Angie shook herself free of negative thoughts. But for the grace of God, there go I. She would overcome despair, not because she was stronger than the rest of her family, but because she clung to a greater force and welcomed Him to lead her through grief’s stronghold into freedom.
Outside, Angie drank in the warm sunshine. She walked toward the beach and scanned the area. No sign of Trevor. The health-spa crossed her line of vision and she wondered if he visited there often. His body certainly looked like he worked out, with muscles clearly bulging from under his shirt. When constructing the new building, they’d installed a full gym for athletic types, just like him. She decided to pop in. This addition to the original Inn was Trish’s department, and she often accused her boss of neglecting her division. Sadly, it was true. There seemed so few hours to spare in her day, and Angie felt confident in Trish’s leadership. The woman was a perfectionist – great at what she did – and Angie had no hick-ups with the spa part of the operation. But perhaps, like everyone else, her employee needed encouragement now and then. Trish deserved a pat on the back. She was the main reason for the financial success of the resort this past year, as they expanded into the modern craze of fitness and relaxation.
Angie peeked in Trish’s office but it was empty. Her absence served as a feasible excuse to roam around the place. Glancing at the registrar, Angie noted that the names of passengers from the bus filled the page.
A voice caught her attention. “Morning, Miss Parkinson. Can I help you with anything?”
“Just thought I’d check in on you all over here. Trish thinks I avoid her.”
“She’s a kidder to be sure. Even though we postponed classes for the people in town, the days are busy with massages, treatments, and boot camp exercise. This group groaned at the thought of no dance or stretch classes, so we sort of threw a couple in there. Hope you don’t mind?”
“Certainly not. It’s all about keeping the guests happy. No wonder I never need to come and check. You people think on your feet.”
“Whose thinking on their feet?” asked Trish and she hurried into the room. “I could use a good foot soak and massage.”
“I can do one for you before I head home, Trish,” the obliging employee said.
“I may take you up on it. Tonight is the Christmas tree decorating at the Inn so folks should desert us by late afternoon.”
“Well, I was just going to take a walk around the facility. Thanks for your hard work, girls.” Angie turned and walked down the adjoining hallway, making her way casually toward the gym entrance. Sure enough, Trevor was there, running on the treadmill like he had miles to cover before nightfall. I strolled over and stood in front of him.
“I’d have thought you’d enjoy running on the beach. Most people do.”
“Hurts my feet. Guess I’m just a tender-totter. You hunting me up or is this a chance meeting?”
Angie couldn’t lie. “A little of both. Haven’t been to the spa much lately, and Charles said he’d seen you head for the beach, probably before the craft session let out. Did the art experience not trigger fond memories of your childhood days?”
Trevor grinned. “I suppose it possessed that element. It reminded me of the reason I earned a D in arts and crafts.”
Angie did not approach the subject of seeing him stash his D-rated work of art into someone’s Christmas stocking. “Your low grade did not reflect on your ability to trim a Christmas tree. I recall watching you tackle that task quite efficiently.”
“Suppose anyone can toss a few ornaments on branches. No skill required.” He placed his feet safely on the rubber bar on each side and turned off the machine. Mopping his face and neck with the white towel, he suddenly noticed her watching. “What?”
“Sorry, rude of me to stare.” Caught, Angie felt embarrassed and walked to the huge windows that faced the water. The sun was sinking lower in the sky as he slid in beside her.
“I don’t mind you staring. In fact you are becoming a notable distraction for me.” Trevor sounded sincere.
“Is that a good or a bad thing?” Angie was feeling brazen and allowed her curiosity to run the gauntlet.
“My mother would say yes indeed – extremely good.”
Angie was beginning to wonder if Trevor was a mommy’s boy. “Do you realize how many times you bring your mother into the conversation? It’s as if you have no opinion or worldview of your own.”
“Now that you mention it, I suppose I do let her ideas talk for me. Keeps me out of trouble. Or could be we just got a lot closer lately, and I discovered she has a lot of smart things to say.” Trevor squirmed and shuffled his feet.
“Close is a good thing. Treasure your mother while you still have her.”
“That’s the plan. I need to go shower and change. See you at supper?”
“You bet, and after that the Christmas Eve event.” The color drained from his face and she thought he’d pass out. “Are you alright, Trevor? You’re not coming down with something, are you?”
“Nothing that a cold shower won’t shake loose. See you later.”
Angie watched him leave and wondered again at the complex nature of this character that had invaded her mind and soul in such a short time. She was fooling herself if she thought her interest stopped at showing the hard-working tour guide a good and relaxing time while he visited
