“No, need. I have a reiki chair here at my house.”
“Yes. Now I remember. You did it on me for the headache.”
“I was thrilled it worked so well.”
“At least something does.”
“Back to the treatment. I don’t have anything until this afternoon. We can do it here, then I’ll take you back to the restaurant and you can get your car.”
“Thanks.”
“The bathroom’s right there. I put out some necessities.”
“Can I take a shower? I usually feel crummy after one of these.”
“Some people sweat a lot in the midst of a migraine.”
She sipped more coffee.
“Do you want breakfast before that?”
“Maybe some toast.”
“I’m on it.” He pushed off the dresser pulling his shirt stretched across his chest. He had wide shoulders and she had a strong urge to lose herself in them.
After he left, Elise realized she felt uncomfortable with Finn. Probably because she’d been at her worst, so vulnerable around him. And then there was the whole infertility thing. He must think she was a train wreck.
* * *
Heath Elsworth, the Men’s Health practitioner, sat in the middle of the members of the collective; they formed a half circle around him. He was a big guy, muscular and fit. “We’re all here. It’s time to start.” Each month, a different practitioner ran these catch-up meetings. “Let’s hear from everybody.”
Finn had to force himself to concentrate. On his way in this morning, he thought about Elise. Seeing her suffer touched himdeeply. He’d have to take some time to think about that and figure how to put his feelings aside. At least he’d taught her some things she could do alone and agreed to continue her reiki treatments.
He was distracted by Oliver Ricardi waving at Heath. Tall and slim, he had a runner’s body. “I’ll start. Things are going great with my massage therapy practice. I’ve been busy and I’m booking times way out on the calendar. Some of my clients asked about coffee or drinks. We all provide water, but I have a suggestion.”
“Go ahead,” Heath said, “As long as it isn’t sharing our coffee room. We need space to decompress.” Despite his comment, he looked skeptical. Then again, he usually did. Of all the members, Finn knew the least about him.
Finn said, “We could add an area for the clients in what’s now the gym. The space in underused. I rarely see one of us out there.”
Scarlet spoke up. “I use it sometimes, but not enough to keep it to ourselves.”
Now that woman was a mystery. And she was their rebel. She worked at odd hours, traveled often and kept to herself. One notable thing about her was the unusual shade of her red hair.
Juliet sat forward in her seat. “I think we should get an estimate for cost before we vote.” His friend was always circumspect.
“I know a contractor,” Daisy put in. “I used him when we moved to a condo.” Single, Daisy had one son. She was outgoing, not sweet like Juliet, or sarcastic like Heath. He’d describe her looks as patrician.
“Is he a boyfriend?” Heath asked.
“Of course not. He’s happily married and has kids. Do you think I’m an idiot to recommend someone I’m in a romantic relationship with?”
Heath stared at her silently.
“What about the rest of you?” Oliver asked.
They all agreed to get an estimate for the conversion to a public space. Oliver offered to spearhead it.
When it was Heath’s turn, he frowned. “Something odd happened to me today. There was an explosion in the building downtown which houses my medical practice.”
