Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 59690 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 298(@200wpm)___ 239(@250wpm)___ 199(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59690 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 298(@200wpm)___ 239(@250wpm)___ 199(@300wpm)
Thankfully, Courtney was bringing me back down to reality.
We’d clicked the first day that I stepped foot into Wright Construction. She was a bubbly ball of light and only a few years older than me. Destined for upper management as far as I was concerned.
“Well, next time,” Courtney said. “I’m so glad you decided to take this job, Harley. You’re such an asset to the team. I hope you know that.”
I flushed with approval at those words. “Thanks, girl. The feeling is absolutely mutual.”
I waved good-bye once we got out to the parking lot, a little skip in my step. See, I’d made the right choice. I was doing the right thing. At least that part of my life seemed to be on track despite the clusterfuck it had caused personally. Plus, I got to be with Chase.
If only I didn’t have this spa day planned. Why had I agreed to this again?
I got behind the wheel of my Kia, turned David Bowie on full blast, and headed out into the middle of nowhere.
The spa appeared on the horizon like an apparition. It was surrounded on all sides by a sea of scrubby grass and quintessential Lubbock tumbleweeds. Just a large mosaic-dotted building in a long, flat line of nothing. I parked out front, amid the BMWs, Mercedes, and Range Rovers.
I could barely stop my jaw from unhinging at the sight of the interior. The lobby was three stories high with tinkling water coming down a waterfall against one wall. The place was otherwise minimalist and pure white on every surface with a view of the arid climate beyond.
“Welcome to The Retreat on the Permian Basin. Can I help you?”
“Yes, I’m here for a group spa day. It’s reserved under Ashleigh Sinclair.”
“Oh, yes. Ashleigh is one of our most dedicated clients. And your name is?”
“Harley. Harley Wright.”
“Excellent. You’re on the guest list.”
The woman got my shoe and robe size and then directed me through the maze of a building to a changing area. I stripped down to nothing but the robe and comfortable rubber shoes. It took me longer than I’d thought because I was struck by the row upon row of glass paned showers, a blow-dry bar, a shaving bar, a full circle of mirrors with everything from hair products to makeup to perfumes and beyond.
The woman was waiting for me when I finally came back out. She showed me the rows of saunas and jetted hot tubs before directing me to a personal quiet room for Ashleigh’s party.
I took a deep breath and then went inside. Ashleigh was on a circular lounge chair in the dimly lit room, seated at the center of all of her adoring friends, as if she were a queen on her throne. Every unfamiliar person in that room had to be eight to ten years older than me. And when I was with Chase, I never felt like that mattered, but in that moment, I felt…young.
I didn’t like it.
I was saved from having to make some grand entrance by someone I did recognize.
“Harley!”
“Elsie,” I said in surprise.
Kai’s wife and I had met at the Cosmere show a few years ago, and Chase and I had gone out to dinner with them last week. She was wonderfully down-to-earth and made my heart stop racing almost immediately. I would be fine. Why had I even been worried?
“I’m so glad you made it!”
“Me too.”
“Oh, Harley!” Ashleigh said with a little giggle at the end. “Welcome to The Retreat. This is my home away from home.”
“It’s nice,” I said truthfully.
It was nicer than anywhere I’d ever been before. In fact, it was pretty out of my tax bracket. I might be a Wright with a trust fund, but I didn’t fucking touch the thing. Money from Owen was off-limits. Not unless I was desperate—and a spa day did not count.
“Everyone, this is Harley Wright.” She gestured to me. “Harley, these are all my best friends.”
She listed off a dozen names in quick succession, and I wasn’t sure I was going to remember anyone but Elsie. But I smile and waved.
“Nice to meet all of you,” I said.
“Harley is dating Chase, and so we have to be extra nice to her. My big brother’s new girlfriend deserves only the best.” She raised a mimosa in my honor.
My cheeks heated at the words. I couldn’t quite tell if she was being nice or making fun of me. Julian had said she had that way about her, but still, it was disarming to witness it firsthand.
“Thanks,” I said with a smile.
“Do you want a drink?” one of the minions asked.
The second girl touched the first’s arm. “Wait, are you old enough to drink?”
Someone snickered behind a hand.
Oh, lovely.
“Yep. Old enough to drink,” I said with a forced smile.
“We weren’t sure. You look like such a baby,” the first said.