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But this is what I have to do to not lose my place on the team.
“We’re here,” Nila chimes, unbuckling her seatbelt in a hurry. She’s been quiet for most of the trip, but I probably haven’t been all that fun to be around, either. After the initial hurt wore off from the article, I’ve just been left angry … and grumpy.
“Are you coming?” Nila looks over at me as she slides out, her sweater wrapped tightly around her body.
“Yeah,” I grunt, finally unbuckling my seatbelt as the driver pops the back hatch with our luggage. We’re supposed to be here for weeks.
“Welcome to Western Slope Anger Retreat,” the blonde woman greets me as I slide out. She’s dressed like a typical outdoorsy person, complete with a beanie that sticks up a ways off her head. “You must be Cameron.”
I blink at her a couple times, her bright smile causing me to frown. “I’m Cameron, yeah.”
“Right, well, I didn’t think she was the hockey player,” the woman cackles. “I’m Tina, and I’ll be taking care of you while you’re here. I’ll let you say your goodbyes and then we’ll go from there.
“Are you going to murder us or something?”
“I’m sorry?” Tina looks very confused by my question.
“She’s staying here, too.”
“We don’t...” Her voice trails off as she looks down at the clipboard in her hand. “I’m sorry, I had no idea your partner was also receiving counseling.”
Nila bursts into laughter. “Oh, I’m not his partner nor do I have anger issues. I’m just here to document the process.”
Tina laughs, but I can tell it’s just because she’s trying not to be rude. “We don’t let outside sources document the process...”
“Well, then I guess I’m gonna have to leave,” I say. “She’s under contract, and this is what my management team wants. Either she stays, or we both go.”
Tina’s smile disappears. Now, she just looks annoyed. “We have a waitlist nearly two years long and someone will gladly take your spot before the night ends. You only jumped the line because Mark Davidson is friends with the owner.”
“Wow, nepotism at its finest,” I grumble. “Good to know.”
She stares at Nila and me for a few moments before gesturing to a UTV. “We’ll put your luggage there, and then I’ll show you to your cabin.”
I nod, gathering up as many bags as I can. As it turns out, Nila does not pack light. I brought two bags and she brought four. But then again, who am I to judge? She travels a lot and basically lives out of these things.
Tina grabs a couple of bags and Nila grabs the last one. Together we load the back of the UTV and then climb inside. I let Nila have the front seat and slide into the back. Tina hops into the driver’s seat, and her happy façade is a little put-off.
Did they not tell them Nila was coming?
I open my mouth to ask, but Tina punches the gas and starts talking.
“We were founded almost sixty-three years ago. It’s a big deal that we’ve lasted as long as we have, especially in the world of therapy. We’ve always kept up with the latest practices and we pride ourselves on being able to individually tailor it to each person that arrives here.”
“That’s really great.” Nila beams—which I’m happy about because I have nothing to say right now.
“Our cabins are full, so you’ll have to share one. I hope that’s okay.”
“Grand.”
Nila and Tina both glance back at me, but Nila’s the only one that cocks a brow. Tina just keeps smiling.
“Yours is the northernmost cabin, so it’s the furthest walk,” Tina continues with her little welcome spiel. “It shouldn’t be much work for the two of you, though. You look like you’re both in great shape. We do have quite a bit of downtime, but you’ll find that peace and quiet can be one of the most life-altering experiences.”
“Great.”
“Phones are only allowed during certain hours. We don’t have cell service here and we only turn the Wi-Fi on during the phone usage window. Now, of course, you’re allowed to have your phone on you, so you can take pictures and all that. We just don’t want you perusing the internet or social media instead of working on yourself.”
“So ... I won’t have access to the internet outside of those hours? Even though I’m not participating in the program?”
