ONE
Brandy Davenport
FOUR DAYS. FIVE SESSIONS. Relaxation. Four days. Five sessions. Relaxation.
The mantra played in my head repeatedly as I led my final yoga session for the day. I was set to host my Mind, Body, and Wellness retreat this weekend in Puerto Rico. I tried to host the retreat on islands that were U.S. territories so more of my clients could attend.
Most of them didn’t have passports and could barely afford to keep up with their payments for their sessions, so I made sure to give them notice, created a payment plan, and worked out all the arrangements for us to have a great time with as little stress as possible.
And for the most part, my clients always participated. They loved to travel and who wouldn’t want to travel with ya girl? Not to toot my own horn, but I made sure to accommodate well. No stone was left unturned, and the praise, pictures, and videos always left more people interested and wanting to attend the next year.
As I wrapped up the session, I noticed someone walking in from the back. Being as though this was a hot yoga session withdimmed lights, it wasn’t hard to miss the intrusion. I instantly sucked my teeth and headed over to grab my towel to wipe my face. I did so as slowly as I could because I couldn’t face the person heading my way without looking like a fool to everyone around me. My stomach was in knots and I had to find a way to control my breathing.
“Brandy, I can’t wait for this weekend. We’re meeting at the airport at five-thirty, right?” my client and best friend, Marsha, asked.
I was glad for the distraction. She knew how badly I didn’t want to have a conversation with the man close enough to clog our noses with his cologne. Stella turned on the lights and I was grateful for that. Now, there couldn’t be any surprises. I put my full attention back on Marsha’s question.
“Absolutely. I’ll be there a little earlier to make sure nobody takes up our little link up space.” I giggled and she did the same and patted me on the shoulder.
“It’s going to be so great. This is my first vacation since I had the twins four years ago. I can’t wait.”
“Oh yes, this is perfect for you indeed. We’re getting massages a couple hours after we arrive and maybe that’ll help you with that downward dog you were struggling with a little bit ago,” I teased.
She laughed then hugged me and began to say something as the intruder interrupted the conversation with their presence.
“Uh. We’re in the middle of a conversation. Can you please wait until everyone is gone to interrupt?” I asked in the softest voice possible.
“It’s imperative that we speak promptly,” he said. The harshness in his tone made Marsha’s head snap back. She and I locked eyes and I quickly shook my head so she wouldn’t snap on him.
“It’s okay, Brandy. We’ll have more than enough time to chat this weekend. I’ll see you in the morning,” Marsha replied.
My nostrils flared but I nodded and put on a smile as I hugged her then watched her trot away and grab her things along with the other girls. They all waved at me as they headed out and I did the same until the last person left.
Oh, how I wish one of them had stayed. There was usually at least one who would wait around to ask for tips to help them improve. I guess it was a good thing they hadn’t today but bad for me.
I stared at the one person I wished I wouldn’t see before this trip. That I wished I wouldn’t see ever again.
“Okay, they’re gone. What do you want? How’d you find me?”
“It’s time for you to bring your ass home, Brandy,” he said sharply.
“And why would I do that, Jeffrey? So you can toss me around some more?”
“That was a mistake.”
“A mistake that happened more than once. I’m good off that,” I replied.
I grabbed my duffel bag and bottle of water. My attempt to walk around him and leave failed miserably as he grabbed my arm. It was the softest he’d grabbed me in a long time.
I sighed as I halted my steps and tried my best not to turn around and swing on him. If I did, I was so sure my employees would find me lying in a pool of my own blood, either knocked out or dead.
“Let me go now,” I urged.
“Stop making this bigger than it has to be. I miss your little sexy ass. I need you home lil mama,” he said.
“Let me go. Please, Jeffrey,” I begged.
He huffed then let me go with a slight shove, like that would make me want to give him another chance. It only led me to believe there was no changing that temper and I refused to be abused.
