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Thishasto work.
It’s the only idea I have for fixing whatever’s going on with my brother and Maggie. I bite my lower lip.
Please say yes.
“I have an offer for you, and I’m really hoping you’ll be interested. See, my brother and his fiancee thought about registering for it. But he was stubborn and refused, and now they’re in a big fight and the only thing I can think of to get her talking to him again is a stay at your…”
I glance back at the website, so I’m sure to get the name right, “Sunrise Ranch. Great name, by the way. I could write for you, in exchange.”
“How nice of you to call.” She’s got one of those whispery, melodic voices. It’s like she’s singing a lullaby in my ear.
“A writer, you say? It’s so wonderful, isn't it, how the universe arranges these things?”
“Sure is. I actually specialize in marketing writing. It can be great for places like yours, where potential visitors pop into a website before booking a stay. And speaking of your website, I’ve been checking it out. The last article you have published is dated seven years ago.”
“I do neglect that aspect of my work. I haven’t looked in on that website since the winter solstice when I set the intention of nurturing my business. As I’m sure you know, intentions come to fruition in unexpected ways. We don’t dictate the ‘how’. That would be quite arrogant, wouldn’t it? We let guidance come through. OurSankalpareaches to the heart’s deepest desire and then things fall into place.”
“Erm…”
Idoattend yoga classes regularly when I’m not traveling.
But picking up a few terms in Sanskrit is about as far as I’ve gotten with the actual philosophy behind all those pretzel-bendy exercises.Shavasanais my favorite word because it meanslie down and relax all your muscles until you’re nearly falling asleep.
And sometimes when a yoga teacher puts us in that pose, I actually do blackout for a few seconds. Who doesn’t like a good power nap?
Skye goes on in her whispery way. “At first, I thought I should spend time focused on that old website, but whenever I sat down to do it, I couldn’t muster the energy. As it turned out I wasmuchmore inclined to work on my shoulder stands than stress at the computer.”
“Maybe I can help you out,” I suggest. “I could produce some content for you about your retreats, and your ranch. I’d love it if you could find room for my brother and his fiancée. I know it’s last-minute…” I pace to the window, look down on the lawn, and then actually cross my fingers.
It’s a weird superstition, this crossing-of-fingers thing. Like if I twist one digit over the other, this woman miles away is going to give me the answer I want.
I think I’m holding my breath, too. At least, I feel it come out in a whoosh when I hear her say, “Yes, I do believe I could fit them in.”
“Really? Oh, my goodness, that’s great!”
As far as I’m concerned, this is a victory.
Epic shopping trips with Maggie, here I come!
Shewillbe a Scott. I’m going to see to that.
“I had one cancellation come through just this morning,” Skye says. “That’s to be expected. When it comes to doing this deep work, some people just aren’t ready, and their resistance is sure to surface as the event draws near. We must be warriors of the soul to delve into uncharted territory and do what it takes to do the real work of opening the heart. And then, there was the DeMarsico cancellation that came through three weeks back. They can’t make it because of a dead uncle. Funeral, orsomething.” I expect her to say something poetic about death. She surprises me by falling silent.
“Um… so, you have openings? That really is fantastic. My brother’s name is Trent Scott, and his fiancée is Maggie Thompson. And I’m Olivia Scott. I’d be happy to stay for the five days so that I can write about your place and your teaching style, or whatever else you want me to cover. And if you need payment, too, my brother can take care of that.”
This is his wedding I’m saving, after all. He can foot the bill.
“I think the articles will be plenty of payment. You tell your brother and his fiancee that I’ll be more than happy to work with them. And I’ll look forward to going on this journey of discovery and healing with you and your partner as well, Olivia. I’ll book the Starry Sky as well as the Milky Way yurt. The opening ceremony begins tomorrow at five, but I do advise guests to arrive a few hours before then, so they have time to get settled in before the real work begins.”
Below, my grandpa takes off his hat and swipes the back of his hand over his brow. He looks up, catches sight of me in the window, and waves.
I wave back, though now I’m distracted. “Thanks—but I’ll be on my own. Better that way, so I can observe and do research for the articles.”
“Alone…? Oh, no. That won’t do.”
That won’t do? What does she think, I have a choice about being single? She goes on.
“I’d much prefer it if you bring your partner along. This is acouplesretreat, dear. It requires vulnerability and authenticity. I don’t think the other participants will much appreciate a reporter there, observing. Better if you’re part of the experience, documenting your own journey on the ranch.”
