Page 23 of No Such Thing as Serendipity
In a weird way, it reminded me of how buildings sandwiched Central Park on both sides. Only Madison was the meat in this lake sandwich.
“I’ll take that comment as your stamp of approval.”
I snorted. “I wouldn’t go that far.” Although, I had to admit having two lakes nearby gave the city a boost.
“Come on, lighten up,” she said. “Getting away from the hustle and bustle will do you good. Just imagine. No decisions for the next four weeks.”
I groaned and pretended to shudder. “Don’t remind me.”
“Oh, it won’t be that bad.” The joy on her face disappeared. “Will it?”
“I’ll survive.” Not a ringing endorsement, but Emma knew me well enough to know I was practically dripping with enthusiasm.
“Mark my words, by the end of this adventure, you’re going to be a changed person. And it won’t be so hard for you to say something nice.”
“Right. And I’ll be buying a pickup truck, singing country music, and sharing my feelings.”
“Smart.” Emma laughed. “You’ve already discovered my diabolical plan.”
As we drove through town, Emma said, “Let’s come back once we settle in at the resort. There are so many cute little shops.” She pointed across the street. “Like that one. Lift Our Voices Books. What do you think they sell?”
“Books,” I deadpanned.
“Very funny.”
“By the name, I bet it’s one of those feminist places.”
“Wow! I didn’t know you were anti-feminist.”
My face heated. I hadn’t realized my tone had come out so harsh. “I’m not. I just had a few run-ins while building my career. Remember Hilda?”
“You dated her, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, but not for long. She decided my ambition was fueling the patriarchy. She wanted me to resign from Fortitude.” I cringed when I said Fortitude. I wondered how long it would be before I no longer had that reaction.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to bring that up. We’re here to heal.”
“We’re?”
“Fine. You’re here to heal, and I’m here to help.”
It didn’t take us long to drive through Madison. Emma instructed me to go north out of town as she punched an address into the GPS.
“Plan on telling me the name of this resort on Three Mile Creek?”
“Six Mile Creek. Get it right.”
“I stand corrected.” I put my hand against my chest. “I’d hate to cheat the creek out of its other three miles.”
Emma’s eyes twinkled. I knew she was holding something back. “What aren’t you saying?”
She grinned. “It’s not six miles.”
“Five?”
“Higher.”
“Seven.”
