by Jinty James
Autumn scanned the room. “French Roast is a darker roast. Sometimes we all have dark times in our lives that we need to deal with. Taste the notes of scorched sugar.”
Autumn waited while everyone obediently lifted their cup to their lips and sipped. “Just like our lives, when we have sweetness to lift our spirits, and darkness that we have to vanquish. And this weekend, we are going to do a lot of vanquishing.”
Maddie thought she heard Brenda murmur, “Good.”
“Now I’ll go over the components of the workshop. After coffee and organic refreshments—” she gestured to Suzanne’s plate of health balls, “—we are going to indulge in relaxing massages.”
“I definitely need one,” Maddie heard Hailey mutter.
“Then, we will enjoy a wonderful organic dinner and start getting to know each other. After dinner, we will have a special breathing and yoga session, where we will get rid of some of our negative energy and replace it with positive energy. Tomorrow, we will wake up early and have another yoga session before breakfast. And at breakfast, I’ll tell you what the rest of the program is.”
“You could tell us now,” Hailey suggested. Maddie thought it sounded more like a demand.
“I’m sure it will be worth the wait, Hailey,” Autumn replied with a smile. “Drink up, everyone.”
“Stop!” A harsh voice assaulted their ears. Everyone turned to look at the doorway.
A stout, forty-something woman with jet black hair cropped short stomped into the room. She carried bags of coffee beans.
“Oh no,” Suzanne whispered to Maddie.
“Don’t drink that!” the newcomer ordered. “I have all the coffee you need, right here.” She held up the bags against her chest.
“Claudine, what are you doing here?” Maddie took a deep breath as she spoke. She couldn’t believe that her nemesis, Claudine Claxton, was here – and seemed to be brewing up trouble.
“Oh, Ms. Claxton.” Autumn walked toward Claudine. “It’s kind of you, but I have all the coffee I need. Maddie and Suzanne are doing the catering for this event. And that includes beverages.”
“But surely my coffee is better than theirs.” Claudine looked like she wanted to put her hands on her hips, but was hampered by the bags of coffee. “If you just give me a chance, you’ll see that.”
“Let’s talk outside, shall we?” Autumn put her arm around Claudine’s shoulders and led her into the hall. “Won’t be long,” she called back to the attendees.
“Wow.” Suzanne’s eyes were wide as she stared at Maddie. “I can’t believe Claudine did that!”
“I know.” Maddie shook her head. “Maybe business is pretty grim for her at the moment.”
Suzanne tiptoed to the doorway.
“Suzanne!” Maddie hissed.
“What?” Suzanne looked innocent. “Maybe I need to go to the bathroom and it’s that way.” She scrunched up her nose. “Actually, Autumn didn’t show us where the bathroom was.”
“We can ask her when she gets back.” Maddie kept her voice low. A couple of the attendees looked their way, amusement on their faces, but didn’t say anything.
“You need to taste my coffee again!” Maddie didn’t need to eavesdrop to hear Claudine’s strident voice in the hall. “I can’t believe you hired them over me!”
Autumn’s voice sounded soothing but Maddie couldn’t make out what the group leader was saying.
After a couple of minutes, she heard a door slam shut, and then the roar of a vehicle outside.
“I’m sorry about that, ladies.” Autumn entered the room. “A slight misunderstanding, that’s all. And now, it’s time for massages. I’ve set up a room on this floor. Oh, and if anyone needs the bathroom, there’s one to the right of the great room, and two more upstairs.”
Oops, I hope Autumn didn’t overhear me, was written all over Suzanne’s face.
“Dibs on the first massage!” Hailey left the great room.
“The masseur should be here any minute,” Autumn told the participants. “Maddie and Suzanne, may I speak with you for a moment?”
Maddie nodded as she and Suzanne followed Autumn to the kitchen.
“I’m so sorry Ms. Claxton appeared,” Autumn said. “I have to admit, I did try her coffee a few months ago, before I hired the caterer who cancelled on me. And I’m afraid—” she wrinkled her nose “—I didn’t care for it. But I’d visited her coffee shop incognito, if you know what I mean. I certainly didn’t mention I was looking for a caterer.”
“We might have told a couple of people in Estherville you’d hired us for this weekend,” Suzanne said slowly.
“It’s a small town and someone might have told Claudine,” Maddie added with a wince.
Autumn shook her head. “I’ve tried to be as kind to her as possible, but I’m afraid she stormed off in a huff. I hope she doesn’t take it to heart.”
“Is the masseur here yet?” Hailey poked her head into the kitchen. “My back is killing me.”
“Not yet,” Autumn replied. “Why don’t you get comfy and I’ll send him in as soon as he gets here.”
“All right.” Hailey didn’t look happy as she left the kitchen.
“I’ll just run upstairs for a minute – if that’s okay.” Guilt suddenly struck Maddie as she realized she hadn’t checked on Trixie yet.
“Of course, dear,” Autumn replied. “If you two could arrange dinner to be ready in—” she looked at her watch “—two hours? I realize everyone won’t get a long massage, but I feel I was lucky to hire this masseur at the last minute, after the one I had booked cancelled on me.”
“Your caterer and your masseur cancelled?” Suzanne queried.
“Yes.” Autumn nodded. “I can’t understand it. I didn’t haggle over their pricing and I thought everything was all set. Oh, well. It seems it was just one of those things. And it led me to hiring you two – and meeting Trixie,” she added with a smile.
“I’ll just see what she’s up to,” Maddie said.
“I’ll come with you.” Suzanne followed Maddie up the stairs.
Maddie quietly opened the bedroom door. Trixie lifted her head from her curled-up position on the blanket and blinked up at them.
“Would you like something to eat or drink, Trix?” Maddie sat down on the bed and stroked the Persian.
“Mrrow.” Trixie bunted her hand.
“Just as well you weren’t downstairs with us,” Suzanne told the cat. “Claudine came to visit.”
“Broomf!” Trixie didn’t look happy at the news.
“I know,” Maddie replied. “But she’s gone now. Autumn’s just waiting for the masseur to arrive, then afterwards we’ll have dinner and then there’s a yoga session.”
“You should join us for that, Trixie.” Suzanne giggled. “I bet you’d be good at twisting yourself into those sorts of poses.”
Trixie looked interested at the idea.
“I’ll bring some food and water for you,” Maddie promised.
After Maddie and Suzanne left Trixie more beef and gravy and water, they descended the stairs and entered the great room.
“Who is to have the first massage?” Maddie heard a sexy male voice inquire.
Maddie and Suzanne looked at each other, their eyes wide.
“It can’t be!” Suzanne looked wildly around the room. “Ramon! What are you doing here?”
A handsome Spaniard with charcoal hair and olive skin smiled at her. “Suzanne. And Maddie. I had hoped to see you here. Autumn contacted me last night. Her masseur cancelled at the last moment.” He shrugged in an European way. “How could I refuse?”
“You have no idea how grateful I am.” Autumn smiled at him.
“And now, I have massages to give. I believe the first lady is waiting for me?”
“Yes, in the room to the right,” Autumn replied. “I’ll show you.”
Ramon waved goodbye to Maddie and Suzanne.
“Lucky women,” Suzanne said wistfully.
Suzanne was a client of Ramon’s as
well as a friend. She always urged Maddie to try a massage with the Spaniard, but so far Maddie hadn’t been brave enough. There was something about Ramon that was super sexy, although Suzanne swore his massages were totally professional.
Now Maddie was dating Luke, the thought of another man touching her body – even in a totally professional way – somehow seemed disloyal.
Besides, Suzanne had a flirty friendship with Ramon, and Maddie didn’t want to get in the middle of that.
“Let’s get dinner ready.” Maddie touched Suzanne’s arm. Her friend seemed far away.
“Sure.” Suzanne blinked and seemed to snap to attention.
They trooped to the kitchen.
“Okay, what exactly are we making?” Maddie asked, her hand poised on the refrigerator door.
Suzanne dug a list out of her pocket.
“Raw salad followed by fruit salad with whipped coconut cream – all organic.”
Maddie and Suzanne got the salad stuff out of the fridge and set to work. When they were finished, each plate contained tomatoes, cucumbers, grated carrot, zucchini ribbons, and avocados.
“What about a dressing?” Maddie asked.
“No dressing.” Suzanne shook her head. “Autumn said she wanted everyone to taste the vegetables themselves.”
“Oh,” Maddie said faintly.
“I had to look up how to whip coconut cream.” Suzanne tapped her phone. “So we’ll do that next.”
Once they’d made a luscious looking fruit salad from raspberries, blueberries, and cherries, Suzanne finished whipping the coconut cream and placed it in the fridge.
“How are you girls going?” Autumn appeared in the kitchen.
“We were just about to find you,” Suzanne told her. “Everything’s ready.”
“Wonderful! I’ve set everything up.” Autumn led them down the hall to the dining room.
The long dining table was covered with a white linen tablecloth and sparkling silverware. Wooden chairs with scarlet velvet cushions completed the elegant setting.
“I think Ramon is completing his last massage,” Autumn told them. “He’s a great find.”
“Yes.” Suzanne’s ponytail bobbed.
“Do you girls know him?” Autumn asked curiously.
“Uh-huh,” Suzanne replied. “We’re friends.”
“That massage was just what I needed.” Hailey entered the room, wearing a tight little black dress and looking very satisfied.
“I’m so glad, dear,” Autumn replied. “Dinner will be served in a jiffy.”
“I’m starving.” Hailey plonked down on one of the chairs.
Jenna followed her into the room, wearing the same jeans and t-shirt she’d worn earlier.
“Are we dressing for dinner?” she asked Autumn. “I wasn’t sure what to wear.”
“Whatever you’re most comfortable in, Jenna,” Autumn replied. She gestured to her tie-dyed skirt and top. “I’ll be wearing the same outfit I wore earlier, but if you’d like to change, it’s totally up to you.”
Jenna nodded, looking relieved, and sat down next to Hailey.
“Did you manage to get your suitcase up the stairs, Hailey?” Maddie asked curiously.
“Ramon brought it to my bedroom.” Hailey smiled in a coquettish way. “He is so strong. And his massage! It’s the best one I’ve ever had.”
“Let’s start bringing in the salads.” Suzanne looked a little flustered as she nudged Maddie.
They excused themselves and returned to the kitchen.
“I don’t think I like Hailey,” Suzanne admitted as they loaded up a tray. “She seems a bit demanding. I hope Ramon didn’t hurt himself carrying her suitcase.”
“I’m sure he’s okay,” Maddie soothed her. “I know we – I – haven’t seen him without his shirt on, but he looks like he could handle a heavy bag.”
“I haven’t seen him without his shirt on either,” Suzanne admitted. “Although I’d like to!”
Suzanne’s good humor seemed restored as they put a bowl of salad in front of each place setting.
“You girls must eat with us,” Autumn told them, after they set down six plates.
“Are you sure?” Maddie asked.
“Of course.” Autumn smiled. “And I’m trying to convince Ramon to stay for dinner.”
“Yes, he must stay.” Hailey sounded thrilled at the idea.
Brenda and Linda entered the dining room.
“Let’s see, we need Edith,” Autumn said, referring to the twenty-something girl who’d arrived in the car that looked like it was falling apart.
“I think she was the last to get a massage,” Linda said.
“Well, sit down, everyone.” Autumn gestured to the table. “Maddie and Suzanne will be joining us.”
Brenda and Linda smiled welcomingly at them.
Maddie and Suzanne hurried to the kitchen.
“Did you bring any separate food for us?” Maddie asked as her stomach started to growl.
“No,” Suzanne admitted, looking sorry. “Autumn said our main meals were included and I thought it might be fun to have a weekend of organic vegan eating but now …”
“Never mind,” Maddie reassured her. “We might really enjoy our dinner tonight. The fruit salad looks good.”
“Yes, it does, doesn’t it?” Suzanne brightened.
They made their way back to the dining room. Edith had joined the others, looking flushed. Maddie wasn’t sure if it was the after-effects of the massage or something else. Edith and Linda were looking at each other in a puzzled way, as if they weren’t sure if they’d seen the other somewhere before.
“Are you sure you won’t stay for dinner, Ramon?” Autumn asked. All five attendees looked hopefully at Ramon, standing in the doorway. So did Suzanne.
“It is very tempting,” Ramon said, “But I am worried that a storm is coming. I noticed the sky when I arrived, and the clouds have only gotten darker since. I do not think it would be good to be caught outside in thunder and lightning.”
“No, of course not,” Autumn replied.
“You ladies must stay inside and keep the windows and doors closed,” Ramon said. “And Suzanne—” he turned to her, “—let me know how you are tomorrow, so I do not worry.”
“I will.” A faint blush hit Suzanne’s cheeks, but she looked pleased.
All the ladies said goodbye to Ramon. Maddie noticed Hailey batting her long black eyelashes at him and wondered if he had noticed. If so, he didn’t give any indication. He was probably used to getting a lot of female attention.
After Ramon left, Autumn clapped her hands.
“And now we will have our wonderful organic dinner!”
After everyone ate their salad, which was tastier than Maddie had expected, she and Suzanne brought in the bowls of fruit salad alongside the coconut cream.
“This looks delicious,” Autumn told them, helping herself to a large spoonful of whipped coconut cream.
The ladies chatted amongst themselves, exclaiming at how good the succulent berries and large Van cherries tasted – Edith shyly saying they reminded her of a piece of candy, they were so sweet and flavorful.
“When everyone is finished, we will assemble in the great room for our special breathing sessions, and then yoga!” Autumn announced. “This is one of the reasons why we’ve had a light dinner – so we’re able to enjoy our yoga postures. And don’t worry—” she winked to everyone “—if you’re a complete beginner. The yoga we do here this weekend will be very gentle.”
“If we do the dishes now, we might miss the special breathing,” Suzanne murmured to Maddie, not sounding sorry about it.
“But you wanted to try the yoga, right?” Maddie checked.
“Yep.” Suzanne’s ponytail bobbed. “Why not?”
“Maddie.” Autumn came up to them as they started clearing the plates. “I’d love for Trixie to join in with our yoga session – that is, if she’d like to.”
“Okay,” Maddie replied, a little startled. “I
’ll check with her in a bit.”
“Excellent.” Autumn beamed at them. “I’ll call you when we get the mats ready.”
“Don’t you think that’s a bit weird?” Suzanne asked when they were alone in the kitchen. She snapped her fingers. “Hey! Do you think Autumn is a witch too? Or has some special powers? She seemed to bond with Trixie. Ooh! What if Autumn is another familiar?”
Maddie stared at her friend, wondering how her mind worked at times.
“You think Autumn is a familiar. Like Trixie?”
“Why not?” Suzanne shrugged. “She does seem to have a bit of ESP or something going on, don’t you think?”
“Yes, something,” Maddie replied. “But maybe it’s because she’s attuned into everything—” she waved a hand in the air to indicate the air around them “—and picks up on little things, like thinking Trixie might like to try yoga.”
“You could be right,” Suzanne said thoughtfully.
Maddie and Suzanne used the large dishwasher and tidied the kitchen. Before Autumn came to tell them it was time for yoga, they were ready to check on Trixie.
“I wonder if Trixie will want to do yoga with us,” Maddie mused as they started up the stairs.
They could hear Autumn’s voice in the great room, exhorting the participants to breathe deeply and to inhale all the positivity in the room.
Maddie quietly opened their bedroom door.
“Trixie?” she said softly.
“Mrrow?” Trixie uncurled herself from the bed and looked up at them.
“Autumn wants to know if you’d like to do yoga with everyone,” Suzanne said.
“Mrrow!” Trixie’s ears pricked and she jumped off the bed.
“I think that means yes,” Maddie said with a little laugh. Do you think it’s okay not to put her harness on?”
“Definitely.” Suzanne’s ponytail bobbed. “I’m sure Autumn doesn’t expect her to wear the harness while she’s twisting herself into yoga poses.”
“Okay.” Maddie opened the door. “Let’s go.”
Trixie led the way down the stairs, pausing and looking over her shoulder to make sure Maddie and Suzanne were following her.
When they reached the last step, Trixie walked into the great room.
“Trixie!” Autumn sounded pleased.
