Page 28 of Artemis

“Fantastic.”

“There are clean robes in each locker. Pick one and leave your clothes behind. There are signs that will direct you to the massage rooms. Preference of gender?”

“Female, please,” Artemis requested. She didn’t think she could handle a man’s touch after Finley had made her fall apart so thoroughly such a short time ago.

She found the robes in the lockers just as they were described and changed quickly, eager to get her massage started. There was calming music playing quietly over hidden speakers, setting the mood for relaxation. The color scheme of muted greens, grays, and creams added to the effect.

A woman greeted her at the entrance to the massage rooms. “Good day, Artemis. I am Psyche and I will be your masseuse today.”

“The owner?” Artemis asked, surprised.

“I love to help out in the massage rooms. I got my license before I started this place, and keep up to date on techniques monthly,” Psyche replied.

“I wasn’t questioning your abilities,” Artemis reassured her.

“I didn’t think you were.” Psyche smiled. She gestured inside one of the darkened rooms. “Shall we begin?”

“Yes, please.”

“Please remove your robe and lay on your stomach on the bed. Here is a sheet for your modesty, if you wish.” Psyche backed out of the room, closing the door as she went. “I’ll be with you in two minutes.”

Artemis hung her robe on the hook on the back of the door before getting on the bed, ignoring the sheet. She admired the lush orchid in a square vase beside a tea light directly in front of her. Looking around the room, she saw that there wasn’t much else in here besides a small table with a bottle of lotion. The music from in the change room continued in here, but the lighting was much dimmer; reminiscent of a candlelit dinner.

A knock sounded on the door. “Are you ready in here?” Psyche asked. When Artemis answered, she opened the door fully and entered. She made no comment regarding Artemis’s choice to be nude and went straight to the lotion. “I will start with the large muscle groups in your back and legs before I move on to the smaller muscles of your neck and arms. How often have you had a massage?”

“I can’t remember the last time I had one,” Artemis admitted.

“If I press too hard, let me know immediately.”

By the time Psyche removed her hands from Artemis’s skin for the last time, Artemis didn’t remember much about her massage. It felt like she had entered a dream-like state as Psyche worked each muscle into a relaxed, boneless, mass.

“You don’t have to rush. Sit up slowly and take your time,” Psyche said at the end of the hour. “Once you feel ready, the nail salon is to the left outside the door. You can stay in your robe or you can change back into your clothes, it’s up to you.”

“Thank you so much,” Artemis said, her voice muffled from her cheek being pressed against the bed. “That was amazing. You are incredible at this. Can I ask for you next time I come?”

“You can ask, but it would work better if you made an appointment,” Psyche teased.

“I’ll try to remember that.” Artemis lay on the bed, fully relaxed, for several minutes after Psyche had left the room. Her limbs and head felt heavy. At last, she got slowly to her feet, wiped a trickle of drool from the side of her mouth, and pulled on her robe.

The manicure and pedicure also involved massaging of her hands and feet. She chose a soft pink polish for her nails.

By the end of her appointment, she had decided that she had to come back, at least every two weeks. She felt less stressed and more prepared to take on the days ahead.

On her way out to her car, she called Luna again. “I’m bringing you with me next time,” she said in greeting.

Luna chuckled. “I accept. Was that all you were calling to say?”

“Yes. Heading to pick up Alexander now.”

“See you tomorrow.”

One of the things that Artemis had thought about during the massage was how she felt like she didn’t know her son.

What did he like to play with?

What was his favorite color?

Was it still green?

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