by Thérèse
“Blessings,” said a girl India knew instantly must be Summer, as she was holding a woman’s upturned hand in her own, tracing the lines around her thumb. She could have been sent by central casting, India thought, taking in the woman’s short floaty caftan, the ton of bangles, the bandanna tied around her head, and the snake tattoo that inched its way up her thigh.
“Trules,” Summer whispered, “I can see that you’re a very giving person. Your energy is strong, but there’s been quite a drain on it recently. You must learn to hold something back for yourself or you will having nothing left to give.”
Trules nodded with rapt attention.
“When I do these group readings, I like to take affirmations from others. The energy can help. Do I have your permission to ask your friends if they agree with me?”
“Yes, yes,” Trules said. The woman next to her wiped away a tear. “I think that Trules is one of the kindest, most generous, loving, and giving women we know.”
There were nods of agreement around the room.
Summer continued in reverential tones. “Trules, you must learn to honor yourself and your own needs first. My gift to you today is this reminder that you are an extremely special person and should be kinder to yourself. I’m also going to give you an affirmation that I would like you to repeat as often as you can.”
“Yes, Summer,” she murmured, “I will.”
Summer gave her a very special smile. “Say this after me: ‘I honor and love Trules.’”
“I honor and love Trules,” the girl repeated, softly. “I honor and love Trules.”
India was squirming on her cushion. The stench of incense was making her queasy. Surely these full-grown women weren’t swallowing this sort of bullshit whole?
Then Summer touched Annie lightly on the shoulder and pulled her aside. They squatted on two large velvet cushions and Summer laid out some cards in front of her. The two of them chatted for a while, then stood up and hugged each other.
“Ladies, it’s been such a pleasure today,” Summer said, turning to the rest of the group. “Thank you so much for being here. And please, feel free to take one of my cards and some leaflets. I’d be happy to offer discount rates for groups of five or more,” she said, backing out of the door with her hands crossed over her chest.
It was unbelievable, India thought. The blatant self-promotion. How much did it cost Summer to “give away” a mantra? A blessing? Talk about a business with no overhead… And what about all that stuff about past-life regression and power yoga? She gave herself a mental kick. Relax. You’re on vacation. Annie’s so glad you’re here.
“I’m so happy you’re here!” said Annabelle, reading her mind. “You have no idea.”
“It’s great to be back, Annie. I mean it,” India said, winding her arm through her sister’s. “I’ve missed you.”
“It’s been the most manic year of my life,” Annie replied, leaning in closely against her arm. “I shouldn’t complain. So many women in this town hit thirty and it’s over but here I am with almost more than I can handle.”
“I want to hear all about that, Annie. But in the meantime, I have a few questions for you.”
As the two of them walked slowly across the lawn, the sound of their laughter turned heads. India was pumping her sister about Adam. “I want all the details,” she whispered. “And I mean ALL the details.”
“Later,” Annie said, looking across the garden. “Joss is calling us over. Let’s go watch the kids at the pool. Oh, and by the way, I’m having a little dinner party for you on Thursday night. Some other people I think you’ll enjoy meeting. After that, nothing’s planned. We’re wide open.”
As they walked hand in hand toward the pool, India noticed that Adam and his friends had disappeared.
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