Page 22 of Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins Please

My eyebrows raise in suspicion. “To where?”

“That’s a surprise,” I hear Teaganne call from the background.

I sit down on the edge of the couch; nerves fill my body. “I’m not so good with surprises.”

“I promise you’ll love it. We are just going to have a girl's day so we can relax for a bit. We’ve all been running on empty between Teaganne and I’s new company and then Bushels of Fun...there’s been so much back-to-back. We’ve all earned a little down time to recharge and you’re coming with us.” I’ve worked with Warbee long enough to know that once she sets her mind on something there’s not much chance of changing it unless you threaten Rocker. As much as I don’t like surprises, I have to admit threatening Rocker seems a little extreme.

Sighing, I stand back up and begin to pace back and forth. “Okay, I guess I’m in.”

“Yes, I knew you would be. Get dressed. We are like four minutes from your apartment. Meet us outside.” The line goes dead, and I look down at my leggings and oversized t-shirt which is littered with holes. Not to mention, all of the paint from the years of art. I rush upstairs to put something else on. When I reach my closet, I realize the problem that I hadn’t thought of until now is I don’t know what to wear. I don't know where we’re going or what we’re doing. There could be a certain type of outfit I should wear, but surely if there was Warbee would have told me.

Finally, I just grab my favorite dark wash skinny jeans, cobalt blue long sleeve shirt, and a pair of black boots. I release my hair from the messy bun and try to fluff it out. I grab a longer necklace just because I feel like it needs something. It’s a large eye with a blue crystal as the pupil. It’s one of my favorites. I grab a pair of hoop earrings, my black leather jacket and scarf and head for the door, grabbing my purse off the table beside me as I head out.

The moment I step outside I spot Warbee and Teaganne. The shiny silver Lexus sedan is hard to miss and makes my Chevy Sonic look like a sore thumb. Teaganne comes from money, but she’s also worked hard to get where she is now. She’s earned her Lexus, but I’d be lying if I said she didn’t intimidate me because she does. Teaganne always seems so together. Most days I feel like a mess rolling around trying to figure out my life still.

I climb into the back seat and both, Warbee and Teaganne, turn around to greet me. “Are you ready to relax for a bit?” Teaganne asks. Her long, raven colored hair is held back by a simple bronze colored headband. She looks stunning with barely any makeup. Teaganne has always been friendly and welcoming, but Warbee and Teaganne have been best friends for so long, I can’t help feeling like a third wheel sometimes.

“What exactly are we doing?” I ask.

Warbee laughs. “Okay, I’ll tell you and ruin the surprise. Teaganne and I took on a job. Teaganne has been helping decorate the new business and BeeTeag is going to help launch it when it opens in a few weeks. So, Lillie Maymers, offered us a trial run at it. She’s giving a select few the option to come try it out first. Kind of like a trial run to figure out any issues she might have before she opens officially.”

My mind wanders what Lillie is opening. There are a number of things that could be happening. I knew there was a building she was looking at in town. We discussed its location with the relaxing view of the mountains one time at the bakery. The building was older and needed a lot of work which was something she wasn’t sure she wanted to take on. “Okay, that’s great, but what is it?”

Teaganne laughs. “You really don’t like surprises, do you?” She glances at me in her rearview mirror. Her honey-colored eyes meet mine. I’m not sure what she sees but she decides to tell me. “It’s a day spa.”

“A spa? Really?”

Warbee bobs her head excitedly. “I can’t wait. I’m so excited.”

It’s moments like these that really put a damper on my mood. I feel so out of the loop. My life experiences have been so little compared to most people in my life. Normally, it doesn’t bother me but then something as simple as a spa day happens and I’m reminded of how much I’ve missed out on because I’m always working, trying to make ends meet or running from my past and bad decisions. I’ve never been to a spa, but I’m afraid to admit that. I’m sure they both could call a spa their second home. I give a short laugh and a quiet comment, “I can tell,” from my place in the backseat.

We pull up to the older building that has definitely had a face lift. The two-story white brick looks refreshing. Teaganne parks in VIP parking and we climb out and head inside. The calming scents of lavender and mint fill my senses as we enter. The room is large, open, and inviting and decorated in a white, baby blue and mint green theme. It’s a very calming atmosphere. Lillie, a leggy, strawberry blonde, blue eyed, ex-beauty queen comes around the corner and greets us. “I’m so happy y’all could make it. Please, remember this is a trial run for us. If you have any issues or suggestions, please let me know. Let me officially welcome you to Skyscape Spa.”

Teaganne works out our schedules with Lillie. Warbee joins me as we sip on cucumber, lemon and mint infused water. It tastes amazing. Warbee leans in. “I’m so excited. I’ve never been to a spa before!”

I’m pretty sure my jaw hits the floor at that confession. In the car I assumed a spa would be second nature for Warbee. “What do you mean?”

Warbee looks at me and laughs. “I’ve never been to a spa before.” She bumps my shoulder with hers. “See, you aren’t the only one.”

“You knew?” I ask. A blush of embarrassment floods my cheeks.

She gives me a small smile. “I could tell by your reaction in the car. Things like this are so common for Teaganne, but not for me. Baking was always my escape from reality, my relaxation place. Teaganne loves the spa so when we got invited, we knew we had to come and try it out. Plus, Lillie really wants this to work, and she totally deserves for it to work, so if we can help her out, we should.”

“You know, you’re one of the main reasons I stayed in Blue Ridge.” The statement just falls out of my mouth. I hadn’t meant to tell her. Mostly, because I worried it would seem odd, but it’s out of the bag now.

Warbee looks at me. “Really?”

“Yeah, I mean, Blue Ridge is great and I felt at home and safe here for the first time in my life, but it was you that made me want to stay. You were so kind and understanding, even though you didn’t have my back story. You welcomed me without any questions and just made me feel like part of the family. I’d never had that before.”

When I look over, Warbee's eyes are shining with unshed tears. “Those are the kindest words. Thank you, Capri. Honestly, I always try to be the person I would want if I was lost or alone in this world. A simple act of kindness can go a long way, but this world has lost a lot of the kindness it once had and it’s disappointing. I’m so glad you stayed.”

“Me, too.” She links her arm with mine and we grab a glass of water for Teaganne and head in her direction.

Warbee leans in. “I think, though, some of the reason you stayed was out of your hands.” I give her a questioning look. “Jayse. I think the universe knew Jayse needed you and in return you needed him. I’m glad that it seems the two of you have finally found each other. I’m so happy for both of you. Just know I’m always in your corner.”

At the mention of Jayse, butterflies appear in my stomach. I won’t deny what she says because it feels like she just might be right. I may never agree out loud because that feeling of vulnerability is not something I’m good with, but I do think Jayse and I needed each other and I’m excited to see where it takes us.

TWENTY

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