Sammy in England (Single Wide Female Travels #4) Read online

  Poppy nodded, but didn’t open her eyes or speak.

  I studied her closely. “Now, one more slow and steady breath. When you breathe in, you feel that warmth building. As you breathe out, you’ll remember just what makes you feel that way. It’ll be a picture, a smell, a sound, or a feeling. Just let it form within your mind. When you’re ready, open your eyes.”

  A moment later her eyes sprang open. “Wow.”

  “Is that a good wow?” I smiled.

  “It’s just a wow. That was pretty interesting.”

  “So? Did you see something?”

  “Maybe.”

  “You don’t have to tell me what it was, but more than likely, it’s your one big wish. Do you think you could write it on a slip of paper? You could keep it with you. I’ll never have to look at it. There’s something concrete about writing things down. It’s as if you can bring fantasy into reality.”

  “Yes, I can do that.” She grabbed a napkin and took the pen I offered her. She jotted down a few words, then folded the napkin into a tiny little square. She tucked it safely inside her pocket.

  “See, you do have a big wish.”

  “Maybe, but it doesn’t change anything. It’s never going to happen. Still, I do have to say that I feel a lot calmer than I did even a few minutes ago. You really made a difference there.” She drank more of her coffee.

  “Sometimes all it takes is slowing down a little. Most people don’t take the time to realize the fast pace we keep with everything in our daily lives. Our minds, spirits, and bodies yearn for that slow purposeful breath. Did you know it’s actually fairly common for people not to breathe enough? There are people who are so stressed that they often hold their breath.”

  “I can understand that. Life can be very demanding.”

  “Yes, it can be.” I nodded and finished my coffee. “But not today. Today we do things for the fun of it, not because we have to.”

  “Well, actually you’re doing things for the fun of it. I’m doing things because you think I need to.”

  “Give it a little time and you’re going to be having just as much fun as I am.”

  “I hope that’s the case.” Poppy stood up from the table. “I’m going to go wash up.”

  As soon as she was gone, I pulled out my phone. Just as I was about to text Max, he texted me a photograph. He had his arm around Michelle as they stood in front of an old farmhouse. It was a friendly gesture, I knew that. I typed back a quick message.

  Have fun.

  Then I swiped the picture out of view. As my heartbeat raced, I recognized my loss of control. Max had sent me a picture to show me some of his past, and I could barely look at it.

  When Poppy returned to the table I stood up. “Let’s head out.”

  “Now?”

  “Yes, better to get moving.” I smiled.

  My phone buzzed with a text, but I ignored it.

  I hailed a taxi and we drove to the gathering I’d selected to start our morning.

  Poppy raised an eyebrow as we walked into a carpeted room filled with people sitting on the floor with their legs crossed.

  “What is this?”

  “You’re going to love it. It’s a great way to start things out. We’ll be nice and relaxed when we’re done.” I gestured to a spot on the carpet. “There’s a good place to sit.”

  “I’m not sure if I’m comfortable sitting on the floor.”

  “Just give it a shot. You might be more comfortable than you expect.” I sat down and smiled up at her.

  Poppy eased her way down to the floor.

  I noticed the ultra-conservative shoes that she wore. Despite the fact that her outfit was put together well, she’d chosen very plain footwear. I assumed that she made most of her choices in life based on what made the most sense and not necessarily on what she wanted.

  Once she was settled, I pointed to the front of the room. “See those white bowls?”

  “Yes.”

  “They’re called crystal singing bowls. I love to meditate to the sound of them.”

  “Ah, meditation. Yes, I’ve tried it. It doesn’t work for me.”

  “No?” I raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t think it would work for me at first either, but over time I learned how to relax. That’s the key to meditation, at least it was for me—letting go of control.”

  “But don’t you think it’s kind of silly?” She frowned. “To sit in a room full of strangers with your eyes closed? I mean, anyone could do anything and you wouldn’t even know it.”

  “I don’t think anyone here is going to hurt me. Is that something that you worry about?”

  She lowered her eyes and picked at the hem of her shirt. “I’ve had a bit of experience with being harmed.”

  “I’m sorry.” I touched the back of her hand. “Maybe you use control to protect yourself?”

  “I think it’s necessary.”

  I nodded and looked up at the front of the room as the bowls began to sing. “I can understand that. But the thing about control is that it only gives you the illusion of protection. The truth is, there’s no way to keep yourself safe all the time. Things happen, chaos explodes, and bad people walk into our lives through no fault of our own.”

  “Maybe. But there are some things that can be done to prevent some of that—like not closing your eyes in a room full of strangers.”

  “Okay.” I smiled at her. “Fair enough. Keep your eyes open. But let the sound wash over you from head to toe. The vibrations may surprise you.”

  “Okay.” She nodded.

  Chapter 14

  As the sounds grew louder I closed my eyes. I wanted the vibrations to eliminate the negative emotions that swirled within me. I wanted to discover my peace.

  But with every new chime, my heartbeat quickened. I couldn’t relax. The moment my thoughts drifted, the picture of Max with his arm around Michelle filled my mind. I had plenty of friends. I took pictures with their arms around my shoulders all the time. I tried to convince myself that my concern was over nothing.

  After a few slow deep breaths, I was able to get my shoulders to relax. More than anything, I wanted my focus to be on Poppy and not let Max and Michelle’s adventure distract me.

  When I surfaced from my semi-meditation, I was pleased to see that Poppy had her eyes closed. Just when I thought she must have been comfortable enough to close her eyes, I heard a subtle snore escape her.

  “Poppy?” I touched her shoulder gently.

  She jumped and opened her eyes. “What?”

  “I think you fell asleep.”

  “Oh.” She rubbed her cheek and wiped away a bit of drool. “I guess I did. I’ve never had that happen to me before.”

  “Maybe the sounds relaxed you.”

  “I guess they did.” She laughed. “You know it’s funny, I actually feel pretty good. Like I just stepped out of a shower.”

  “That’s good at least.” I smiled. “I always enjoy spending a little time in meditation, especially if I have a very busy schedule to keep up with.”

  “I wonder if there’s a way to get that in a pill form. Like, pop this pill, and you’ll feel like you just meditated.” She grinned. “I think I would like that.”

  “I might too.” I laughed.

  “Where to next?” She met my eyes.

  I saw it then, the eagerness within her to embrace the experience. All of my concerns about Max and Michelle began to fade beneath my desire to introduce Poppy to a more relaxed and fulfilling lifestyle.

  “Well, we needed that rest, because I’ve got us booked to participate in an adventure obstacle course.”

  “A what?”

  “It’s hard to explain until you see it.”

  “Or maybe you just don’t want to tell me?” She raised an eyebrow.

  “Maybe.” I grinned.

  The outdoor obstacle course was located in the middle of a large park. The air was chilly, but the sky was clear and blue. It seemed like it would be a good day to experience some inten
se physical activity. Since my run hadn’t gone so well the day before, I looked forward to getting some endorphins flowing.

  “Oh, Samantha, what are you thinking?” Poppy stared up at the wooden wall that towered before us.

  “I’m thinking it’s just one more obstacle that we can easily get through.”

  “If you think I’m climbing over that, you’ve lost your mind!”

  “The only way past is over it.” I smiled at her. “This is how we learn just how strong we are.”

  “I’m not that strong.” She shook her head. “Besides, look at what we’re wearing.”

  “They have jumpsuits, don’t worry.”

  “I’m not worried, because I’m not going to do it. I could get hurt, then I’d be out of work. Why would I risk that?”

  “Listen, a lot of things could happen. But if you’re always taking the safe path, then you’re going to miss out on a great deal of life. If you really don’t want to do this, then fine, we’ll move on to the next item on the list. But I can promise you that the sense of freedom and accomplishment you’ll experience is something you’ll never have the opportunity to experience behind a desk or in the safety of your home. If there’s one thing I’m certain of about you, Poppy, it’s that you enjoy a challenge.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “If you didn’t, you wouldn’t have invited me to London.”

  She sighed. “I guess you’re right about that.”

  “So let’s get up and over that wall. Hm?”

  “Alright, I’ll try it.”

  After we were outfitted in jumpsuits we approached the wall. There was a rope for Poppy and a rope for me. Excitement pumped through me. Poppy had agreed to try, that meant a lot. But the moment I grabbed the rope, it struck me that it meant I had to try also. I gave the rope a hard tug. It seemed solid enough.

  The scuff of shoes against wood drew my attention to Poppy. Already she’d gotten a few feet off the ground.

  “Great job, Poppy!”

  “You next!” She panted.

  I took a deep breath. This was something that I needed more than I’d realized.

  I climbed the face of the wall with steady movements. Poppy matched my pace and we shouted support to one another. Everything about our climb up was going well, but I realized that getting over the top of the wall was going to be much harder. Although I got one of my legs swung over, heaving the remainder of my weight when my muscles were exhausted from the climb was difficult.

  It struck me that I was quite out of shape. Not that I’d been an athlete prior to the book tour, but I’d at least built up some stamina. All of that seemed to be gone now.

  “I think I’m going to fall, Samantha!” Poppy clung to the top of the wall.

  Her leg did look like it might slip back over the front of the wall.

  “You can do it, Poppy. Just push your leg a little higher. You can do it. See?” I pushed harder until I was fully straddling the top of the wall.

  Poppy grunted and shoved her leg further over the top. A moment later she was straddling the wall as well.

  “You did it!” I smiled.

  “Right, but we still have to get down there.” Poppy pointed down the other side of the wall.

  Somehow, on the way up, it didn’t seem as high as it did looking down from the top.

  “Easy!” I managed a grin. “I’ll race you!”

  “Wait, Samantha, you should be careful—”

  Chapter 15

  Poppy’s words echoed in my ears as my foot slid along the front of the wall. There was no traction, but in my attempt at enthusiasm, I’d swung both legs over without thought to getting a foothold. The rope burned my palms as I slid all the way down the wall and landed hard on the ground.

  “Samantha?” Poppy screeched. She bounced her way down the front of the wall as if she’d been scaling walls for years. “Are you okay?” She crouched down beside me as one of the rangers ran up to me.

  “Are you injured?” He placed a hand on my shoulder.

  “No, I’m okay. Just embarrassed.”

  “It happens all the time. Just remember, safety first. Think about your next step before you take it.”

  “See?” Poppy smiled and offered me her hand. “A little caution goes a long way.”

  “You’re right.” I laughed as I stood up. “Maybe I should slow down just a little bit.”

  “What do you mean, slow down? We’re done, aren’t we?”

  “Well, there’s still that.” I pointed to a low balance beam that snaked across a swamp-like pond.

  “Are you kidding me?” She shook her head. “I can’t do that.”

  “That’s what you said about the wall, remember?” I winked at her. “I don’t think I believe in your I can’t any more.”

  “This is different.”

  “It’s not. The only reason that you think you can’t do it is because you haven’t tried. But if you give it a shot, I bet you can.”

  “Or I’ll end up in slime.” She scrunched up her nose.

  “It’s pretty shallow, ladies, you’ll be fine.” The ranger winked at Poppy.

  Poppy’s cheeks grew red right away.

  I raised an eyebrow and smiled to myself. First her longing look at Max, now an instant blush the moment a man spoke to her. I had a feeling I knew what Poppy’s big wish was.

  “Maybe you could show us how it’s done, ranger?” I smiled at him.

  “Oh.” He pulled his hat off. “I’m in more of a supervisory role.”

  “See, I don’t think my friend Poppy is going to do it, unless she sees that it’s safe.” I lifted an eyebrow. “I’m sure that she’d feel a lot better if she knew that you could cross it.”

  “Is that right, Poppy?” He met her eyes.

  “I just—well, I don’t think.” She lowered her eyes and shrugged.

  He smiled and put his hat back on his head. “Just for you, Poppy. Keep an eye on me, alright? I haven’t done this in a while.”

  “I will.” She smiled at him. It was a tiny awkward smile that made my heart burst with warmth.

  “Sir, what’s your name? So we can cheer?” I stepped forward before he could mount the balance beam.

  “Robert.” He nodded to us both, then began to make his way across the low board.

  “Why did you make him do that?” Poppy frowned.

  “Why not?” I smiled. “He’s a handsome man in action. Don’t you think?”

  “I didn’t notice.” She flushed.

  “Sure you did.” I elbowed her. “I think he likes you.”

  “Why would you think that? He barely looked at me.”

  “No, you barely looked at him. He looked at you the whole time.”

  “You’re making that up.” She rolled her eyes and looked back at the ranger. “Wow, look. He’s almost across.”

  “Let’s give him some support. Go, Robert! Go, Robert!” I waved my fist above my head.

  “Samantha!”

  “Try it.” I smiled at her.

  “I’ll feel ridiculous.”

  “So?”

  “Go, Robert!” She raised her voice just a little.

  Robert stopped on the balance beam and turned back to wave to her. As he did, he slid right into the water.

  “Oh no! Look what happened! Samantha, this is all your fault!”

  Poppy’s face was red and I could see her stress level rising right before my eyes.

  “What? I didn’t do anything!”

  I rushed forward as Robert floundered in the water, but before I could reach him, Poppy shot across the balance beam to Robert’s side. She reached down and stretched out her hand to him.

  “Here, let me help you.”

  “Thanks, Poppy. Be careful.” He grabbed her hand and eased his way back up onto the balance beam. “Thank you so much.”

  “Please don’t thank me. I’m the one that made you fall.”

  “No, you didn’t.” He offered a sheepish smile. “I fell because I was try
ing to impress you.”

  “What? Why?” Poppy stumbled back and nearly lost her footing on the other side of the balance beam. Robert grabbed her and pulled her close.

  “Careful now. Let’s get to the other side together.” He took her hand and began to lead her toward the other side of the beam.

  I made my way to the other side and stole glances back at the two. By the time they’d crossed the beam, their hands were interlocked.

  “Fantastic! You made it.” I grinned.

  “And you cheated.” Poppy huffed and put her hands on her hips.

  “I was only trying to help.”

  “Don’t worry, Poppy came to my rescue.” Robert smiled at her. “I hope you both enjoy the rest of your adventure.”

  I saw the disappointment in Poppy’s expression as he walked away. “You should ask him for his number.”

  “What? No.” She shook her head. “I couldn’t do that.”

  “Sure you could. Just go do it.”

  “Enough.” She laughed. “You’re not going to get me to do that.”

  “Alright, alright. Maybe it’s time we get some lunch.”

  “After all of that, yes, I’m ready to eat.”

  “I’m going to stop in the restroom and I’ll meet you out front.”

  “Okay, I’ll call for a taxi.”

  Chapter 16

  I was almost to the restroom when Robert walked up to me. “You’re not doing the whole course?”

  “No, I just wanted to give Poppy a taste. We have a lot of other things we have to do this afternoon.”

  “I see.” He cleared his throat and glanced over his shoulder. “Is she still here?”

  “Yes, she’s waiting out front for me.”

  “Oh.” He nodded and rocked back on his heels. “She seemed like a nice person.”

  “She is.” I smiled and met his eyes. “Just shy.”

  “Hm. I gathered that.” He glanced over his shoulder again, then back at me. “This will probably seem incredibly forward and inappropriate, but I’m going to take a chance. Would you mind giving her my number?” He held out a small piece of paper. “I’d ask her myself, but I don’t want to put her on the spot. If she wants to call she can, if she doesn’t, it’s fine.”