to do. “You know what? This conversation is getting us nowhere. Let’s chalk it up for what it is. Our friendship distresses you.” I said the word friendship with more venom than I intended. “So I’ll make it easy. Since we will never see each other again, it’s not worth your stress. Not worth you kicking yourself for being unprofessional. So I’ll set the goddamned boundary. You’re the teacher, I’m the student. End of story.”

I turned and exited the room. Tears burned hot in the corner of my eyes, but I refused to let them escape. I stormed out of the villa, only to find Emma sitting on the porch, waiting for me. I brushed past her and continued down the closest path that would take me into the woods. Maybe surrounded by nature, I could get control of myself.

Blood pounded in my ears, and my pace quickened. Helena and Katlynn were standing near the firepit, but I didn’t look in their direction. I lifted my hand and waved but kept walking. It took everything in me not to sprint to the safety of the trees.

CHAPTER 25

I’d only gotten alittle way down the path when I realized I’d forgotten my cellphone.Fuck it!I didn’t need it. Weren’t we supposed to be getting in touch with ourselves and cutting back on electronics?

I took another step down the path and stopped. If I didn’t have my phone, Emma couldn’t reach me, and she’d get worried. Especially after my performance. My villa mates would be gathered on the porch, so I’d slip in the back and retrieve my phone. I turned around and jogged along the path, wanting to get in and out without being noticed.

I leaped onto the porch, avoiding the two steps leading up. When I landed, I realized the back door was hanging open.Odd.I slowed and glanced into the room. It was empty. Why would someone have been so careless?

I slipped inside and heard voices coming from the kitchen.Shit.I thought everyone would be outside already. Emma wouldjust have to deal with me not having my phone. As I turned, someone raised their voice. Not quite a shout but close.Dana?

I backed toward the door, not wanting to get caught. The next voice I heard brought me up cold.Robyn.

What in the hell would they have to talk about, and why was Dana shouting? Though I knew I shouldn’t, I edged forward so I could hear better. I’d just check to see that everything was okay, and then I’d leave.

“You were listening in on our conversation?” Robyn asked.