Page 52 of Summer Affair

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.