Page 74 of No Such Thing as Serendipity
“You look fine,” I said.
“Right.” A frown line creased her forehead. She motioned from my head to toe. “Says the woman in the knockout jumpsuit. I’m not wearing jeans when the two of you look like you do.”
“Can you make it home and back?” Emma asked. “Or will you meet us at the restaurant?”
Robyn pointed toward the ceiling. “I live in the apartment over the bookstore. But I could use a pug walker. Would you mind walking Millie?”
Emma’s eyes lit up. “I’m all over it.”
Fifteen minutes later, Robyn and Emma returned. Robyn wore a sleeveless dark denim dress that reached just above her knees with a pair of Roman sandals. I did a double take. Her toned shoulders and arms rivaled mine. I’d not noticed with the loose clothing she normally wore. She had a small charm on her necklace that fell above her cleavage, and a delicate bracelet encircled her wrist. The adornments elevated her girl-next-door vibe into something more sophisticated.
“You look nice,” I said.
She held out the sides of her dress and twisted from side to side.
“Jesus, Blake. Really?Nice? She looks amazing,” Emma said.
My face heated. She did. But I shouldn’t say it, should I? Well, Emma did, but it was different. “Yeah, yeah, you look great.”
I looked at Emma to see if she approved. By her expression, I couldn’t tell, so I turned back to Robyn.
“I have little occasion to wear a dress, so this is kinda fun.” Robyn’s cheeks held a hint of a blush.
“With the theaters here in the downtown, you don’t go often?” Emma asked.
“Not really. Between the bookstore and teaching, I have little time during the spring and summer. Then in the fall, when the college students return, things get pretty busy.”
I studied Robyn. Something in her words rang hollow. While I didn’t doubt she was busy, there were at least two theaters within walking distance, but I decided not to push the matter.
We arrived at The Chophouse a few minutes before our reservations, so we made our way to the bar area. Annie had already arrived and waved to us. The bar area was crowded with retreat-goers. I wondered if the other villa mates traveled in packs like we did.
“I just got here,” Annie said when we joined her at the bar. “Do you ladies want a drink?”
I’d not drunk any alcohol since coming here, not that I was a heavy drinker, but I declined, liking that I’d remained dry. Emma and Robyn said no, as well.
Robyn’s presence drew attention, and several women made their way over to us. Soon, the group engulfed her. She was a natural as she included everyone in the conversation.
I found myself annoyed by the others who’d horned in on her. After all, we invited her. I stepped back beside Helena, who stood apart from the rest of the group.
“How are you doing?” I asked.
She smiled at me. Her eyes were still clear with no sign of pain. “Remarkably well. The day has been amazing so far. And Mary Lou’s talk, so much food for thought.”
Mary Lou’s class was the last thing I wanted to revisit, so a change of subject was in order. “Will the long day affect you?”
Helena’s eyes softened. “That’s the thing with this stupid illness. It keeps me guessing. If I don’t get proper sleep or push myself too hard, it can flare up, but nothing we’re doing is strenuous. I’ve found emotional stress spirals me the most, so it’s simple. I eliminate all emotional stress.”
She laughed, so I joined her.
“That should be easy.” I gave her a wink. “I see Katlynn’s been keeping an eye out for you.”
“She’s been a godsend.” Helena grinned.
It still struck me how her smile changed her entire face. It was more pronounced since her sour expression remained etched on my mind. Once I learned her story, I felt guilty for giving her the nickname of sad sack.
“We’re quite the odd pair, aren’t we?” Helena said.
Earlier, I’d thought the same, but how should I respond?
