Page 5 of Waylaid in Whittier

She gave a friendly wave to Camille Bessette, the spa’s manager, and continued walking.

Camille hurried around the desk. “Are you here to check out Andy’s new project?”

“I am.”

“I’m dying to know what it is. I was just heading that way.” She hustled to keep up with Millie’s fast pace. “The workers have been in and out of here for days.” Camille explained she’d attempted to take a sneak peek, only to be promptly escorted out and told the area was closed until further notice.

The women stopped when they reached the doorway leading to the spa’s inner sanctuary, noticing a big bold “Restricted Area” sign taped to it.

“Let’s try to guess what it is. I have a clue. Andy told me to bring my raincoat.”

“Raincoat?” Camille wrinkled her nose. “That explains why workers wheeled a cartful of drainage pipes back here.”

“Maybe it’s a splash pad.”

“For children?”

“For adults.” Millie warmed to the idea. “How cool would an indoor adult splash pad be?”

“Especially if it had massagers on them.” Camille closed her eyes. “Steamy jets of goodness in a sauna setting.”

“I like the sounds of that.” Millie reached for the door handle. “There’s only one way to find out.”

The hush of low voices echoed from within. Neon green masking tape lined the floor, directing their steps past the lush potted plants strategically placed inside to offer an intimate setting. Music, a mixture of both flutes and harps, played softly in the background.

Millie caught a whiff of jasmine mingled with sage. The music, the scent, the scenery all evoked a sense of tranquility and she could feel herself relax. “I need to spend more time in here.”

“It’s a peaceful place.” Camille confided that after particularly stressful workdays, she sometimes sneaked in and lounged in the relaxation room. “You should come hang out with me.”

“I think I will. Thanks for the offer.”

Following the designated path, the women rounded the corner and came to an abrupt halt. A cluster of ship employees stood near the trio of rainfall showers…showers that reminded Millie of test tubes.

Andy stood in front of the group, chatting with Donovan Sweeney. He caught Millie’s eye and waved her over.

“I think Andy wants you near the front,” Camille whispered.

“Great.” Millie was starting to suspect he hadn’t summoned her to check out his most recent project, but to be a part of his “big reveal.”

“It looks like an impressive gathering.”

Camille wasn’t wrong. Somehow, Nic had arrived before her. He stood near the front, alongside Donovan, Dave Patterson,the head of security, Antonio Vitale, the staff captain, as well as several other officers.

Millie hesitated. “I guess I better get up there.”

“I’ll keep an eye on Scout,” Camille offered.

“Thanks.” She trudged past the others, reluctantly making her way to the front of the room. “Is everyone else here to test out your surprise?”

“No. I only needed one volunteer.”

She glanced around the room at the growing crowd. “You didn’t mention I was part of the big reveal.”

“You’re always such a good sport. I figured you wouldn’t mind showing off the spa’s new star attraction.”

Millie’s eyes slid to the side, studying the trio of showers, trying to figure out what was different about them. “What am I getting myself into?”

“You’ll find out soon enough. I see you remembered to bring your raincoat.”

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