Page 58 of First Date: Divorce
“We’re getting faster at it, too,” Izzy added with mild satisfaction.“Used to take us most of the week to feel sure.But after going through the process ourselves so many times, it can be quite easy to spot.There’s serious research into predictors.”
“I’m not half bad, but Izzy’s way better than I am,” her husband said with pride.“She should be doing the counseling.”
“Don’t be silly.”Though it clearly pleased her.
“But if you keep coming back, is that because—?”
Izzy interrupted K.D.with a laugh.“Oh, dear, we should have said.It’s not because the retreatdoesn’twork.Not at all.Don’t worry about that for a moment.We enjoy the surroundings and the amenities and the activities—”
“But the counseling sessions—?”
They both chuckled this time.“That might be the best part.How many opportunities do you get to talk to someone who’s hanging on every word — all by yourself or the two of you together.Listening to our stories and memories and impressions.Things our kids and friends have heard too many times to even pretend interest in anymore.”
“Except the ones who don’t remember and it feels wrong to take advantage of them.But here, we’re paying for it, so it’s all fair,” Orion said.
The woman’s expression darkened.“It doesn’t work for everyone, of course, which is sad.”
He placed a hand over hers.“A couple left earlier today with lots of tears, harsh words, including the D-word.Divorce.The Murchisons.He said he’d file as soon as they got home to Sheridan.They had your room, in fact.That’s why the delay.They were late getting out because of the drama.Counselors even tried tag-teaming them, but it didn’t work.”
“Melody — the one you’ve been assigned to — was so disappointed.You could tell she thought they’d made progress.It’s sad to see these young counselors’ hopes dashed.Besides, sometimes they do have a new insight,” Izzy said kindly.“That’s another reason to keep coming.Keeps the spark going.”
Orion grinned at her and she chuckled lightly.“Yes, it does.”
That had enough subtext that K.D.kept her focus on her drink.Still, it was her job to investigate and that meant asking questions.“The counseling keeps the spark going?”
“Oh, no, dear,” Izzy said.“The sneaking around.”
“Excuse me?”
“Officially, they recommend against having sex during the program.Says abstinence takes the pressure off progress made in counseling, though it sure can add other kinds of pressure,” Orion said.“And unofficially, there are the rumors…”
“What rumors?”Eric asked.
The older couple exchanged a look and appeared to come to an agreement.
He said, “Word is that there are cameras in the rooms.Or audio.Or both.”
“They can’t do that.”K.D.forced an addition to her flat statement to inject uncertainty.“Can they?Aren’t there rules about privacy and such?”
“Mmm.Take a look at the release you signed,” Orion said.“I’m not saying they do or they don’t — not for sure.But that’s what we were told when we started coming by people who’d been through before.”
Izzy leaned forward.“It’s another reason we keep coming back.It’s like being a teenager again, finding the naughtiest places to — you know.”
She looked at her husband and they beamed at each other.
K.D.thought that if she were the kind to blush she’d be turning bright red right now from the intimacy of that look.Or maybe from its blatant joy.
“We warn couples we like,” Izzy added.
“And don’t warn the ones we don’t,” he added with a twinkle.“If they do record and there’s a sudden drop in — let’s call it activity, we don’t want them catching on that we’re the source, so we’re careful not to tell too many.And never when we can be overheard by staff.”
“No uniforms, so how do you tell staff?”Eric asked.
Orion leaned forward.“Watch for people wearing name tags.All the staff have ’em, none of the guests do.That leaves it up to us if we want other guests to know our names or not — first only or the whole she-bang.”
“The name tags don’t have names, though.Just job,” K.D.said.LikeReceptionfor the woman they’d first met andWait Stafffor the young man who’d brought their drinks.
“Good noticing, K.D.We didn’t catch on to that until the second time here.”
