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“I’m the leader of the couples counseling and group therapy.” Rebecca waved toward the yoga mats scattered over the floor. “Since you’re first, pick any mat you’d like.”
“But you’re a massage therapist.” Lucy’s feet seemed to have planted themselves on the hardwood floor and sprouted roots. They would not move.
“I do it all.” Rebecca laughed—the sound something like wind chimes would make on a breezy day. “I don’t even have to change my name tag.”
Lucy’s eyes shifted to the tag above the Twin Lakes writing. Sure enough, it read Rebecca, Therapist.
“Your other friend signed up, too.” Rebecca unrolled her own mat and plopped down in the center, crisscross applesauce.
William took a step toward one of the mats, reaching for Lucy and tugging her along. Reluctantly, she followed. He settled down on the thin rubber mat and pulled her along with him so her back settled against his front.
“In any case, I’m glad you’re here a little early so we can chat. I’ve been thinking about your little issue.” Rebecca made air quotes with her fingers around the word—making it seem much bigger than it needed to be.
Oh no. Discussion of that issue was a horrible idea.
Epically bad.
“You said Sarah is coming?” Lucy deflected and eyed the door, willing the others to come through.
“What issue?” William asked, his breath against the back of Lucy’s neck.
“I know you probably don’t want to talk about it in front of everyone, but there are quite a few things you can do that don’t involve actual intercourse.” Rebecca made those damn air quotes again.
Lucy glanced to the door, gauging how quickly she could get up and out of the room before William tackled her.
He cleared his throat a tad too loud. “Come again?”
“It’s okay. There’s no need to be embarrassed. I know many couples in your situation.”
“Situation?” He squeezed Lucy in his arms and whispered the question directly against her earlobe.
She squirmed in reply.
“Lucy, I’m so glad you’re here.” Sarah saved the moment, bustling into the room.
Rebecca winked at Lucy like they were conspirators in international espionage. “We’ll just chat about this after.”
“What situation, Luce?” William asked again.
She turned her head, so her cheek was near his lips. “Ignore. I made it up as I went along the other day. Nothing you need to worry about.”
Max trailed in after Sarah, and another couple Lucy hadn’t seen before followed him.
“Everyone pick a mat. We’ll go ahead and get started. We’ve got a lot to cover this morning.” Rebecca took her place back on her mat. “I call this the ‘honesty hour.’ You have to promise your partner complete honesty for this type of therapy to be effective. And, trust me, it’s harder than it seems.”
Lucy just bet it was. She squirmed again with the unfortunate side effect of her bottom rubbing against Will’s—you know what? She’d just scoot forward a smidge.
“If everyone could turn and face their partner.” Rebecca waved her hand in a circle to illustrate.
Lucy moved around so she faced William. Unfortunately, this meant she could see him—something that severely cracked her resolve to flee. It was the dimples, she was certain.
“Now scooch together a little closer and hold hands.”
Lucy studied a scuff on the floor behind her fake husband and offered her hands.
“Look into your partner’s eyes and say the first thing that comes to mind.”
Lucy shifted her gaze to meet William’s and her mind went blank. Totally and utterly blank. Nothing. Nada.
