Page 99 of No Such Thing as Serendipity
“You’ve never been to one?” Helena asked.
“There hasn’t been anyone I’d want to do it with,” Katlynn answered.
Why did I hear the unspokenuntil nowin Katlynn’s words? That damned romance novel must be messing with my head. “Have you ever stayed friends with anyone you met at any of your retreats?” As soon as I saw the expression on Katlynn’s face, I wished I could take it back. “That’s a stupid question. All retreats are different.” I hoped it was enough to deflect the question.
“No!” Katlynn said so loud that Emma flinched. “This retreat emphasizes honesty, so I need to be transparent. I’ve stayed social media friends with a few but nothing more.” She turned to Helena, whose expression was blank. “But this retreat is different.” She reached for Helena’s hand.
Helena stared at it for a beat, but then she took it.
“Helena, I’m not sure what’s happening between us, but the thought of never talking to you again terrifies me.”
“Me too.” Helena’s voice was just above a whisper.
I glanced between Emma and Annie, thinking we should walk faster and leave the pair to their privacy. Just as I was about to suggest it, a streak raced across the parking lot toward us.
“Millie!” Emma called. While I knew she was happy to see Millie, it gave us the opportunity to let Katlynn and Helena talk in private.
Emma ran toward Millie as Millie sprinted toward us on her stubby legs, her tongue flapping as she ran. When Emma got to within a few yards of Millie, she dropped to her knees. Millie barreled toward Emma, who opened her arms just as Millie launched herself at Emma.
The pug hit Emma squarely in the chest. Emma let out an oomph before she tipped over onto her back.
“Millie!” Robyn yelled from where she stood beside her van before she ran toward where Emma and Millie lay in the parking lot.
My breath caught, watching Robyn racing across the parking lot.
“Are you okay?” Robyn asked as she reached Emma.
Emma had her arms wrapped around Millie and was laughing so hard she couldn’t respond.
I jogged up and crouched beside Emma. When Millie saw me, she stood on Emma’s chest and put her front paws on my knees.
“Ugh, Millie, Jesus, you weigh a ton,” Emma said.
“Millie, get off her,” Robyn said, reaching for Millie’s collar.
When Millie saw Robyn’s hand, she launched off Emma’s chest. Caught off guard, I tumbled backward, and Millie landed on my stomach. My breath pushed out of me. Now I understood how Emma felt. I coughed, trying to get air back into my lungs.
Our friends arrived, but they were laughing too hard to help.
“Oh, god, I didn’t think it was possible,” Annie said. “But Millie took out both sisters in one swoop.”
Her comment sent the others into another round of laughter. All except for Robyn, who was still trying to grab Millie’s collar.
I held up my hand. “Stop.” I sputtered since I had little air in my lungs. “I’ve got her.”
I sat up and gripped Millie’s collar.
“I am so sorry,” Robyn said. “Millie, you are being a very naughty girl.”
Emma rolled onto her knees and then stood. “It’s my fault. I’m the one that called her over.”
“Yeah, poor Millie shouldn’t get into trouble for my sister’s bad behavior.” I looked up at Emma and gave her an innocent smile.
“I was about to help you up,” Emma said. “But now I’m having second thoughts.” She held her hand out to Robyn, who handed her Millie’s leash. “I think I’ll take Millie instead.”
Emma clipped Millie’s leash onto her collar and turned away. “Come on, darling. Blake’s on her own.”
I looked up into Robyn’s eyes, and my insides did a flip-flop. She reached her hand out to me. As soon as I took it, electricity shot through me. Had Robyn felt it, too? Gauging by the heat in her eyes, she had.
