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Chapter Twenty-Nine

STEVIE

I f there’s one thing I love about my job, it’s working in one of the most calming places.

The zen-like music is always playing in the halls to better the experience for our guests. Lavender and bergamot perfumes the air. Bamboo lights hang from the ceiling, casting long shadows through the halls.

Heading to the front desk, I smile at the receptionist. “Hey, Becky. Do you have my list of appointments for the day?”

“Umm, no.”

“What? I’m booked solid all day.”

Tuesdays are my day off, but I checked my schedule on Monday before leaving. Back-to-back bookings all day.

She gives me a saccharine smile. “Sorry. You had a lot of cancellations. Not just today.”

“Are you serious? Did they say why?”

“Something about your personal life and getting in the way of doing your job.”

“My—”

Oh, shit. The blood drains from my face as I rush back to the locker room. Throwing open the door, I don’t pay anyone in here any attention as I grab for my phone. Pulling open social media, I have hundreds of notifications. Even more messages.

Bile rises in my throat.

I shouldn’t. I know I shouldn’t, but I do it anyway. I tap on my messages and read them. I told Bode I wouldn’t read the comments, but it looks like they figured out it was me in that picture.

“How dare you ruin a family. You should be ashamed of yourself!”

“Bode was in love with me, you slut”

“Get stuffed, ho”

“You only wish Bode loved you. He’ll never love anyone as ugly as you.”

Holy shit. I barely make it to the trash can before I’m getting sick. There are hundreds of messages like that. One after the other.

No wonder everyone canceled their appointments today. Grabbing a piece of gum from my purse, I chew on it as I see more comments on my posts.

I can’t imagine what they’re saying everywhere else.

Bode said it might get worse before it gets better, but this? I never pictured it’d be this bad.

How can people be so vile?

“Hey. You okay?” Cressy’s voice has me looking to her.

“No.” There’s no use pretending. I doubt I look okay right now.

“What’s wrong?”

She sits next to me and drops a soothing hand on me. Handing over my phone, I watch in horror as her face changes.

“Where the hell do these people get off treating a stranger like this? You did nothing wrong.”

“I don’t even know how they found me. I mean, why do they care?”

Cressy scoffs. “I mean, these people are delusional if they think they have a chance with Bode. To call you…ouch, I can’t even repeat this one.”

I squeeze my eyes closed, trying to stop the tears from coming. “Well, seeing as how I have no appointments today, I’m going to use a sick day and go home.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” she asks.

I shake my head, taking my phone back from her. “No. I’d rather be alone.”

Cressy wraps me in a hug. “You don’t have to be if you don’t want to.”

“Right now, I do.”

“Just remember, I love you and there are people who love you. Don’t take what the people are saying to heart.”

“Love you too.”

“Cressy, your next client is here.” Becky peeks her head into the door before glancing at me and scurrying out.

“And that’s my cue.” Standing, I grab my coat and purse and duck out without anyone noticing me.

Unlocking my car, I get in but don’t start it. People are bustling about in the outdoor shopping center where the spa is located. The sun is shining on this cold day.

How is it no one tells you that the most normal of days is when your life will get turned topsy-turvy?

I can’t believe this has happened. I can’t believe they figured out who I am. Sighing, I grab my phone and shoot off a text to Bode.

Stevie

How on earth did they figure out this was me?

Bode

I don’t know.

Stevie, I don’t even know what to say

I’m so sorry

It’s not your fault

How bad is it?

Do you want me to break my promise to you that I wouldn’t go looking?

Now that they know it’s you, you can’t avoid it

How bad?

Bad

Seems I’m the most hated woman in Nashville

I love you, if that helps

A little

I’m headed home now

Wait, why?

Apparently people don’t want a terrible person giving them a facial

Shit

The team is issuing a statement

I doubt it will help

Look, go home, have some wine

Scream, shout. Maybe beat our grandmas in a game of Sorry.

I’ll see you when I get home from practice, okay?

And maybe I can beat you in a game

And then I’ll make you forget all your worries

I’m holding you to that

Whatever it takes

I’m here for you

I love you, Stevie

I love you too

Feeling somewhat better after talking to Bode, I start the car and head home. There’s no use in focusing on all the bad. I need to push it out of my head and hope the statement from the team will let things settle down.

Fingers crossed.