Page 11 of Family Ties and Alibis

She motioned toward the sliders facing out to the water. “I figured we should take advantage of our balcony, not to mention maneuvering around in this scooter is getting old.” Carlita reminded him of her telehealth call with her doctor, hoping he would give the green light to graduate to a knee scooter.

Pete patted his pocket. “I have the address of the rental center down the street. If the doctor says you’re ready, we’ll trade this gem in before the day is out.”

Before leaving home, her thoughtful husband had found a national rental center where they could return the rented scooter to another location.

“Keep it handy because I’m retiring this at the earliest possible moment.”

The hotel’s delivery person arrived, wheeling a cart filled with food across the room and onto the balcony. He worked quickly, arranging an intimate table for two, complete with a crisp white tablecloth and even included a small vase with a single yellow rose.

Pete handed him a generous tip before helping his wife hobble to her seat. Promising to be a gorgeous day, the sun was already rising, helping to chase away the damp morning air.

While they ate, the couple made a short list of goals they planned to accomplish when they returned home.

Carlita’s excitement grew at the thought of embarking on this new chapter in their lives. Regardless of how it all played out, with Pete by her side, they would navigate the challenges and hurdles ahead of them.

He polished off the rest of his omelet. “You still haven’t given me a clue about what this surprise is.”

Carlita’s expression grew mischievous. “Take a guess.”

“We’re going to eat our way along the Boardwalk,” he joked.

“After all of this delicious food? Think more along the lines of pampering.” Shifting from her seat to the scooter, she made a quick trip to the bathroom to freshen up while Pete placed the empty dishes on the cart the delivery guy had left.

He wheeled it into the hallway and waited for her near the door. “Lead the way, my lady.”

Down the corridor and to the bank of elevators they went. Reaching the main level, Carlita consulted the sign board. “This way.”

They made a couple of sharp turns before reaching the entrance to the spa. “We’re right on time.”

“For a spa treatment?” Pete asked.

“Not just a spa treatment, but his and hers massages.” With her husband holding the door, Carlita guided her scooter into the lobby and coasted to the counter. After a quick check-in, the couple parted ways outside the locker rooms to swap out their clothes for fluffy white robes.

Thankfully, the treatment room was directly across the hall from the changing area. Despite a near collision with the door, Carlita made it to the designated location without incident. She found Pete and the spa staff already waiting for her.

Soft music. Low lights. Fragrant aromas. The combination, along with the firm yet gentle motion of the masseuse, put Carlita in a fully relaxed state. She must’ve dozed off because she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder.

Her soothing fog lifted. “Did I fall asleep?”

“You did,” Pete chuckled. “You were out like a light.”

Horrified at the thought, a warm heat crept across her face. “Was I snoring?”

“Not at all, Mrs. Taylor.” The spa employee gently helped her to an upright position. “If you’re relaxed enough to nap, then I’m doing my job right.”

Unsteady on her good foot, Carlita kept a firm grip on the woman’s arm and eased onto the scooter. “I can’t remember the last time I had a massage, but I have to say you’re a pro at relieving stress.”

Back in the changing room, Carlita struggled to slip into her clothes. She left the robe on the bench and “scootered” out.

Pete stood waiting for her at the front counter. “There you are. I was getting ready to come find you.”

“I was so relaxed, I had a hard time getting dressed.”

“I take it the massages were acceptable?” The woman behind the desk tapped her keyboard.

“More along the lines of heavenly,” Carlita sighed. “I feel like a puddle of pudding.”

“My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed treating ourselves to Sapphire Spa’s services,” Pete added. “How much do we owe you?”