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Jesus.
She led them through a maze of tiny, cookie-cutter cottages nestled among the towering redwoods. The scent of pine filled the air, along with the distant murmur of a waterfall. It looked more like one of those fashionable eco-resorts popping up all down the coast rather than a cult’s hideout, and the tranquility of it almost made Cal forget they weren’t here for a romantic getaway.
“We hope you find everything to your liking,” Serenity said and opened the door to one of the cabins.
Ellie stepped inside and froze. “Where are our suitcases?”
For the first time, a frown creased Serenity’s brow. “You agreed to leave all earthly possessions behind when you signed up for the retreat.”
Ellie whirled on him, wide-eyed. “You agreed to that?”
Cal didn’t remember that in the fine print of the contract. And he’d read all of it. Twice. But he had to play his part.
“I, uh, didn’t really read it.”
Ellie scoffed. “I can’t believe you. What will we wear?”
“You’ll find fresh clothes inside, all made by us,” Serenity said helpfully and crossed to the closet.
The dresses she pulled out were simple and plainly stitched in soft neutral shades. Ellie was more of a jeans and T-shirt kind of woman. Other than the dress at Alexis’s wedding, he couldn’t remember another time she’d worn one.
The clothes Serenity pulled out of the dresser for him weren’t much better—long tunics without a belt and cotton pants. She also laid out a brown robe for each of them, then went to the door.
“Rest. Or explore, if you like. The sun is preparing to set, and a bonfire will be lit at dusk to celebrate your arrival. It’s a tradition on your first night. You’ll meet the other couples here for the retreat, and we’ll share stories, sing songs…”
“Sounds cozy,” Cal said.
“You’ll love it. I promise.” Serenity smiled once last time and departed, moving with an uncanny grace that made her seem like she was floating rather than walking.
As soon as the woman was beyond earshot, he shook his head. “Nobody is that smiley. Were you getting Stepford Wife vibes from her, too?”
Ellie spun towards him, her blue eyes wide behind her glasses. “What are we doing here?”
“We’re trying to fix our marriage.” He hoped she read the subtext in his words—they were probably being watched and recorded and until he could check their new “home” for listening devices, they needed to be careful.
She understood. Of course she did. Ellie was one of the smartest people he’d ever known.
She looked at the floor and exhaled a long, slow breath. “I’m sorry. I know why we’re here.” Her tone told him loud and clear that she understood. “I just... This place is weird. Really weird. I don’t know what I expected but they’re all so…”
“Intense?”
“No, that’s not quite it,” Ellie said, tapping a finger against her lips. “They’re sincere. And all kind of… the same? They all walk the same way. Did you notice that? Like they’re floating.”
“Could be the effect of the herbal tea,” he suggested with a dry chuckle, but she didn’t join him in laughter.
“No, Cal, I’m serious.”
Of course she was. She had an eye for detail that could rival a seasoned detective.
“Alright, what’s your theory?” He asked, folding his arms across his chest and leaning back against the door frame. “I know you have one.”
Ellie hesitated, biting her bottom lip. “I don’t know yet. But something feels off here. The tranquility they all seem to possess... It feels too perfect.”
His gaze skimmed over Ellie’s worried expression, her eyes shimmering in the fading light. He impulsively lifted a hand to tuck a loose curl behind her ear, his touch causing her eyes to flicker up to his.
Ellie’s breath hitched, and for a moment they were both lost in the proximity until a knock on the door jolted them apart.
A man stepped in. Unlike the others, he wore regular clothes—slacks and a polo that seemed more at home on a golf course than in a rustic commune. His sharp gaze lingered on their now widened distance with curiosity.
