Page 71 of The Holidays with Mr. Mitchell

“Huh?” I blinked, trying to process what she said. “And how is that?”

“Ah.” She smiled wider. “You’ve already said it. Words without awareness.”

Jim arched a brow. “And you are?” he asked the woman.

“I am Sage Luminara,” she said, settling gracefully onto her heels. “I am the vessel to be used for your union and restoration today.”

I glanced at Ash and Jake—Jake clearly only thinking about the great sex he’d get after this, Ash fully invested in the experience (God bless her), and Collin watching Jake like he was silently warning him that the sex had better be worth it. Jim, as usual, had no expression, and I was just wondering what the hell was coming next.

The lady waved a white fan as if she were banishing bad vibes. “May I have your names?” she looked at me and Jim.

“I’m Jim. This is my wife, Avery. I’m apparently the one responsible for our marriage’s demise because you overheard me saying I was sorry.”

“Ah. Projection and sarcasm,” she said, noting something invisible on her clipboard of judgment.

Then she turned to Jake and Collin. “You two radiate the same ignorance, but with weaker egos.”

“I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not,” Collin arched an eyebrow at the woman.

Jake ignored Collin, “I do still have some sarcasm since my last session with my wife, but I’ve changed since last month’s chakra cleanse.”

“Bullshit,” Collin mouthed to his best friend.

“Chakra cleanse?” I questioned whether Jake Mitchell would even consider doing something like that. There was no fucking way in hell.

“Just go with it,” Ash murmured, totally in character.

Luminara fanned herself once, eyes closed. “The air is heavy with masculine defensiveness. Let us begin to clear it.”

Jim muttered, “God help me.”

She looked right at him. “He cannot. You must embrace the humility of the ego first.”

I bit my lip to keep from laughing.

“Let’s talk about egos and their apologies,” Luminara said. “They are the cheapest form of obedience to your vows.”

“Well,” I said. “I was fine with my husband’s apology. He meant it.”

“No, my dear. A man’s ego prevents true remorse. It thrives on empty sound.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Jim muttered under his breath.

“Foul language vibrates at low frequency,” she warned, waving her fan toward him like she was swatting something dark in his soul.

Jake nodded gravely. “She’s right. Your aura just dimmed a smidge, pal.”

Collin inhaled loudly through his nose. “I will get you back for this,” Collin mouthed to Jake.

Laney and I were the only ones biting back smiles and laughter, and I still wasn’t sure who was in on this little joke. Ash always did this type of shit, so I honestly believed she was just excited we were all joining her. She was my best friend, and that’s why I was playing along, but Jake? There wasno wayhe was all about this.

“Let’s do an exercise,” Luminara said. “Husbands, face your wives.”

We did, because at this point, resistance most likely meant another hour of this, and I was ready for a damn cocktail and food.

“Now, Jim,” she started, “apologize to Avery again.”

“I’m sorry I was late,” he said flatly.