Page 32 of Unexpected Adventures

Chapter Eight

We arrive at the spa, Aruna, where Denise has already made reservations for the Perfect Harmony package, which consists of a facial and a massage. She decides to throw in some lip and brow waxing as well.

“If we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it right,” she states. “Can’t be kissing a man if you’ve got a hairy lip.”

I self-consciously run my finger across my lip while looking in the hand mirror. My lip isn’t hairy, is it? Nah. My brows, on the other hand, could use some taming. I’ve always thought they were too thick but hated to tweeze them myself.

We’re led back to a spacious room where we’re given lush robes and told to change. It smells heavenly, like citrus, and I feel a little more at ease. The lighting is low and there’s soft music flowing out of what I presume to be hidden speakers in the wall. Along one wall is a water feature, where the massage tables are situated.

“You’re going to love this, Abby. It’s so relaxing, and so wonderful to feel spoiled.”

“How often have you done this?”

“I usually treat myself to this a few times a year.”

“Do you go alone or with someone else?”

“Just depends on how I feel at the time or who I may feel like inviting along. Sherri and I have done it twice together, but I usually come alone. I like to think of it asmytime.”

Once we strip down to nothing, in private, and put the robes on, we’re instructed to have a seat in the chairs where we’ll have the waxing done first. Actually, we get a foot bath and a mini-massage, then the waxing. Not knowing what to expect, and thinking it was going to hurt like heck, I’m pleasantly surprised it is practically painless. After the technician places some cold implement on our skin to minimize the redness and swelling, we’re once again instructed to disrobe and lay down on the massage tables.

“Remember to just relax and let yourself go,” Denise says.

“I’ve never had a stranger’s hands all over me before.”

“Abby, they’re professionals. And female. Just relax,” she says again.

The music and atmosphere certainly help with the relaxation, as it’s meant to do. I settle in and tell myself to drift away for the next hour while all the tension is being eased from my body. Little did I realize how tense I was and just how relaxing the massage would be, because at some point, I literally wake myself up with a snort. Me…snoring.

“Sorry,” I meekly apologize.

“That’s quite all right,” the masseuse says. “It really does happen all the time.”

“Good to know,” I mumble as best I can while my face is smashed into the cradle.

No sooner did I say that, when we’re told to flip. As the gal holds the sheet up in a tent-like fashion to shield my naked body, I awkwardly roll myself over onto my back, hands instinctively crossing over my breasts. The sheet is tucked around me. However, she reaches under one side, asking for my arm. Darn.

After she finishes with each arm, she gingerly tucks them under the sheet again.Cucumber slices are then placed on our eyes. Yep, what I’ve seen in those commercials, they really do that.

“How ya doing over there, sis?” Denise asks.

“Really, really good,” I reply sleepily.

“Good to hear. You’re going to be hooked.”

“I already am. Why have I never treated myself to anything like this before?”

“You don’t treat yourself enough. Time for that to change.”

The masseuse continues to work over my neck and shoulders, and boy does it feel wonderful. Who knew so much tension and strain could build up in the body?

A warm blanket is placed across us as the techs get ready to finish with the facials. So many steps take place as we’re exfoliated and scrubbed and washed and rinsed and toned and only they know what else. By the time it’s done, I truly feel like a new person.

Once we’re moisturized and left to sit for a few more moments, I feel like drifting back into a peaceful sleep. Only Denise has other plans.

“Ready for round two?” she says, oh so brightly.

“Um, sure. What’s next?” To my dismay, I reluctantly get up to dress again and get ready to go.

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