Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

D ays seemed to blend together, especially with how busy Andrea was. The day after the husband and wife incident, every employee attended an emergency training session about how to spot spousal abuse and what actions to take. The camp even brought in a specialist that informed them that abuse often manifests in subtle ways before escalating to physical violence. They emphasized the importance of vigilance, encouraging employees to be aware of changes in behavior, signs of fear or distress, and the subtle cues that something might be wrong from guests while still maintaining professionalism.

The specialist, a seasoned professional with years of experience in dealing with domestic violence, shared real-life examples and provided practical advice on how to approach and support potential victims. "It's crucial," they said, "to create an environment where guests feel safe and supported. Sometimes, just knowing that someone cares can make a significant difference."

Andrea found the education very enlightening but made her worry that she'd missed a few clues in the past.

Currently, River Camps was in full swing for the height of the summer, she and Kara were still the only two employees left to juggle the busy massage schedule themselves. The demand for massages and other spa services had spiked, leaving little room for breaks.

One particularly hot afternoon, Andrea was hustling between appointments while her mind raced through a mental checklist of things she needed to do. Lately, she'd barely had a moment to herself, let alone time to think about anything outside of work.

As she prepared the room for her next client, she couldn't help but replay the conversation she and Dean had had at the fast-food place. The way they'd danced around the topic of their relationship left her feeling unsettled. Dean's casual remark about it being a "summer affair" lingered in her mind, sparking a swirl of conflicted emotions. Did he really see it as just a temporary fling? Did she? And if so, was that all she wanted? The uncertainty gnawed at her, a persistent ache she couldn't shake.

She had always prided herself on being independent and focused on her career, not needing anyone to complete her life. But with Dean, things felt different. There was a connection between them that she couldn't ignore, a comfort and ease that she hadn't felt in her life to date. Yet, at the same time, she was wary of opening up, afraid of being vulnerable. What if she allowed herself to hope for something more, only to have it fall apart? The idea of investing her emotions in something that might end when the summer did, scared her.

Just like it scared her to trust her sister with too much. She was determined not to give Amy any more fuel for her fire.

As she adjusted the massage oils and set out fresh towels, Andrea tried to shake off the confusion. There was no time to dwell on her feelings now as a knock sounded at the door.

"You're up," Kara called out.

She glanced around and made sure everything was ready for her next client. The soft glow of the room, the soothing music playing in the background, and the familiar routine of her work provided a temporary escape from her tangled emotions.

Yet, even as she immersed herself in the practicalities of her job, the questions lingered at the back of her mind. What did she really want from her relationship with Dean? And could she face the possibility of wanting more, knowing it might not be reciprocated? The uncertainty was frustrating, and she hated not having clear answers.

Andrea took a deep breath, steadying herself. She knew she couldn't force clarity where there was none, and she certainly couldn't predict the future. For now, she'd have to navigate her feelings as best she could and focus on getting through the busy season at River Camps. Everything else would have to wait, even if the waiting left her feeling restless and unresolved.

After her client left, Kara popped her head into the room, her cheeks flushed from rushing around. "Hey, how's it going in here?" she asked, giving Andrea a sympathetic smile.

Andrea sighed, wiping her hands on a towel. "Busy. Non-stop appointments. How about you?"

Kara nodded. "Same here. It feels like we never get a break. But hey, at least the tips are good," she added with a wink.

Then Kara's expression turned a little more serious. "You okay? You seem a bit off today."

Andrea hesitated, then shrugged. "Just tired, I guess. And a little overwhelmed. But nothing I can't handle."

Kara gave her a knowing look but didn't press further. "Well, if you need anything, just holler."

"Thanks." She smiled. As Kara left, she steadied herself with deep breathing exercises until she felt centered.

Her next client arrived, a regular guest who came back each year and always requested her massages. Andrea got to work as the woman chatted about the adventures she'd been on in the past year. She enjoyed listening to the woman talk as she kneaded the tension out of her shoulders. The rhythm of her hands moving over the client's muscles, the soft music playing in the background—it was a familiar, calming environment.

Hearing the woman talk about her daughter had her thinking about Amy,

The situation with Amy and Brad was a mess, and though she felt relieved to have her space back, she couldn't shake the worry for her sister. It was hard seeing Amy go through such turmoil, but it was also a relief to no longer feel the strain of her presence. The house felt more open and peaceful now, and Andrea could breathe easier without the constant reminders of their family's complicated dynamics.

As the massage session ended, Andrea finished up with a warm smile and a few polite words, seeing her client off and excited about the large tip she'd gotten. Once her client left, she sat down on the edge of the massage table, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her. The door opened, and Kara peeked in again.

"Need a hand?" Kara asked, glancing around the room.

Andrea shook her head. "No, I've got it. I just needed a minute." She rolled her shoulders, trying to release some of the tension her questioning mind had caused her.

"Come with me," Kara said suddenly. She took Andrea's hand and walked her into the next room.

"Change and lie down." Kara pointed to the already ready table. "I'll be right back. I'm cancelling our next sessions."

Andrea opened her mouth to argue but shut it when Kara's eyes narrowed at her. When she was alone in the room, she hesitated for a moment, then sighed and began to undress. She knew better than to argue with Kara, especially when she had that determined look in her eyes. Kara had a way of insisting on self-care that made it impossible to refuse.

As she slipped into the soft robe that had been laid out for the next client, she felt a small wave of relief wash over her. She'd been running on fumes for days, and the idea of lying down, even for a moment, was more appealing than she cared to admit. Once changed, she climbed onto the massage table, settling into the plush surface.

Kara returned a few minutes later, her expression softening when she saw Andrea finally relaxing. "Good," she murmured, dimming the lights and turning on some soothing music. The gentle sounds of nature filled the room, creating an ambiance that was both calming and restorative.

Without another word, Kara began the massage, her hands working expertly to knead the tension from Andrea's shoulders. Andrea let out a long, slow breath, feeling the knots in her muscles begin to unwind under Kara's skilled touch.

"This isn't just about relaxation," Kara said softly as she worked. "It's about taking care of yourself. You give so much to everyone else—you deserve this."

Andrea wanted to respond, to argue that she didn't have time for self-care, but the words dissolved into a contented sigh as Kara found a particularly tense spot and gently worked it out. She realized how long it had been since she had allowed herself to just be still, to let go of the weight she'd been carrying.

For the next hour, Kara worked her magic, her hands gliding over her back, arms, and legs, coaxing out the stress and replacing it with a deep sense of calm. By the time Kara finished up, Andrea felt lighter, almost as if the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders.

Kara stepped back, her voice gentle. "Take your time getting up. You've earned this moment. Don't rush it. I'll set up your next room."

"Thank you. I didn't realize how much I needed this."

Kara gave Andrea's hand a reassuring squeeze before quietly leaving the room, letting Andrea bask in the tranquility for just a little longer. She watched as Kara left, closing the door behind her.

Taking a moment to herself, Andrea let out a long breath. The summer heat, the stress of work, the uncertainty with Dean, and the chaos with Amy—it all felt like too much at times. But she reminded herself that she was strong and capable and could handle whatever came her way.

She quickly showered off the oil and lotion and had just changed the bedding and readied the room for the next client when Dean walked in, carrying a small tray with water and fresh towels.

"Thought you might need some help," he said with a grin, setting the tray down. "I figured I'd sit in on your next two clients."

His playful tone brought a smile to her face. He had a way of instantly lightening her mood.

"Admit it, you just want to hang out with me instead of work," she teased, feeling a flutter of excitement at his presence.

When her next client arrived, Dean's presence in the room made everything feel different—lighter, more fun. They exchanged jokes and banter between sessions, making the workday feel less like a chore and more like a shared adventure. His easygoing nature and supportive attitude reminded her why she enjoyed spending time with him, and she found herself laughing more and feeling more at ease than she had all day.

Even during the massages, knowing Dean was nearby gave her a sense of comfort and relaxation. It was as if his being there anchored her, making the work more enjoyable and the day less burdensome. She couldn't help but notice the small gestures he made, like refilling water glasses or adjusting the lighting just so. It was those little things that made her heart warm, and she found herself silently wishing for more moments like these.

When the last client of the day left and they started tidying up, she couldn't ignore the sense of camaraderie between them. It was as if they were working towards the same goal.

It felt good to have someone by her side, even if they hadn't defined what that meant yet. As they closed up the massage room, she turned to him with a soft smile.

"Thanks for helping out," she said, her voice carrying a hint of weariness. "It was…nice having you around."

"Any time. It's nice to mix things up a bit. Keeps the day interesting," Dean said as he smiled back at her.

She wanted to say more, to ask about what they were doing and where they were headed, but the words wouldn't come. For now, she decided to let it be, content to enjoy the summer and whatever it brought. And as they walked out together, she couldn't help but feel that maybe, just maybe, things would work out the way they were supposed to in the end.

Since Dean was working the dinner shift in the dining hall, she headed home alone, stopping off at the small grocery store along the way to grab a frozen dinner, some ice cream, and tampons.

The cramps had made her day twice as bad and were probably the reason for her foul mood.

An hour later, she was soaking in a hot tub that smelled like strawberries and cream as she ate a large bowl of chocolate ice cream with some of the hard chocolate shell stuff on top. And yet she couldn't help but sulk.

What she wanted was a night filled with sexy-fun playtime with Dean, not a bath that reminded her of the Strawberry Shortcake cartoon.

She put on her softest pajamas, crawled into bed, and flipped on the cartoon channel. She was just drifting off to sleep when Dean's text came in.

"You okay?"

She smiled as she typed. "Yeah, how was tonight?"

"Good. You seemed down earlier."

"Cramps," she typed and then deleted it. "Just tired."

"Rest. I'm off tomorrow. You?"

"Nope, the day after."

"I can switch things up if you want to head out for a sail then. Damion says I can take out his new catamaran."

Andrea's heart fluttered at the thought of spending a day on the water with Dean. It was exactly the kind of carefree, spontaneous adventure she craved. She pictured the sun on her face, the wind in her hair, and the two of them enjoying the freedom of the open water.

"Sounds perfect," she typed with a smile.

"Great. I'll pick you up at ten."

She felt excitement spread through her entire body. "Perfect. Can't wait. Night."

She set her phone down and rolled over. The idea of spending an entire day alone with Dean, away from the camp and their usual roles, was both exciting and a little intimidating. It would be just the two of them, no distractions, no work to pull them away. It was the kind of opportunity she'd been hoping for, a chance to see where things could go between them.

She pulled the covers up, snuggling into her pillow with a contented sigh. The soft glow of the TV lit up her room, casting a comforting light as she drifted off to sleep with thoughts of sailing with Dean on the catamaran.

The next day, Andrea was once again busy at work, her schedule packed with back-to-back clients. She even had to find someone to sit in on the water volleyball game she was supposed to referee.

In the middle of prepping for an appointment, she was surprised to see Amy walk in, looking disheveled and upset.

"We're fighting again," Amy blurted out, her voice tinged with frustration. "This time it's real, Andrea. I'm going to divorce him. I'm moving back in with you."

Andrea felt her stomach knot. She glanced around, noticing a few curious stares from her coworkers.

She pulled her sister into an empty room. She took a deep breath and tried to keep her voice steady.

"I'm sorry you're going through this, but I really can't have you stay with me again," she said quietly.

Amy's face twisted in anger. "So you're just going to leave me hanging? Some sister you are!"

Andrea felt the room closing in, her anxiety spiking. "Amy, please, not here," she pleaded, but her sister was already storming out, slamming the door behind her. The tension in the air was thick, and Andrea felt a wave of nausea wash over her. She rushed to the bathroom, barely making it before she threw up. She stayed in the restroom for a moment, gathering herself.

Feeling drained and shaky, Andrea took a deep breath before heading back to the front desk, where Kara was checking in her next client. Her colleague looked up from her work, her eyes widening in concern as she took in Andrea's ashen complexion.

"You look like you've seen a ghost. Are you okay?" Kara asked as she ran her eyes over her face.

Andrea managed a weak smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I think I need to go home early," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm not feeling well."

Kara nodded immediately, her expression softening with sympathy. "Of course, you should rest. Don't worry about things here; I'll handle the schedule, move some clients around and cover for you." She reached out, giving Andrea's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Just take care of yourself, okay?"

Grateful for Kara's understanding, Andrea nodded. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling a lump in her throat. She quickly gathered her things and headed out of the building, her steps unsteady. The weight of the past few moments pressed heavily on her shoulders, making the short walk to her car feel like a marathon.

The pain from her cramps had doubled and all she could think about was putting a heating pad on her stomach and curling up in the tightest ball she could.

As she drove home, the familiar streets blurred past her, and she felt a growing sense of relief at the thought of her bed. By the time she reached her front door, exhaustion had settled deep into her bones. She was doubled over from pain as she fumbled with her keys. When she finally managed to unlock the door, she practically fell inside.

The quiet of her home enveloped her as she dropped her bag just inside the door and kicked off her shoes, not caring where they landed. All she could think about was the sanctuary of her bed. The warmth of it. The safety of being home.

Andrea made her way to her bedroom, her legs feeling like lead. She didn't bother changing out of her work clothes. She simply collapsed onto the mattress, the cool sheets a welcome relief against her somehow flushed skin. She pulled the covers over her, cocooning herself in the soft fabric.

As she lay there, the events of the day replayed in her mind. Amy's outburst, the worry of their strained relationship, and the uncertainty with Dean—all of it swirled together, leaving her feeling emotionally raw. The weight of it all was too much to bear, and she felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes.

Her insides were on fire. Maybe her uterus was trying to kill her? Were they exploding? Could it? It felt as if she'd been punched in the gut and everything was vibrating at warp speed.

But even as more tears slipped down her cheek, exhaustion finally took over. Her body craved rest, and she drifted off into a deep sleep. The world outside faded away, and for a few precious hours, she escaped into the comforting darkness, shutting out everything.

As the sun set, she was awakened by a gentle knock on her door. She opened it to find Dean standing there, holding a container of chicken soup. His concern was evident as he stepped inside and set the food on the kitchen counter.

"I heard what happened," Dean said softly, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "I thought you might not feel like cooking, so I brought you something to eat."

She managed a tired smile. "Thanks," she whispered against his chest, feeling a little better just having him there.

They sat on her sofa, and she got down half a cup of the soup with a few crackers. Just having him there was comforting. He rubbed her shoulders, brushed her hair, and even tried to braid it.

After that, they snuggled up together on the sofa while she rested her head on his shoulder. She felt the tension in her body starting to melt away again just being this close to him. They watched a movie, and the soft hum of the show in the background caused her to relax even more.

Eventually, they both dozed off, wrapped up in each other's arms. It was a peaceful, much-needed reprieve. She couldn't remember feeling this relaxed about telling a man she had major cramps and had just come home sick because of them.

The next morning, they woke up early, still entwined on the sofa. They shared a sleepy smile and then enjoyed the quiet and still of the morning together.

Thankfully, she was feeling a little better. She was still dealing with a heavy flow and cramps, but they weren't as bad as the day before. She was almost back to her normal self, and after packing up a few essentials for the day, they made their way to the docks at the camp. They made sure to stop by the dining area quickly, where they picked up a couple of breakfast sandwiches and some drinks to go.

Dean opted for a hearty sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich, while Andrea chose a lighter option with avocado and egg on whole grain bread. They also grabbed a couple of iced coffees, knowing they'd need the caffeine kick for their day out on the water.

With their breakfast in hand, they walked together to the dock, the anticipation of the day ahead adding a spring to their steps. The morning sun was already warming the air, promising perfect weather for their little adventure. They made their way to Damion's new catamaran, which was docked and ready for them.

The boat would easily be comfortable for six guests. There were soft beanbag chairs that sat directly in front of a bright blue netting that made up almost half of the deck of the boat.

They stowed their things on the boat and made sure everything was secure.

"You do know how to drive this thing, right?" she asked.

He chuckled. "I've been out on it more than a half dozen times with Damion. The last three he's let me take the helm."

As Dean untied the ropes and prepared to set sail, she settled into a comfortable spot, unwrapping her sandwich and taking a bite as she held her iced coffee between her knees.

Dean cleared the dock, then turned on the engine and steered them towards the open water of the bay.

Once they were on their way, he took a sip of his iced coffee and grinned over at her.

"Ready for a day of adventure?" he asked with a wink.

She laughed at him. "You make a fine captain."

"I need a captain's hat." He glanced around and, not finding one, settled for another sip of his drink.

"I'll have to buy you one," she said as the gentle sway of the catamaran on the calm water soothed her.

Once they hit the open waters of the bay, he shut off the engine. "Ready for me to lift the sails?" he called out.

"Absolutely," she replied, taking the last bite of her sandwich.

As a gentle breeze blew and the water lapped against the boat, he pulled a few ropes and the bright blue sails filled up with air, sending the boat further away from the camp.

The sun was warming everything up, and the air was crisp as salt water sprayed on her face. Damion's new catamaran was sleek and beautiful as it cut quickly through the water.

She felt a thrill of excitement as the wind caught the sails, propelling them even faster.

As they sailed, the worries of the past few days seemed to drift away, almost as if they were leaving everything behind them.

She felt the warmth of the sun on her skin and the cool spray of the sea, and for the first time in days, she felt truly at peace.