I stop dead, unimpressed. “It was fine, thanks.”
Christie’s shoulders slump forward with guilt. “Oh, sorry about using your bathroom. It’s just closer to my bedroom, and I didn’t know you were home.”
I force myself not to scowl. “It’s fine. Although, it shouldn’t matter if I’m home or not.”
Christie raises her hands, palms facing me. “It won’t happen again. I promise.”
I rub my head, wanting this exchange over and done with. “It’s no problem. I’ve just had a long day.”
“Did you have a difficult shift?”
“It’s a shock to the system, seeing so many people in distress.”
“I bet. I think it’s amazing what you’re doing over there.”
“Thanks.” I move over to the bathroom and grip the doorknob. “What are your plans for this evening?”
“Movie night with my parents,” she says, upbeat. “We’ll be on the third floor, in the family room. I’ll see you later?”
I wave her off. “Probably not.”
Before I enter the bathroom, our housekeeper Claudia enters the wing, passing Christie on her way out.
“Hello Miss Ashworth,” Claudia says with a cheery smile. “How are you this evening?”
“Well, thank you. Although, I’m dying for a shower.”
Claudia tilts her head with mild concern. “You look exhausted. How about I run you a bath with essential oils?”
Just the mention of it fills me with calm. “Would you mind?”
Claudia makes her way into my bathroom. “For you, I never mind.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, and wander into my bedroom.
I plonk onto the edge of my bed and flop backwards onto the quilted comforter. I stare at the vaulted ceiling as water hitting porcelain echoes throughout the hallway. Flashes of Dax and McCoy’s scuffle replay in my mind. I shudder, frightened at how close I came to physical danger.
What the heck was I thinking? How did following Dax home seem like a good idea?
I press my hands against the sides of my head and scrunch my eyes closed.Stop thinking about it. Stop thinking about it. Stop thinking about it.
“Miss Ashworth,” Claudia calls. “Your tub is ready.”
I pull myself up despite my head feeling like an anvil. I drag myself into the hall and toward the bathroom. Mentally exhausted, I embrace Claudia for one of her cozy, warm hugs. Like magic, my head feels substantially lighter.
In the bathroom, I grin at my sparkling white, oval-shaped soaking tub. The scent of jasmine and lavender wafts from the bubbles and steam. I shed my clothes and submerge into the water.
“Ahhh.”
I sink to the bottom of the tub and let my body float. My head rests on the ergonomic pillow, water seeps over my chin, and the scented fumes renew my energy.
Maybe I won’t go to the country club tonight. Spending an hour in the tub and then heading to bed would be delightful. Murphy could organize a serving of pasta primavera to be sent from the club restaurant. I could eat in my bathrobe while wearing a clay face mask.
Ah, sounds like heaven. If only my friends’ mothers weren’t at the country club. When they notice my absence, it’ll circulate its way back to my mother.
I’m already hearing her lecture.“Being seen is everything, Vanessa. Every time you’re in one of your peers’ stories, it reminds their parents of the importance our family has in their lives. Your role is paramount in keeping those cogs moving. We can’t afford any slip-ups.”
And just like that, my serenity is destroyed. Any thought of my mother tips me over the edge. Despite the fact she left town, she insistently rules my life, as well as those in our circle. Sometimes, her instructions are so overbearing, they cause me to lash out.
