Page 3 of Open Arms

“Well, we’ll miss you, but you’re right. It’ll be good for me to handle things on my own. I got it covered,” I said, the assurance in my voice slightly stronger than I felt. “You two have fun, hear?”

“Knew you would,” Dad said, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners.

“Can I come?” Abby piped up, returning to the kitchen with her shoes on but untied.

“Next time, darling,” Mama laughed. “This trip’s for the old folks.”

“Guess it’s just you and me, kiddo,” I winked at her, trying to ignore the knot of urgency settling in my stomach. It was going to be an interesting few months, that was for damn sure.

2

Chloe

The steering wheelshook under my hands, a constant reminder that the old silver sedan was hanging on to its last breaths. I squinted against the glare of the morning sun, the road to Sunshine Acres unfurling like a promise in front of me. I could practically hear my brother’s voice, “Chlo, you sure that thing will make it another mile?” But here we were, defying odds and low expectations.

“Come on, Betsy,” I muttered to the car, patting the dashboard as if encouragement could bolster the engine. A chuckle escaped my lips, a rare sound these days. The humor felt foreign, almost like it belonged to someone else—someone not scarred by the kind of past that clung to me like a shadow.

The gravel crunched beneath Betsy’s tires as we pulled into a parking spot, a cloud of dust marking our grand entrance. I killed the engine, and the world fell silent save for the ticking of the cooling metal. My heart thudded—a drumbeat of nerves and anticipation.

“Okay,” I whispered to the rearview mirror, meeting the gazeof the blue-eyed girl with the jagged scar along her temple. “You’ve got this.”

I stepped out, the door creaking a protest, and my boots hit the ground with purpose. The air was fresh with a hint of pine, and I filled my lungs, willing the calm of the surrounding nature to seep into my bones.

Sunshine Acres wellness retreat stretched out before me, a sanctuary painted with gentle hues of green and gold. My fingers brushed over the fabric covering the scars on my back—scars no one here knew about, scars I intended to keep to myself.

The walk towards the main building was short, but each step felt laden with meaning. This was it—the fresh start I’d been seeking ever since everything went dark. Each patch of sunlight that kissed my skin seemed to whisper, “Welcome.”

“New beginnings,” I breathed out, feeling the tight coil of anxiety loosen ever so slightly within me. My heart pounded, not just from fear, but something else. Hope? Yeah, maybe that was it. Hope felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford, yet here it was, welling up despite my defenses.

Warmth spread through me, not from the sun, but from the knowledge that this was more than a job; it was a chance at healing. At living. I reached for the door handle, my pulse racing with a cocktail of dread and excitement.

The chime above the door tinkled its greeting, slicing through the silence. I stepped into the foyer of Sunshine Acres, and the scent of lavender and eucalyptus enveloped me—nature’s own welcome mat.

“Chloe Beecham?” A voice like warm honey called out from across the room.

I nodded, my throat too tight to trust with words just yet.

Eryn Blake glided toward me with an ease that made her seemmore a part of the serene environment than an intruder in it. She was even more beautiful in person, her brown hair catching the light that streamed through the large windows, her amber eyes immediately locking onto mine with a depth of understanding that startled me.

“Welcome to Sunshine Acres,” she said, her smile reaching her eyes in a way that felt genuine, disarming. “I’m Eryn.”

“I know.” I cringed. “I mean, yes. I’m Chloe.” I thrust out a hand and hoped she dealt with that kind of weirdness often. She was Eryn-freaking-Blake for God’s sake. But my nerves were present due to more than just her fame.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” she said with a serene smile that seemed radiate calmness. “I’m sorry I wasn’t the one to interview you, but Enzo said you would make an amazing addition to the retreat staff.”

Oh. My heart “I appreciate that. I appreciate all of this.” I waved my hand around. The gratitude was heavy on my tongue, but it needed to be said. “For the job. For having me here.”

“Of course.” Her head tilted ever so slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the walls I’d built around myself, then she extended her hand. “Let’s show you around, shall we?”

As we walked, Eryn pointed out the meditation gardens, the yoga pavilion, and the therapy rooms, all while explaining the daily operations. I followed, nodding occasionally, taking mental notes, and trying not to trip over my own feet. I should’ve been overwhelmed, but there was something about her presence that made it all seem manageable.

“Here’s the staff break room,” she said, pushing open a door to reveal a cozy space, filled with the chatter and laughter of employees.

“Everyone, this is Chloe, our newest addition.” Eryn’sintroduction was met with a chorus of welcomes that swirled around me like a warm breeze.

“Hey,” I managed, offering up a small wave that felt embarrassingly timid.

“Chloe’s going to help out with client care and some admin work,” Eryn continued, her tone casual, inclusive.

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