Page 29 of Judge Me Not

Me:How is Abby?

Cee Cee:She's fine. Go enjoy the spa!

I'm too worried about Abby and upset I'm wasting precious time here when I could be with her.

Right before I get into the massage room I get another text.

Cee Cee:Abby's temperature is ninety-eight point eight. I called Dr. Plax to be safe. As I suspected, he said to watch her but not to worry yet.

Me:I'm coming home.

Cee Cee:No. I have everything under control. This is work. You wouldn't come home right now if you were at your other job.

Me:I'm at a spa. This isn't work.

Cee Cee: It is. And the five thousand you are earning today is too much to lose.

I can't argue with her.

Me:Please tell me if it goes any higher.

Cee Cee:Of course I will. Go relax and enjoy your spa day.

I close my eyes and softly bang my head against the locker.

"Are you Jasmine?"

I spin. "Yes."

A woman beams at me and holds out her hand. "I'm Sarah. I'll be giving you your massage and mud bath today."

I take a deep breath. "Okay." I slip my phone into my pocket.

"I'm so sorry, but we have a strict policy. No phones in the treatment rooms. You'll have to put it in your locker."

"I need my phone. I'll keep it on silent."

She smiles bigger. "I'm sorry, but I'll lose my job. The members are rather strict about it."

"Members?"

"Yes. Did you not know this is a spa club? Only members and their special guests are allowed in."

Of course it is. Why would Mr. Lickable send me anywhere that wasn't exclusive and you had to pay just to step inside?

"I didn't. How much is the membership?"

She raises her eyebrows. "I'm not the membership director, but I believe they start around one hundred thousand a year. If you want, I can add her to your schedule so you can discuss joining?"

I laugh. "No, thank you. I'm a normal person. Somedays, I can't even afford McDonald's."

Sympathy crosses her face. "I know the feeling." She points to my phone. "If you stick your cell in the locker, we can get started."

I spend the next few hours worried, my chest in knots. By the time I'm able to look at my phone, I feel like I might have a nervous breakdown.

As soon as I get back to the locker room, I text Cee Cee.

Me:How is Abby?

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