Page 59 of The Physical Attraction Seminar
“We can’t do this right now. You’re going to make me late!”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.” He smiles against my lips.
With our mouths still locked together, I hear the soft thud of the tulips falling to the floor as Barrett’s hand slides behind my back and begins to unzip my dress.
On second thought, maybe it’s okay to be a little late every now and then.
EPILOGUE
BARRETT
THREE YEARS LATER
“Settle down. Settle down.”
The chatter of voices around the outdoor patio area slowly fades. In the distance, you can hear the sound of waves crashing along the shore. It’s hot and sunny today in Turks and Caicos, but the crowd of couples standing before me looks eager and ready to learn.
The atmosphere is filled with an electric hum of excitement that sets this place apart from anywhere else. The seminar offers a variety of sessions, giving couples the freedom to select the ones that align with their personal objectives and preferences.
While there are many repeat attendees, the event also welcomes a new wave of couples every year. I love watching the newbies navigate the unknown with acombination of caution and excitement. I have a soft spot for them and their blend of apprehension and eagerness. It feels like yesterday that I was in their shoes.
“Good morning, everyone, and welcome to day number two of The Physical Attraction Seminar,” I project my voice with a warm smile while confidently pacing across the small stage. “My name is Barrett…”
The arched double doors at the back of the patio swing open in unison, and melodic music from inside the convention center ballroom instantly fills the air. An unsteady planter perched on the side of the door sways back and forth, and I tense up, bracing myself for the potential crash. Right when I think it’s going to fall and shatter into a million pieces, the plant defies gravity and stays upright.
With her brown hair billowing in the wind, my perpetually late fiancée holds one of the door handles tightly while clutching her chest. She takes a deep gasp, her chest rising and falling in an effort to catch her breath.
“Look who it is!” Buster's voice cuts through the air, instantly capturing the focus of everyone in the room as they turn to look at her. “She finally made it!”
Lyla draws her gaze up from the ground and scans the crowd, still hunched over and inhaling deeply.
We’ve been back to The Physical Attraction Seminar every year since our first accidental visit. All year, we look forward to it. Late at night, we lie in bed giggling over the clever wordplay of the punny session titles we come up with. It’s the highlight of our year, and we’re always leftwith an endless number of goofy stories to run back and tell to our friends and family.
This place was a pivotal turning point for Lyla and I’s relationship, and it holds a special significance that we’ll always cherish.
I've made countless attempts to persuade my brothers and their partners to join us, but they're still reluctant to participate. This year was our closest attempt yet at convincing them to come with us, and I'm certain that next year will be the year they finally agree.
Our friends, Charlene and Buster, took on the responsibility of coordinating the event this year. And when they called us a few months ago asking if we’d be willing to get our feet wet and try teaching a seminar session this year, we jumped at the chance.
I yearn for the day when Lyla and I, with our gray hair and wrinkles, continue attending this event every year, just like Charlene and Buster.
“And that is my beautiful fiancée, Lyla.”
Ly straightens her posture, and a genuine smile brightens her face as she effortlessly weaves through the bustling crowd, waving to familiar faces.
She gives Buster a playful rub on the arm as she passes, and he responds with a playful wink.
When she joins me, my arm immediately snakes around her waist while I finish my introductory spiel. “And we will be your hosts for our favorite session for the last three years in a row called ‘Keys to Being a Kinkier Kisser.’”
Whispers floated through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and the sight of shared smiles.
“My dear friend, Buster, is going to get us started this morning with a warm-up exercise, so everyone will give him a warm welcome…”
“Thank you, Barrett.” Buster brings his hand to his forehead and gives me a salute. “I’ll take it from here.”
Lyla and I step over to the side where people can’t see us. It’s hard for me to keep my hands off her. She’s got on a yellow dress, and she has a warm glow of a tan from laying out yesterday.
“You’re late.” I kiss her.
