Page 54 of Total Creative Control

“Maybe if you ate enough to—”

But he got no further. Charlie was stalking towards them, his whole body exuding irritation, while a calm Hippolyta brought up the rear.

“Okay, guys,” Charlie said. “We’re going to bring the workshop to an end a bit early.” He sent Lewis a quick, accusing look then, added tightly, “Apparently, some of us are more blocked than others and are finding the process rather challenging.”

Hippolyta interjected calmly, “It may have been easier if everyone had been given time to prepare correctly and knew what we would be doing today.” She smiled around the group. “I’d be more than happy to come back and run the full workshop again another time, or see any of you privately if you would like. But for today, I think we’ll just close out with some simple movement exercises.”

Aaron felt a sharp stab of relief. He glanced at Lewis and was glad to see that, while he still looked tense, he definitely seemed less hunted.

The final thirty minutes were relatively bearable. Hippolyta led them through a not-too-embarrassing sequence of movements, then repeated her ‘welcome’ schtick with a ‘thank you’ twist, addressing each of them in turn. Finally, they had to make a circle, hold hands, and each make a positive affirmation to the group. Charlie offered up, “I have the courage and confidence to do incredible things”. Milly went with, “Every day, I am closer to becoming the best version of myself”, Geoff with “I deserve to be loved”, and Toni with “I am in charge of my life”.

When it was Aaron’s turn, he said, rather vaguely, “I am capable of more than I think”—which was cheating, as it was one of the examples Hippolyta had given them before they began. To her credit, Hippolyta didn’t so much as blink at the blatant plagiarism.

At last, it was Lewis’s turn.

Quietly, firmly, he said, “I am in control.”

Charlie’s eyes narrowed.

And then, finally,thankfully, it was over.

“Okay, dinner’s at seven tonight,” Charlie said, as they dropped hands and the circle drifted apart. “But I want all of you in the lounge from five for drinks, okay? Be on time andnoexcuses.” He gave an insincere smile. “In the meantime, enjoy Safehaven. Have a swim, use the gym—one of the staff can sort you out with a bike or a Segway if you like. Just make the most of the place. I’ve got a few calls to take this afternoon, so I’ll leave you all to it.” He glanced at Milly and pouted, adding, “I know, I’m a fucking workaholic. Forgive me?”

“Of course!” she replied. “And I’ll do better than that. I’ll literally come and help you!”

Geoff’s face darkened.

“You will?” Charlie said. “Oh my God, Mils, you’re the fuckingbest.”

As though he didn’t have at least five flunkies to offload work on if he wanted to.Jesus.

Toni—never one for heroics—was already sidling away from the looming domestic-drama, and when Aaron glanced at Lewis, he saw that he was doing the same.

“Okay then, see you all at dinner,” Lewis said, raising a hand in farewell and heading for the door.

“Yeah, cool, cool,” Charlie said. “We’ll make up for last night’s fast tonight, yeah?”

“Yeah,” Lewis said over his shoulder, without pausing. “Sounds good.”

Aaron hurried after him.

They left the Long Gallery, exiting into the big, echoey hallway. As they crossed the floor, heading for the stairs, a figure rose from one of the wooden benches.

Hippolyta.

She looked at Lewis. “I was hoping to speak with you,” she said.

Lewis came to an abrupt halt. Discomfort radiated out of him. Politely, he said, “I thought the workshop was done?”

“It is,” Hippolyta said simply. She smiled. “I just wanted to offer you a couple of reflections. If you’re willing to listen.”

Lewis stared at her for several painfully long moments. Then he sighed. “Okay, fine.” He turned to Aaron. “I’ll see you later, okay?”

It was an obvious dismissal, and it bought Aaron up short.

Stupid to feel rejected, but he did. After last night, and then the weird intensity of the workshop, he’d thought… Well, whathadhe thought? That they were friends, now?

Don’t be an idiot, Aaron Page.