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Each country that I visited reminded me of my brother’s face.
I’ve been trying to re-capture and recreate the feeling from that first retreat ever since. But I know it isn’t the same, at least not for Brian.
He stands up and stretches his arms over his head. “Do you want to know what one of the last things Vanessa said to me was? She told me that I need to take a page out of your book and figure out how to get my shit together.”
“You do realize she said that to hurt you, right?”
Brian shrugs. “She’s not wrong. You’re a fucking billionaire, Adrian. And I’ve seen how much your employees love you. I’ve also seen the way the guests talk about you…. That’s not something I’m ever going to be able to do. And I’m okay with it. I know who I am, Adrian.”
I stand up and take another sip of my beer. “I know. And believe me when I say it’s her loss.”
Brian exhales and looks back up at the sky. “I hate having this disease or whatever you call it. And I don’t like being compared to you. But I appreciate your help.”
“Of course.”
In silence, we study each other. A short while later, we make our way back to the main cabin. Brian seems to be in a much better mood.
In his room, he doesn’t even bother to look at his phone and instead throws himself onto the bed and switches on the TV.
I linger in the doorway for a while before making my way back out.
In my room, I toss and turn and think of Danielle.
And I can't help but worry about my brother. Am I even able to help him or is this going to backfire somehow and explode all over me?
I hope this retreat is the answer he’s been looking for all along.
In the morning, I wake up when the first patches of light pour into the room, illuminating everything in a soft and buttery glow.
There is a headache in the back of my skull and my mouth feels dry. After brushing my teeth I set off for my morning run.
By the time I make it back to my room, I’m covered in sweat, and my heart is racing. I step into the shower and scrub myself. When I get out, I feel better.
I put on shorts and a T-shirt. I check in on Brian, who is buried in a heap underneath his covers and snoring loudly.
At breakfast, everyone is talking animatedly. Everyone except for Danielle, who is sitting by herself at a table near the back and sneaking glances out the window.
After greeting everyone else, I make my way over to her and lean against the chair. She brightens when she sees me. And the smile she gives me takes my breath away.
“Good morning. I wanted to come and tell you that I’m sorry about yesterday.”
She tucks a lock of hair behind her ears. “It’s okay. I hope everything is all right.”
I pull the chair out and sit down opposite her. “It is now.”
Chapter Nine: Danielle
“I still don’t understand why I have to wear all of this.” I zip up my sweater and glance down at the open-toed sandals I had planned on wearing today. “Also, wouldn’t it be easier to wear sandals or something?”
Adrian shakes his head and holds the helmet out. “No, sneakers are a much better option for river rafting. It helps protect your feet from sharp objects.”
I give him a dubious look. “Okay, that sounds dangerous.”
“It can be.” Adrian glances over at the life jacket I have propped up against the wall. “You’re going to have to wear that too.”
I sigh. “I know there’s probably a good reason, but can I at least keep it under my feet or something? I promise to put it on quickly if there’s a problem.”
“You wouldn’t have enough time. It’s better safe than sorry.”
