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MADDIE AND SUZANNE looked at each other and raced after Autumn.
Two blonde women each tugged a large suitcase from the small car park. Storm clouds rolled over the house.
“I cannot lug this bag anymore,” one of the women declared. She wore tight denim jeans and a form-fitting red t-shirt.
“Let me help you.” Autumn grabbed the handle and pulled, instantly wincing. “It’s certainly heavy.”
“I didn’t know what to bring to wear. So I think I brought too much,” the blonde woman said. She seemed to notice Maddie and Suzanne hovering and said, “I’m Hailey, and this is my best friend Jenna.”
Jenna smiled and nodded. She wore similar clothes to Hailey but in a more relaxed styling. Her t-shirt was a soft pink and skimmed her trim figure, rather than flaunting it.
Hailey took in a deep breath and then exhaled.
“I can’t tell you how good it feels to get away from it all.” She flung her arms in the air. “Jenna and I are soccer moms, and we haven’t had a break in forever.”
“That’s not quite true,” Jenna said mildly. “We all went to Hawaii together a few months ago.”
“But that was all of us,” Hailey told her. “Husbands and kids. Sometimes you just need to get away from everything, you know?” She turned to Autumn. “I’m sure you understand what I mean.”
“That’s exactly what this retreat is for.” Autumn smiled, then continued to drag the suitcase toward the front door. “Quiet surroundings, good food, and the chance to release all the negativity in your life and fill it with positive energy.”
“Can I help?” Maddie asked Autumn quietly.
“I’ve got it, Maddie. But thanks.” The leader puffed a little as she spoke. “As soon as everyone is here I’d like to do the coffee toast. One more person is due to arrive.”
Just as Autumn spoke, an old beaten up beige car shuddered into the parking lot. Maddie half expected smoke to rise from the muffler as it juddered to a halt. A girl around Maddie’s age, maybe a little younger, got out of the car.
She carried a small overnight bag as old-fashioned as her clothes. A long shapeless skirt, a baggy pale blue blouse, and long, mouse colored hair made her look drab.
“You must be Edith.” Autumn dropped the suitcase and strode toward the girl.
“Hi,” the girl said shyly.
“Welcome to my retreat.” Autumn plucked the bag from Edith’s hands. “Come in, my dear. Now that everyone is here we can get started. We’re going to have a get to know you session, and then afterwards we’re going to have massages, and then a wonderful organic and vegan dinner.”
“Massages?” Maddie heard the girl say faintly.
“I’m sure you’ll love it,” Autumn beamed at Edith. She ushered the girl into the house. “I’ll come back for your suitcase, Hailey,” Autumn called out.
“We can help,” Suzanne offered, attempting to pick up Hailey’s large case.
“That would be great. I didn’t realize I would have to carry it so far from the car,” Hailey said.
Maddie thought the distance from the parking area to the front door was only about ninety feet. She helped Suzanne drag the case to the front door, her eyes widening at the heaviness of it.
“There’s no way we’re going to get it up those stairs,” she whispered to Suzanne.
“I know!” Suzanne set the bag down in the hall. “And Autumn might want a fresh pot of coffee now.”
“You’re right.”
While they spoke, Jenna passed them, lugging her own suitcase.
“Jenna didn’t pack as much as I did,” Hailey said self-deprecatingly. “But I haven’t been to a workshop like this before, and I didn’t want to be underdressed. Let me see if I can drag it a little further.” Hailey picked up the handle and pulled the case a little way down the hall.
“If everyone can gather in the great room.” Autumn suddenly appeared. “Maddie, if you could make a fresh pot of French Roast? And then we can officially start the workshop.”
“Of course.” Maddie hurried to the kitchen, Suzanne by her side.
“Maybe I should put out some more health balls.” Suzanne set to work, filling a large plate with the treats, while Maddie boiled the water.
“How many did you bring?” Maddie asked curiously as she spooned the ground coffee into the pot.
“Dozens and dozens,” Suzanne assured her.
Maddie remembered how busy Suzanne had been yesterday in between coffee customers, the food processor seeming to whir constantly as she made her specialty.
“Coffee’s ready,” Maddie announced, luckily finding another tray for the French press.
“Let’s go.” Suzanne led the way to the great room.
As she carried the coffee, Maddie decided to check on Trixie as soon as she could get away. The Persian might want something else to eat or drink, or just want Maddie to spend a few minutes with her.
“Maddie will pour the coffee,” Autumn announced as they entered the great room. “And then we will have a special toast.”
Maddie and Suzanne handed around cups. When everyone held their own mug, Autumn called for attention.
“This workshop is called: Embrace positivity, banish negativity, and live! And this is the reason we are going to toast the start of this workshop with organic French Roast coffee.”
Autumn scanned the room. “French Roast is a darker roast. Sometimes we all have dark times in our lives that we need to deal with. Taste the notes of scorched sugar.”
Autumn waited while everyone obediently lifted their cup to their lips and sipped. “Just like our lives, when we have sweetness to lift our spirits, and darkness that we have to vanquish. And this weekend, we are going to do a lot of vanquishing.”
Maddie thought she heard Brenda murmur, “Good.”
“Now I’ll go over the components of the workshop. After coffee and organic refreshments—” she gestured to Suzanne’s plate of health balls, “—we are going to indulge in relaxing massages.”
“I definitely need one,” Maddie heard Hailey mutter.
“Then, we will enjoy a wonderful organic dinner and start getting to know each other. After dinner, we will have a special breathing and yoga session, where we will get rid of some of our negative energy and replace it with positive energy. Tomorrow, we will wake up early and have another yoga session before breakfast. And at breakfast, I’ll tell you what the rest of the program is.”
“You could tell us now,” Hailey suggested. Maddie thought it sounded more like a demand.
“I’m sure it will be worth the wait, Hailey,” Autumn replied with a smile. “Drink up, everyone.”
“Stop!” A harsh voice assaulted their ears. Everyone turned to look at the doorway.
A stout, forty-something woman with jet black hair cropped short stomped into the room. She carried bags of coffee beans.
“Oh no,” Suzanne whispered to Maddie.
“Don’t drink that!” the newcomer ordered. “I have all the coffee you need, right here.” She held up the bags against her chest.
“Claudine, what are you doing here?” Maddie took a deep breath as she spoke. She couldn’t believe that her nemesis, Claudine Claxton, was here – and seemed to be brewing up trouble.
“Oh, Ms. Claxton.” Autumn walked toward Claudine. “It’s kind of you, but I have all the coffee I need. Maddie and Suzanne are doing the catering for this event. And that includes beverages.”
“But surely my coffee is better than theirs.” Claudine looked like she wanted to put her hands on her hips, but was hampered by the bags of coffee. “If you just give me a chance, you’ll see that.”
“Let’s talk outside, shall we?” Autumn put her arm around Claudine’s shoulders and led her into the hall. “Won’t be long,” she called back to the attendees.
“Wow.” Suzanne’s eyes were wide as she stared at Maddie. “I can’t believe Claudine did that!”
“I know.” Maddie shook her head. “Maybe business is pretty grim for her at the moment.”
Suzanne tiptoed to the doorway.
“Suzanne!” Maddie hissed.
“What?” Suzanne looked innocent. “Maybe I need to go to the bathroom and it’s that way.” She scrunched up her nose. “Actually, Autumn didn’t show us where the bathroom was.”
“We can ask her when she gets back.” Maddie kept her voice low. A couple of the attendees looked their way, amusement on their faces, but didn’t say anything.
“You need to taste my coffee again!” Maddie didn’t need to eavesdrop to hear Claudine’s strident voice in the hall. “I can’t believe you hired them over me!”
Autumn’s voice sounded soothing but Maddie couldn’t make out what the group leader was saying.
After a couple of minutes, she heard a door slam shut, and then the roar of a vehicle outside.
“I’m sorry about that, ladies.” Autumn entered the room. “A slight misunderstanding, that’s all. And now, it’s time for massages. I’ve set up a room on this floor. Oh, and if anyone needs the bathroom, there’s one to the right of the great room, and two more upstairs.”
Oops, I hope Autumn didn’t overhear me, was written all over Suzanne’s face.
“Dibs on the first massage!” Hailey left the great room.
“The masseur should be here any minute,” Autumn told the participants. “Maddie and Suzanne, may I speak with you for a moment?”
Maddie nodded as she and Suzanne followed Autumn to the kitchen.
“I’m so sorry Ms. Claxton appeared,” Autumn said. “I have to admit, I did try her coffee a few months ago, before I hired the caterer who cancelled on me. And I’m afraid—” she wrinkled her nose “—I didn’t care for it. But I’d visited her coffee shop incognito, if you know what I mean. I certainly didn’t mention I was looking for a caterer.”
“We might have told a couple of people in Estherville you’d hired us for this weekend,” Suzanne said slowly.
“It’s a small town and someone might have told Claudine,” Maddie added with a wince.
Autumn shook her head. “I’ve tried to be as kind to her as possible, but I’m afraid she stormed off in a huff. I hope she doesn’t take it to heart.”
“Is the masseur here yet?” Hailey poked her head into the kitchen. “My back is killing me.”
“Not yet,” Autumn replied. “Why don’t you get comfy and I’ll send him in as soon as he gets here.”
“All right.” Hailey didn’t look happy as she left the kitchen.
“I’ll just run upstairs for a minute – if that’s okay.” Guilt suddenly struck Maddie as she realized she hadn’t checked on Trixie yet.
“Of course, dear,” Autumn replied. “If you two could arrange dinner to be ready in—” she looked at her watch “—two hours? I realize everyone won’t get a long massage, but I feel I was lucky to hire this masseur at the last minute, after the one I had booked cancelled on me.”
“Your caterer and your masseur cancelled?” Suzanne queried.
“Yes.” Autumn nodded. “I can’t understand it. I didn’t haggle over their pricing and I thought everything was all set. Oh, well. It seems it was just one of those things. And it led me to hiring you two – and meeting Trixie,” she added with a smile.
“I’ll just see what she’s up to,” Maddie said.
“I’ll come with you.” Suzanne followed Maddie up the stairs.
Maddie quietly opened the bedroom door. Trixie lifted her head from her curled-up position on the blanket and blinked up at them.
“Would you like something to eat or drink, Trix?” Maddie sat down on the bed and stroked the Persian.
“Mrrow.” Trixie bunted her hand.
“Just as well you weren’t downstairs with us,” Suzanne told the cat. “Claudine came to visit.”
“Broomf!” Trixie didn’t look happy at the news.
“I know,” Maddie replied. “But she’s gone now. Autumn’s just waiting for the masseur to arrive, then afterwards we’ll have dinner and then there’s a yoga session.”
“You should join us for that, Trixie.” Suzanne giggled. “I bet you’d be good at twisting yourself into those sorts of poses.”
Trixie looked interested at the idea.
“I’ll bring some food and water for you,” Maddie promised.
After Maddie and Suzanne left Trixie more beef and gravy and water, they descended the stairs and entered the great room.
“Who is to have the first massage?” Maddie heard a sexy male voice inquire.
Maddie and Suzanne looked at each other, their eyes wide.
“It can’t be!” Suzanne looked wildly around the room. “Ramon! What are you doing here?”
A handsome Spaniard with charcoal hair and olive skin smiled at her. “Suzanne. And Maddie. I had hoped to see you here. Autumn contacted me last night. Her masseur cancelled at the last moment.” He shrugged in an European way. “How could I refuse?”
“You have no idea how grateful I am.” Autumn smiled at him.
“And now, I have massages to give. I believe the first lady is waiting for me?”
“Yes, in the room to the right,” Autumn replied. “I’ll show you.”
Ramon waved goodbye to Maddie and Suzanne.
“Lucky women,” Suzanne said wistfully.
Suzanne was a client of Ramon’s as well as a friend. She always urged Maddie to try a massage with the Spaniard, but so far Maddie hadn’t been brave enough. There was something about Ramon that was super sexy, although Suzanne swore his massages were totally professional.
Now Maddie was dating Luke, the thought of another man touching her body – even in a totally professional way – somehow seemed disloyal.
Besides, Suzanne had a flirty friendship with Ramon, and Maddie didn’t want to get in the middle of that.
“Let’s get dinner ready.” Maddie touched Suzanne’s arm. Her friend seemed far away.
“Sure.” Suzanne blinked and seemed to snap to attention.
They trooped to the kitchen.
“Okay, what exactly are we making?” Maddie asked, her hand poised on the refrigerator door.
Suzanne dug a list out of her pocket.
“Raw salad followed by fruit salad with whipped coconut cream – all organic.”
Maddie and Suzanne got the salad stuff out of the fridge and set to work. When they were finished, each plate contained tomatoes, cucumbers, grated carrot, zucchini ribbons, and avocados.
“What about a dressing?” Maddie asked.
“No dressing.” Suzanne shook her head. “Autumn said she wanted everyone to taste the vegetables themselves.”
“Oh,” Maddie said faintly.
“I had to look up how to whip coconut cream.” Suzanne tapped her phone. “So we’ll do that next.”
Once they’d made a luscious looking fruit salad from raspberries, blueberries, and cherries, Suzanne finished whipping the coconut cream and placed it in the fridge.
“How are you girls going?” Autumn appeared in the kitchen.
“We were just about to find you,” Suzanne told her. “Everything’s ready.”
“Wonderful! I’ve set everything up.” Autumn led them down the hall to the dining room.
The long dining table was covered with a white linen tablecloth and sparkling silverware. Wooden chairs with scarlet velvet cushions completed the elegant setting.
“I think Ramon is completing his last massage,” Autumn told them. “He’s a great find.”
“Yes.” Suzanne’s ponytail bobbed.
“Do you girls know him?” Autumn asked curiously.
“Uh-huh,” Suzanne replied. “We’re friends.”
“That massage was just what I needed.” Hailey entered the room, wearing a tight little black dress and looking very satisfied.
“I’m so glad, dear,” Autumn replied. “Dinner will be served in a jiffy.”
“I’m starving.” Hailey plonked down on one of the chairs.
Jenna followed her into the room, wearing the same jeans and t-shirt she’d worn earlier.
“Are we dressing for dinner?” she asked Autumn. “I wasn’t sure what to wear.”
“Whatever you’re most comfortable in, Jenna,” Autumn replied. She gestured to her tie-dyed skirt and top. “I’ll be wearing the same outfit I wore earlier, but if you’d like to change, it’s totally up to you.”
Jenna nodded, looking relieved, and sat down next to Hailey.
“Did you manage to get your suitcase up the stairs, Hailey?” Maddie asked curiously.
“Ramon brought it to my bedroom.” Hailey smiled in a coquettish way. “He is so strong. And his massage! It’s the best one I’ve ever had.”
“Let’s start bringing in the salads.” Suzanne looked a little flustered as she nudged Maddie.
They excused themselves and returned to the kitchen.
“I don’t think I like Hailey,” Suzanne admitted as they loaded up a tray. “She seems a bit demanding. I hope Ramon didn’t hurt himself carrying her suitcase.”
“I’m sure he’s okay,” Maddie soothed her. “I know we – I – haven’t seen him without his shirt on, but he looks like he could handle a heavy bag.”
“I haven’t seen him without his shirt on either,” Suzanne admitted. “Although I’d like to!”
Suzanne’s good humor seemed restored as they put a bowl of salad in front of each place setting.
“You girls must eat with us,” Autumn told them, after they set down six plates.
“Are you sure?” Maddie asked.
“Of course.” Autumn smiled. “And I’m trying to convince Ramon to stay for dinner.”
“Yes, he must stay.” Hailey sounded thrilled at the idea.
Brenda and Linda entered the dining room.
“Let’s see, we need Edith,” Autumn said, referring to the twenty-something girl who’d arrived in the car that looked like it was falling apart.
“I think she was the last to get a massage,” Linda said.
“Well, sit down, everyone.” Autumn gestured to the table. “Maddie and Suzanne will be joining us.”
Brenda and Linda smiled welcomingly at them.
Maddie and Suzanne hurried to the kitchen.
“Did you bring any separate food for us?” Maddie asked as her stomach started to growl.
“No,” Suzanne admitted, looking sorry. “Autumn said our main meals were included and I thought it might be fun to have a weekend of organic vegan eating but now ...”
“Never mind,” Maddie reassured her. “We might really enjoy our dinner tonight. The fruit salad looks good.”
“Yes, it does, doesn’t it?” Suzanne brightened.
They made their way back to the dining room. Edith had joined the others, looking flushed. Maddie wasn’t sure if it was the after-effects of the massage or something else. Edith and Linda were looking at each other in a puzzled way, as if they weren’t sure if they’d seen the other somewhere before.
“Are you sure you won’t stay for dinner, Ramon?” Autumn asked. All five attendees looked hopefully at Ramon, standing in the doorway. So did Suzanne.
“It is very tempting,” Ramon said, “But I am worried that a storm is coming. I noticed the sky when I arrived, and the clouds have only gotten darker since. I do not think it would be good to be caught outside in thunder and lightning.”
“No, of course not,” Autumn replied.
“You ladies must stay inside and keep the windows and doors closed,” Ramon said. “And Suzanne—” he turned to her, “—let me know how you are tomorrow, so I do not worry.”
“I will.” A faint blush hit Suzanne’s cheeks, but she looked pleased.
All the ladies said goodbye to Ramon. Maddie noticed Hailey batting her long black eyelashes at him and wondered if he had noticed. If so, he didn’t give any indication. He was probably used to getting a lot of female attention.
After Ramon left, Autumn clapped her hands.
“And now we will have our wonderful organic dinner!”
After everyone ate their salad, which was tastier than Maddie had expected, she and Suzanne brought in the bowls of fruit salad alongside the coconut cream.
“This looks delicious,” Autumn told them, helping herself to a large spoonful of whipped coconut cream.
The ladies chatted amongst themselves, exclaiming at how good the succulent berries and large Van cherries tasted – Edith shyly saying they reminded her of a piece of candy, they were so sweet and flavorful.
“When everyone is finished, we will assemble in the great room for our special breathing sessions, and then yoga!” Autumn announced. “This is one of the reasons why we’ve had a light dinner – so we’re able to enjoy our yoga postures. And don’t worry—” she winked to everyone “—if you’re a complete beginner. The yoga we do here this weekend will be very gentle.”
“If we do the dishes now, we might miss the special breathing,” Suzanne murmured to Maddie, not sounding sorry about it.
“But you wanted to try the yoga, right?” Maddie checked.
“Yep.” Suzanne’s ponytail bobbed. “Why not?”
“Maddie.” Autumn came up to them as they started clearing the plates. “I’d love for Trixie to join in with our yoga session – that is, if she’d like to.”
“Okay,” Maddie replied, a little startled. “I’ll check with her in a bit.”
“Excellent.” Autumn beamed at them. “I’ll call you when we get the mats ready.”
“Don’t you think that’s a bit weird?” Suzanne asked when they were alone in the kitchen. She snapped her fingers. “Hey! Do you think Autumn is a witch too? Or has some special powers? She seemed to bond with Trixie. Ooh! What if Autumn is another familiar?”
Maddie stared at her friend, wondering how her mind worked at times.
“You think Autumn is a familiar. Like Trixie?”
“Why not?” Suzanne shrugged. “She does seem to have a bit of ESP or something going on, don’t you think?”
“Yes, something,” Maddie replied. “But maybe it’s because she’s attuned into everything—” she waved a hand in the air to indicate the air around them “—and picks up on little things, like thinking Trixie might like to try yoga.”
“You could be right,” Suzanne said thoughtfully.
Maddie and Suzanne used the large dishwasher and tidied the kitchen. Before Autumn came to tell them it was time for yoga, they were ready to check on Trixie.
“I wonder if Trixie will want to do yoga with us,” Maddie mused as they started up the stairs.
They could hear Autumn’s voice in the great room, exhorting the participants to breathe deeply and to inhale all the positivity in the room.
Maddie quietly opened their bedroom door.
“Trixie?” she said softly.
“Mrrow?” Trixie uncurled herself from the bed and looked up at them.
“Autumn wants to know if you’d like to do yoga with everyone,” Suzanne said.
“Mrrow!” Trixie’s ears pricked and she jumped off the bed.
“I think that means yes,” Maddie said with a little laugh. Do you think it’s okay not to put her harness on?”
“Definitely.” Suzanne’s ponytail bobbed. “I’m sure Autumn doesn’t expect her to wear the harness while she’s twisting herself into yoga poses.”
“Okay.” Maddie opened the door. “Let’s go.”
Trixie led the way down the stairs, pausing and looking over her shoulder to make sure Maddie and Suzanne were following her.
When they reached the last step, Trixie walked into the great room.
“Trixie!” Autumn sounded pleased.
“Oh, look!” Maddie heard someone say. “Isn’t she pretty?”
“Hi.” Maddie entered the room. “I think Trixie would like to try some yoga.”
“Excellent.” Autumn smiled. “We’ve just finished our breathing session. I’ll get the mats and then we can begin.”
As Autumn left the room, the attendees came up to Maddie, Suzanne, and of course, Trixie.
“Ohhh.” Edith smiled shyly at Trixie – and Maddie. “She’s gorgeous.”
“Thanks,” Maddie replied.
“Is she really going to do yoga with us?” Brenda asked.
“I think so,” Maddie replied.
“I definitely am,” Suzanne added.
“She is cute – for a cat,” Hailey said, peering over at the Persian.
“I think she’s very pretty,” Jenna commented.
“Here we are.” Autumn appeared covered in a pile of yoga mats. Maddie and Suzanne rushed to help her.
“Thanks,” Autumn said gratefully. “There’s one mat for everyone and I’ve got Trixie one too – although she might prefer the carpet.”
“I’m sure she’ll tell us.” Suzanne giggled.
Everyone placed their mats on the floor. Somehow, Maddie, Trixie, and Suzanne found themselves in the first row.
“And now, we will start with the mountain pose,” Autumn said. “Everyone, take a cleansing breath and stand straight and tall.”
Maddie watched Trixie stand on her four paws on the pink yoga mat, then tried the carpet instead. The Persian looked up at Autumn, as if waiting for her next move.
“And now, we will try the child’s pose – or perhaps today we should call it the cat stretch pose. Trixie, I’m sure you’re wonderful at this.”
“Mrrow,” Trixie agreed, placing her front paws in front of her, and stretching her back.
“Everyone, look at Trixie! This is what we should aspire to. Her form is natural, yet elegant. Comfortable, yet flexible. I’m sure there isn’t one ounce of negativity in her right now.” Autumn beamed at the Persian.
Maddie heard murmurs of agreement – and some muttering. She turned her head, but couldn’t work out who sounded unhappy.
“Of course Trixie is a natural – she does this all the time,” Suzanne puffed as she struggled to copy the group leader – and Trixie.
“I don’t think I’m very limber,” Maddie mumbled. She didn’t think her attempts at the child’s pose were any better than her friend’s.
“And now, we will try a gentle seated forward bend,” Autumn announced. Just as she sat down on the mat with her legs stretched out in front, her cell phone rang.
“Oops.” Autumn bit her lip. “I’m sorry, ladies. I thought I’d turned it off.”
“You told us we had to turn ours off,” Hailey grumbled as she effortlessly twisted her body into the pose.
“I do apologize.” Autumn plucked her phone out of her pocket and glanced at the display. “I have to take this.” She didn’t sound happy.
The group leader scanned the room, her gaze coming back to the Persian. “Trixie, would you like to take charge of the class?”
“Mrrow!” Trixie stood up and took Autumn’s place, facing the participants. Then she eased onto her back and lifted her hind leg into the air.
“Everyone, try to follow Trixie’s moves as best you can,” Autumn said as she strode from the room. “I’ll return in a jiffy.”
“This is the weirdest yoga class I’ve ever been to,” Hailey muttered.
Maddie attempted to follow her familiar’s next pose. It involved lying flat on her back and raising her leg even higher in the air. For a second, Maddie wondered if Trixie was going to start grooming her fur, as she had often see the cat do at home, but Trixie resisted.
“I thought I was more flexible than this,” Suzanne gasped, as she followed Trixie’s next move. It involved sitting up with the cat’s hind legs stretched out on either side, then slowly lifting the left leg forty-five degrees from the floor.
“Is this yoga?” Maddie heard Linda ask.
“Cat yoga?” she heard Brenda suggest.
Maddie and Suzanne looked at each other with one of their legs slightly in the air and laughed.
“Mrrow!” Trixie looked pleased at the suggestion.
“Thank you, Trixie.” Autumn swept into the room, a frown marring her brow. She looked at the participants, noting their poses. “You’ve done a wonderful job.”
“Mrrow.” Trixie looked up at the group leader as if to say thank you. After a second, she added “Mrrow?” seeming to ask Autumn a question.
“It’s nothing, dear,” Autumn bent down to speak to the cat. “I’m sure it will resolve itself.”
Trixie cast a look at Autumn over her shoulder as she returned to her place on the carpet. The feline looked a little doubtful.
“I wonder what that was all about?” Suzanne whispered to Maddie as they stood on their mats.
“Maybe Autumn’s phone call wasn’t exactly positive?” Maddie hazarded a guess.
“We’ll have to ask Trixie later.” Suzanne’s ponytail bobbed.
“And now, we’ll try the tree pose,” Autumn announced.
As Maddie stood on one leg, large drops of rain pelted the windows of the great room.
The sky was practically black, and a faint rumble of thunder filled the air.
“I hope Ramon got home safely,” Suzanne murmured as she balanced herself on her left leg.
“He must have.” Maddie peeked at her watch. The Spaniard had had plenty of time to drive back to Estherville.
To Maddie’s relief, there was no more thunder as they completed the yoga session. When they lay down to cool off, the rain cascaded even harder against the windows.
“It looks like we’re in for a summer storm, ladies.” Autumn glanced at the rain lashing the window. “But let’s not worry. This might be nature’s way of expelling all the negativity around us. Tomorrow, we’ll be bathing in positivity!”
“I hope so,” Suzanne muttered.
“I’m going to call Luke,” Maddie said as the group leader signaled that the yoga class was finished.
“Good idea.” Suzanne followed Maddie and Trixie as they climbed the stairs.
Trixie ran on ahead, with a “What’s taking you so long?” look on her face as she waited for them at the top. Maddie’s legs wobbled as she climbed the last few stairs. Was she really this unfit? She was of average size and shape, and according to the mirror, it didn’t look like she’d put on weight recently. Maybe she should go for a walk before work every morning, or join the sweaty joggers in Estherville’s town square, some of whom always forgot to carry a water bottle and ended up buying one from her and Suzanne.
She started to giggle.
“What’s so funny?” Suzanne expelled a loud breath.
“Nothing,” Maddie answered with a grin. A low rumble sounded. “I better call Luke now before it gets too dangerous to use the phone.”
They hurried to their room, Trixie jumping up on the bed. Maddie dug her phone out of her bag and speed-dialed Luke.
Nothing. No sound of ringing in her ear. She stared at the phone. The display said it was calling Luke. Then ... no signal.
Maddie made a face and put the phone on the bed.
“It must be the storm,” she told Suzanne and Trixie.
Trixie jumped from Maddie’s bed to Suzanne’s and then onto the window ledge. There was just enough space on the sill for the Persian to sit. She peered out through the window.
“Mrrow,” she said knowingly.
“I guess that means there’s going to be a storm – or at least no cell phone signal.” Maddie sighed.
“Pooh.” Suzanne flumped down on the bed.
A crack of lightning filled the sky – and the room.
They shrieked.
“Get down, Trixie!” Maddie hurried over to her familiar, but Trixie had already jumped down from the window.
“Broomf!” Trixie leaped onto Maddie’s bed, a pout on her face.
“I don’t think even Trixie knew lightning was coming,” Suzanne remarked.
There was a knock on their door. “Are you girls okay?” Autumn asked.
“We’re fine.” Maddie opened the door and smiled reassuringly at the group leader. “We just got a shock when we saw and heard the lightning.”
“I know what you mean.” Autumn nodded. “I thought we could gather everyone together with a few minutes of meditation, then have an early night. Tomorrow, our first yoga session will start at seven o’clock, and we’ll have breakfast afterwards.”
“Sure,” she agreed.
“Maybe Maddie and I should skip yoga so we can prepare breakfast.” There was a hopeful note in Suzanne’s voice.
Autumn waved away that suggestion. “I’d love for you girls to join us at yoga. That includes you too, Trixie.” She smiled at the cat.
“Mrrow!” Trixie made it sound as if she would love to practice more yoga.
“Wonderful!” Autumn softly clapped her hands. “Now, we’ll go down to the great room again, have our meditation, and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.”
A growl of thunder split the air, as if making a mockery of the group leader’s words.
“More cleansing by nature,” Autumn said brightly, but her forehead was furrowed.
They trooped down to the great room, Maddie wondering if she should try to call Luke again afterward. She didn’t want him to worry when she knew he was expecting her call.
The rest of the attendees were already there, sitting on the sofas.
Maddie, Trixie, and Suzanne sat next to Edith. Maddie smiled at her, while Trixie sat on the floor. Maddie realized she’d forgotten to put Trixie’s harness on, but nobody seemed to be bothered.
“Is Trixie going to be at yoga tomorrow?” Brenda asked as she smiled at the cat.
“Yes,” Maddie and Autumn answered at the same time.
“It was fun,” Brenda enthused.
“I must show you photos of my kids before we start.” Jenna pulled out a digital brag book and passed it to Linda. “That’s Carly, and that’s Jodie, and that’s Mikey, my youngest.”
“They look like you.” Linda smiled at Jenna, then passed the screen to Brenda.
“Jenna, you’re holding up the meditation,” Hailey grumbled. “You’ve probably shown everyone their photos already.” She turned to the others. “That’s the first thing she does whenever she meets anyone new.” She tsked. “I’ve already seen those images a million times.”
There was an awkward silence. Jenna flushed.
Brenda passed the brag book to Edith, seeming not to notice Hailey’s glare.
Edith timidly gave Autumn the photos.
“They look very happy,” Autumn told Jenna, who looked gratified before she put the screen back in her purse.
Autumn clapped her hands softly. “Now, we’re going to meditate for a few minutes.”
The rain continued to splash against the windows. Another rumble of thunder accompanied the group leader’s words.
“If we can concentrate with all that racket going on,” Hailey grumbled. Jenna jabbed her in the ribs.
“Close your eyes, everyone.” Autumn shut her eyes. Maddie obediently closed hers, then after a few seconds, opened them in curiosity. Everyone had theirs closed apart from Suzanne, who winked at her.
Maddie stifled a smile, giving her friend a “We better close them” expression. Suzanne scrunched her nose, but flickered her eyelids closed. So did Maddie.
She could only guess that Trixie had followed Autumn’s instructions as her familiar sat quietly by Maddie’s feet.
“Try not to think of anything,” Autumn told them. “Make your mind a blank canvas.” Her tone was hushed. “Quiet your mind. If you find it difficult to focus, concentrate on the sound of the rain outside. The rain is washing away all the negativity in the air.”
Maddie found her mind drifting. What would Luke think if he didn’t hear from her tonight? Would he assume she’d forgotten to call him, or would he worry that something was wrong? Was there a storm in Estherville as well?
Suddenly, a picture rose in her mind of Trixie primly making a shushing gesture with her paw on her mouth. Had her familiar been able to read her thoughts? It hadn’t been the first time. Had she been disturbing Trixie’s concentration?
“Sorry.” Maddie formed the words in her mind, then tried to make her brain totally blank.
After a while, she heard Autumn say quietly, “Now, we will come back to the world in a minute. Slowly start to think of something positive, then flutter your eyes open. Take a deep cleansing breath, and return to your surroundings.”
Maddie followed the instructions, blinking a few times as the room swam into focus. All the other participants seemed to do likewise.
“Mrrow,” Trixie said softly, jumping into Maddie’s lap.
“You were right to reproach me,” Maddie whispered to the Persian, stroking her fluffy white fur.
Trixie patted her knee, as if to say, “I know.”
“I hope everyone is feeling refreshed.” Autumn beamed at them. “I think we’ll get an early night. Yoga tomorrow at seven, before breakfast.” A couple of groans sounded. “You know you really want to,” Autumn encouraged them.
A loud crack of thunder accompanied her words. Someone screamed.
Trixie half jumped in Maddie’s lap at the noise – although Maddie thought it might have been the scream that had startled her familiar, and not the thunder.
The soft lighting in the great room vanished.
“It’s a black out!” someone cried.
“Stay calm, everyone,” Autumn soothed.
“Is this nature’s way of telling us to go to bed?” Hailey asked sarcastically.
“Good thought, Hailey,” Autumn responded, although Maddie detected a hint of worry in her tone. “I’ll check if the light in the kitchen has gone out as well.”
Maddie’s eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness. She could barely make out Autumn as she walked slowly to the doorway.
“I’m afraid there’s no light in the kitchen,” Autumn announced. Maddie knew from where the group leader stood, she could see the yellow glow from the kitchen – if the electricity was still working. Maddie had noticed she and Suzanne had left the light on when they came down for the meditation session.
“What about the fuse box?” Linda suggested. “Maybe it’s just a blown circuit and not a total power failure.”
“Good thinking,” Autumn praised. “But I’m afraid I don’t know where the fuse box is, and—” there was another crash of thunder “–it’s too dangerous for us to go outside now. I think the best thing to do is go to bed.”
“But how we will find our way up the stairs?” Jenna asked.
“We could go up in pairs,” Brenda proposed.
“Or use a flashlight app,” Edith suggested. Suddenly a white light swung around the room.
“Excellent, Edith,” Autumn approved. “Ladies, if you have your phones with you, see if you can do the same.”
A light shone from Autumn’s direction, and one from Brenda’s.
“Now we’ll be able to make our way up the stairs. I’ll lead the way, Edith can go in the middle and Brenda, if you don’t mind bringing up the rear?”
“I’ll carry you, Trix,” Maddie told the Persian. She didn’t want anyone to accidentally step on her familiar’s tail.
“Mrrow!” Trixie had other ideas. She jumped off Maddie’s lap and disappeared in the darkness.
“Trixie!” Maddie whispered.
“Let’s go, ladies.” Autumn stood and led the way to the stairs. She started laughing. “It looks like Trixie has already beaten us.”
Trixie stood at the top of the stairs, a triumphant expression on her face.
Maddie shook her head at her cat’s antics.
“Do you think Trixie is showing off a little?” Suzanne whispered.
“Maybe,” Maddie agreed. “But it is unusual circumstances.”
Everyone walked up the stairs, With the three small torch beams, there was just enough light for Maddie to see her way up the stairs without treading on anyone’s heels.
When they were safely at the top, Trixie brushed against Maddie’s legs.
“What are you up to?” she murmured.
“Mrrow.” Trixie sounded innocent.
They said good night to Edith, Hailey, Jenna, Brenda, and Linda. Then it was only the four of them – Maddie, Trixie, Suzanne, and Autumn.
Maddie would have to check if her phone had a flashlight app on it. She just wished she’d brought it down to the meditation session.
“I’ll walk you girls to your room.” Autumn accompanied them a few steps down from Linda’s bedroom.
“Thanks,” Suzanne said, her voice subdued.
A crack of lightning lit the hall. All three stared at each other with wide eyes. The only one who didn’t seem perturbed was Trixie, who waited for them at the bedroom door.
“I’m sure the weather will be better in the morning,” Autumn said, as if trying to convince herself.
“I hope so,” Maddie replied.
They said goodnight to Autumn. Maddie shut the door, realizing too late that now the three of them were in total darkness in their room.
“I bet I’ve got a flashlight app too.” Sounds of rummaging by Suzanne. “Yep!” A small ray of white light appeared.
“Phew. That will make things easier.” Maddie sat on the bed.
“Trixie is the only one of us who doesn’t need a light. Isn’t that right, Trix?” Suzanne asked.
“Mrrow,” Trixie agreed. Maddie made out her familiar’s turquoise eyes glowing in the dark.
Maddie and Suzanne got ready for bed, going together to the bathroom for moral support.
When they returned to their room, Maddie checked her phone, aided by Suzanne’s flashlight app, but discovered she didn’t have the same app on her phone. Darn.
“As soon as we can get a signal, we’ll download one for your cell,” Suzanne promised as she got into bed.
“Deal.” Maddie slid beneath the covers. Trixie landed next to her and turned around in a circle near Maddie’s knees.
“I’ve set the alarm for six,” Suzanne said sleepily. “Good night.”
“Night,” Maddie echoed, finding herself drifting off to sleep despite the steady drumbeat of the rain outside and the occasional growl of thunder. She just hoped the storm would be over by tomorrow morning.
