Michael honked the horn once as he drove down the road, perhaps as a final peace offering, and Becky walked over to her car. Lucifer’s muddy paw prints decorated her hood as well but she’d planned to run the vehicle through the carwash today anyway. She climbed into her car and dumped her bag down on the passenger seat. Today would be busy and long, just like yesterday, but at least she could now begin her countdown until the retreat next week. She’d never done anything like this before, never taken herself off for a ‘find yourself’ style of vacation, and she felt oddly grownup and mature to have made the decision. Michael could scoff all he liked but she was sure this was the right move for her. It was time to reconnect with herself as a mindful, spiritual person.
She adjusted the rear vision mirror, catching sight of the determined look in her clear blue eyes in her reflection, and she smiled to herself. This could be the start of a whole new Becky.
Chapter Three
Becky turned off the main road to follow the track leading down to Far Horizons Retreat. The sanctuary was situated in the Cascade Foothills, not too far from the family cabin, although Becky had never heard of it or seen it before. The sign at the end of the driveway wasn’t easy to spot, unless a person was looking for it, and the track itself was slightly overgrown with hanging branches and tall grass. She felt a faint stirring of uneasiness as she checked the bars on her mobile phone. The coverage wasn’t always too good up here in the mountains and she knew she’d hate to take a wrong turn and get herself lost with no way of contacting anyone.
The overhanging branches finally cleared and the track opened out, giving Becky her first glimpse of the retreat. Several buildings stood tucked up against the shelter of the woods and a large sign directed all vehicles to turn left for the parking lot. The scene was pleasant with the woods as a backdrop and the rolling green lawns of the retreat itself added a well-kept and well-maintained feel to the place. Her realtor’s eye was used to noticing every little detail about a property and making a snap judgement. From here, her first impressions of Far Horizons were good. She parked her car, noting there were several other vehicles already in the parking lot, and grabbed her travel bag from the back seat. She’d arrived later than she’d planned after calling into the office to tie up any remaining loose ends and then finding herself stuck on the end of a phone call from Dorinda Lucas. The divine Mrs. Lucas had decided that she wasn’t going to list her property with Monroe & Freeman after all and she was determined to give Becky every reason why she’d made that decision.
Becky determinedly thrust Dorinda out of her mind. She was here to forget about people like Dorinda and instead concentrate on finding her own peace amongst the chaos of a madly busy world. Everything and everyone would still be waiting for her when she re-emerged butterfly-like in five days’ time and for now, she was going to enjoy every moment of her newfound freedom.
She walked along a path leading between two small flowerbeds, admiring the neatly trimmed buxus hedge and bright clusters of primroses. Whoever was responsible for the gardens here had planned ahead for the upcoming drab and dreary winter months. She pulled open the door of the building marked Reception and joined the chattering huddle of people already gathered at the counter. She surreptitiously studied her fellow retreaters, hoping to get some idea of who she would be rubbing shoulders with over the coming week. The guests were all female and in their late middle ages, and they all seemed to know each other. Becky thought perhaps they were members of a book club or something similar and were taking the chance to have a girls’ week away without their husbands in tow.
The young woman behind the desk appeared to be having trouble with her computer. She finally gave the group a harassed smile and asked them to follow her. The group duly trooped out the door behind the receptionist, leaving Becky alone in the room. She walked over to read the advertisements and messages pinned to the cork noticeboard, although she wasn’t particularly interested in ordering a trailer load of cut cedar wood or attending a charity tea scheduled for a Saturday afternoon in three weeks’ time.
“Hello! Sorry about that. Everyone seems to have arrived at once.”
Becky turned back with a smile, expecting to see the young receptionist, but in her place stood a thin, wild-haired older woman. She had a robust, sun-tanned look about her, as if she spent a lot of her time striding heartily across mountainous terrain. According to the name badge pinned lopsidedly to her flat chest, this was Marian.
“Hi, Marian. We spoke on the phone last week. I’m Becky Monroe.”
“Oh, Becky.” Marian’s smile slipped but she quickly regained it. “Of course. Come right this way.” She opened the door the group had disappeared through a few minutes ago and ushered Becky through ahead of her. “There’s been a slight change of plans.”
“There has? I’m not certain what the plans were to begin with so I’m sure a change will be fine with me.” They were in a courtyard now, bordered on all sides by the buildings she’d seen from the parking lot. Two large wooden tables with bench seating along with a fire pit stood at the center of the courtyard and more plantings of primroses added color to the border garden.
“I’m so sorry.” Marian looked stricken and for a moment, Becky wondered what dire, irreconcilable event had occurred to cause her such concern. “I’m afraid I’ve double booked the rooms,” Marian continued. “I don’t know how it could’ve happened. I’ve never done anything like that before. Would you mind sharing? I’ll refund a portion of your fee accordingly, of course.”
“Uhhh.” Becky hadn’t planned on this. While not exactly dire or irreconcilable, she had imagined having a space to herself where she could hide out if she felt the need for some time alone. “Are there no other rooms? I don’t mind if it’s not deluxe.”
“I’m sorry but there’s none. We have a large group booking and there’s not even a spare bed in the dorm room.”
Becky glanced over in the direction of the parking lot, wondering if she should tell Marian that she’d decided to reschedule her vacation for another time. However, she’d juggled a multitude of appointments to make it here today and besides, she was looking forward to her week away from her hectic life. She sighed and switched her travel bag to her other hand. “That’s fine. I hope my roommate isn’t too talkative.”
“Alice hasn’t arrived yet. She’s from Portland too. Alice Cooper. Do you know her?” Marian lifted her eyebrows enquiringly as she led the way through a vine-covered archway and down a trellised path.
Becky laughed lightly. “No, I’m afraid I’ve never heard the name but Portland is a big place.” She glanced at the cabin-style accommodation they were passing as they walked down the paved, grass-edged path. “How many people are you expecting at the retreat this week?”
“That’s odd, I thought she said she knew you but then things have been ridiculously hectic. My head is all over the place.” She pushed her wild hair back off her face and Becky saw the dark shadows beneath her eyes. “As I said, we’re booked to capacity. We’re catering for twenty people over the next week, which I think is about as much as we can handle without it getting too out of hand. Fifteen is the most we’ve hosted at once before.” She stopped outside a pretty cottage with a clematis vine draped around the door and an earthenware pot of late season geraniums sitting on the step. “This is yours.”
“Are there two bedrooms?” Becky asked hopefully. She couldn’t remember reading anything about how many people each cabin catered for, but if there were separate bedrooms at least she could shut herself away if she needed to.
“Unfortunately, no. It’s open-plan living, designed for couples more than anything but I’m sure you and Alice will get along. She seemed very sweet when we spoke on the phone.” Marian unlocked the door and handed Becky a key dangling from a heart-shaped leather keyring. “Make yourself at home. Lunch will be served in the main courtyard at 12.30, the heated, enclosed pool is around the back, and there are plenty of nature trails if you’re feeling energetic.
The folder on the table inside will give you the schedule for our workshops. You don’t have to book anything – just turn up if you feel like it.”
“What about the massage treatments?” Becky wriggled her shoulders, feeling the familiar knot of tension that had sat stubbornly at the back of her neck for the past few months. “I’m very interested in a massage. The massage treatments were a big drawcard for me when I signed up.”
“You do have to book for them but it’s all in the folder.” Marian was clearly keen to be on her way and had already started walking back down the path. “Ask at the reception desk if you need anything else.”
Becky pulled a face at Marian’s retreating form before she climbed the steps up to the cabin. For someone who advocated relaxation and rejuvenation, Marian seemed mighty tense. However, Becky’s dark thoughts quickly evaporated when she opened the door and saw the interior of the cabin. The room was gorgeous! A large colorful mat covered the polished wooden floors, a tall floor lamp shone a welcoming light into the space, two enticing, plump mattressed twin beds with lush white linen stood at one end of the room, and several windows offered serene views of the woods and the surrounding manicured green lawns. There were a couple of armchairs, complete with fat cushions and cozy throw rugs, and coffee and tea-making facilities were set up on a wooden table near a door that Becky presumed led to the bathroom. She dropped her travel bag down on one of the beds and pushed open the bathroom door, gasping when she saw the massive claw-footed tub and the array of tempting toiletries arranged beside the basin. Two luxe robes hung from hooks on the wall and stacks of fluffy towels sat on a shelf beneath the window. She could imagine herself spending many happy hours soaking in that tub, perhaps with a glass of wine, while she gazed out the window and allowed herself to drift away. What a shame she would now be forced to share this oasis with an unwanted roommate.
“Hello?” A feminine voice called out from the room behind her. “Is anyone here?”
Chapter Four
Alice Cooper was a petite young woman with a trim figure and well-shaped calves showing beneath the hem of her knee-high shorts but her crowning glory had to be her glorious golden curls. Becky had the fleeting impression that Goldilocks had stumbled into the cabin in search of a bowl of porridge but she contained her burst of mirth within her welcoming smile. “Hi, Alice. I’m Becky. I suppose it was a shock to you to find out we were going to be roomies. I had no idea until I arrived a few minutes ago.”
“I don’t mind. I like company.” Alice swung a grimy-looking duffle bag off her shoulder and sat it at the end of the spare bed. “This is nice.”
“Yes, I was just checking out the fancy toiletries in the bathroom. How long are you here for, Alice?” Becky nursed a vague hope that the other girl might have booked herself in for just the weekend. She seemed pleasant enough but it would be better if she had the cabin and that stunning bathroom to herself.
“Five days. How about you?” Alice wandered over to check the contents of the tea and coffee station. “Do you want a hot drink?”
“I’m okay for now. Marian said lunch is to be served at 12.30 and it’s already after 12.”
“I might skip lunch.” Alice took the water reservoir from the coffee machine into the bathroom and filled it at the basin.
“Really? I thought it would be a good chance to meet the other guests.” Becky had opted for the full service package when she booked the retreat, which offered three meals a day plus snacks. There were other, cheaper options including one that offered dinner only but Becky did not intend to have to bother herself with thinking of meals during her vacation.
“No, I’m not really too hungry. I do a lot of fasting.” Alice pushed the reservoir back into place and dropped a coffee capsule into the receptacle.
Becky eyed Alice’s slim figure as she ruefully patted her own small belly pooch. “I should do that. I’ve thought about it but I’ve not quite gotten around to it. I tend to eat on the run and I know it’s not good for me.”
“Hungry to bed, hungry to rise, makes a girl a smaller size.”
Becky snorted, thinking Alice was joking, but her face remained impassive. “I like being thin, Becky. How I look is very important to me.”
Feeling suitably chastened, Becky turned away to unzip her travel bag. “I respect that. My job means that I need to be aware of my appearance, too. I might get changed and head over to the courtyard for lunch.”
“You look fine in what you’re wearing,” Alice said kindly.
Becky looked down at the corporate black skirt and white top she’d pulled on this morning before leaving for the office. “No, I think a pair of shorts will be more comfortable. Excuse me, Alice.” She took her shorts and t-shirt into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. If she was here alone she would’ve left the door open, probably walked around the cabin in her knickers and bra, but that was not to be. At least Alice seemed amicable enough. She changed into her shorts and t-shirt and pulled her dark hair up into a ponytail. She didn’t have glorious tumbling curls like Alice but Michael said he liked her sleek, shiny hair.
She opened the door and walked back into the main room, hearing her stomach rumble. She’d grabbed a coffee and a donut before she left Portland to drive out here but maybe the country air was sharpening her hunger. She’d always found she ate like a horse whenever she stayed at her parents’ cabin. Perhaps she needed to take a leaf out of Alice’s book and pay some attention to fasting.
“Is this your husband?”
Becky was disconcerted to see Alice waving around the framed photo of Michael that she’d tucked into her travel bag. “Where did you get that? Have you been into my bag?”
Alice brushed off her sharply spoken words. “You left your bag open and the photo was lying on top. He’s hot. What’s his name?”
“His name is Michael and yes, he’s a good-looking man.” Becky took the photo from Alice’s hand and shoved it back into the side pocket of her bag, where she was sure she’d left it when she went into the bathroom. “Alice, if we’re to be sharing a cabin for the next week I think we need to have some boundaries. I’m used to taking care of my own business and looking out for my own stuff. Is that all right with you?” She turned with a smile and was surprised to see Alice scowling at her. “What’s wrong?”
“I thought we could be friends.”
“I’m sure we can be friends but I do think we need to set out a few guidelines because we’re going to be sharing such a small space.” Becky laid her skirt and top on the coverlet before zipping her bag firmly closed and setting it on the floor at the end of her bed.
“Fine.” Alice took her coffee cup from the machine and nodded at the open front door. “Did they give you a key at the desk?”
“Yes. Thanks for reminding me.” Becky pulled the key from the pocket of the skirt she’d just taken off and pushed it into the pocket of her shorts. “I guess I’ll see you after lunch.” She glanced at her handbag where it still lay on the bed. She didn’t really want to drag it around with her but she wasn’t sure if she could trust Alice. She scooped it up and swung the strap over her shoulder. “I might go for a walk after lunch but I guess we’ll bump into each other sometime during the afternoon.”
“Mmmmm.” Alice followed her to the door and watched as she skipped down the few steps to the path below. “Have fun.”
“I will. Bye, Alice.” She started to walk back to the courtyard she’d seen earlier but she could feel Alice’s eyes still on her. She hoped the girl wasn’t going to be a problem – if there were any real issues, she’d demand that Marian find somewhere else for her to stay. Or else she’d ask for her money back and leave, but that would be her very last option.
The group of middle-aged women were already in the courtyard when she returned, along with three younger women who looked like sisters and a thin, pale man who Becky thought might blow away if the wind picked up too much. She smiled at the three sisters. “Hi, I’m Becky.”
They al
l returned her smile and the taller one made the introductions. “Hi, Becky. I’m Julie and these are my sisters, Annie and Francis. Have you just arrived?”
“Yes, just a short while ago.” She looked over at the trestle tables, now covered in crisp white cloths, set with pitchers of water and glasses, and each decorated with a round, shallow vase of purple and yellow pansies. “I’m hungrier than I thought I was.”
Julie lifted her nose and sniffed the air. “I think they’re grilling meat for the carnivores. We’re vegetarians but Marian said they’re used to catering for all kinds of dietary requirements.”
“I’m an unapologetic carnivore.” Becky watched as the receptionist she’d seen earlier carried out two large bowls of salad and set them in the middle of the table. “Here comes your vegetarian salads.”
Lunch was a jovial affair as the book club ladies turned out to share a riotous and risqué sense of humor, often bordering on bawdy, and they all clearly loved being in each other’s company. Gordon, the thin, pale young man, appeared to be in a state of delayed shock over what he’d signed himself up for but Becky noticed him starting to relax by the time the cheeseboard and grapes appeared. The food was delicious; there was no doubt about that. Alice had no idea what she was missing.
Marian joined them as they finished their after-lunch coffee, checking to see that everyone was settling in and had made satisfactory plans for the afternoon. The sisters said they planned to have a swim in the pool, the book club ladies were attending the batik class and Gordon said he’d booked himself a massage, adding that there was only one masseuse rostered on today. Becky was disappointed to hear the massage room was unavailable but she consoled herself with the thought of a languid stroll in the woods. Getting back to nature and spending some time finding herself again was a big component of this week and she needed to make the most of it.
The Life Thief Page 2