Free The Counseling by Marley Gibson Page A

dreamed of him—three separate occasions now—there's got to be a reason we're both here at the same time. There must be an explanation for why I got in at the last minute to the camp of the guy his father has connections to. Loreen tells me constantly that everything happens for a reason and I'm wondering what in the world brought Patrick Lynn and me together.
    My heart races at the thought of some sort of cosmic force directing us to the same spot and time on earth. Tingly sensations zap up and down my hand at the memory of his brief touch last night. A zigzag of emotions scatter through me, ranging from the intrigue of meeting a stranger to the excitement and exhilaration of what's to come. Sure, Jason and I are officially broken up, but I have no idea—as psychic as I am—where Patrick Lynn fits in my life.
If
he fits in my life. It really
could
all just be a coincidence.
    There are no coincidences...
    Okay. Who just said that?
    And who's this Jason? If you're broken up, quit thinking of him.
    I grind my teeth, seething at this invasion of my privacy.
Who
is doing this? I can't tell if the voice is male or female. Is it one of my
chicas
here messing with me? Or is it one of the guys trying to hit on me in some New Age way? It couldn't be Oliver or a counselor, could it? Maybe it's one of the spirits here at the inn. In any case, it's
not
funny and I don't appreciate it.
    Whoever you are ... piss off.
There. That should do it.
    Such language from such a pretty girl. Tsk-tsk...
    "Stop it!" I shout, covering my ears at the same time like that might actually help.
    Almost immediately, every eye in the room—even Patrick Lynn's behind his aviators—is turned to me. Some stare at me in dismay, others in shock, but most are chuckling at my outburst.
    "Sorry, Oliver," I say meekly. "Just, umm, arguing with the, er ... voices in my head"
    Everyone laughs, even me.
    Oliver walks over and puts his hands on my shoulders. "Don't worry, Kendall. Only in a roomful of other enlightened ones does that statement make sense. No one here is going to throw a straitjacket on you and lock you up."
    I slump in my chair in relief. "That's good to know."
    "One other thing," Oliver says. "The drivers and sedans here at Rose Briar are available for you whenever you want. This is your vacation. Your conference. Yes, there's an itinerary and plenty to do and work on with the counselors. However, I'm not holding you prisoner here. If you want to get out in the area and play, be my guest. All you have to do is sign out a sedan and make sure you don't go anywhere alone. That's my only rule. We're two hours from the ocean and an hour from Yosemite. The world is yours to explore, if that's what you wish."
    Jess balls up her fist, extending her pinkie and thumb in opposite directions. "Hang ten, beeyotches! Let's hit the waves!"
    That's right ... California, baby! I smack my hand to the table and turn to Patrick, quite naturally. "I've never been to the Pacific Ocean! We should all go swimming. How awesome will that be?"
    Patrick pulls back in his seat, almost cringing at my words.
    What did I say? How can this be the guy I've been fantasizing about? He doesn't even like me.
    Feeling huffy, I say, "I'm sorry if the thought of hanging out at the beach with me—with us—disgusts you."
    "It's not you, Kendall. Trust me," Patrick says in a shaky voice.
    "What
ever.
" I hate using that word, but it so fits right here. Fine. Stay bundled up in your leather and knit while the rest of us enjoy California Dreamin'.
    "This retreat is all about you. You get out of it what you put in," Oliver says. "Got it?"
    "Got it," several people say in unison, including me.
    I notice that Patrick is silent as a church mouse. He tugs off his sunglasses and presses his thumbs against his eyes, rubbing hard. Dude's gonna go blind pressing like that. Or maybe he's trying to erase a vision or memory. His face is so intense, like he's attempting to solve