Learning to Live Again by Taryn Plendl Page B

adorably handsome in his robe with his spa slippers on his feet. “So, what now?” He grinned as he sat next to her.
    Rachel looked around, seeing only one other couple across the room and smiled. They basically had the place to themselves. “We have about five hours worth of treatments coming our way.” She giggled at the shocked look on Austin’s face.
    “We have a half-hour before we go for our couple’s massage and revitalizing body wrap.” Rachel bit her lip to try to hold back her laughter. “Do you want to go sit in the hot tub?”
    Austin stood up and held out his hand. “Lead the way ,” he instructed.
    The spa had several private hot tubs. Rachel and Austin slipped into one, moaning at how great it felt. Rachel’s muscles had been protesting ever since the ski day yesterday.
    “Are you sore from skiing?” Austin scooted closer to Rachel, placing his arm behind her head. “Is this okay?”
    Rachel leaned back against his arm, wordlessly answering his question. “I am sore. It has been a while since I had done anything so physical.” Rachel closed her eyes, basking in the warmth of the rolling and bubbling water.
    “Rachel, I’m so sorry about yesterday. I shouldn’t have walked away like I did.” Rachel opened her eyes to find Austin staring intently at her. She turned and placed her small hand along his cheek.
    “I’m sorry about your sister, Austin, and I’m sorry you felt like we kept something from you. That wasn’t my intent,” Rachel explained as Austin closed his eyes and leaned into her hand.
    “I know.” Austin turned and kissed Rachel’s palm , taking it into his own. They sat in comfortable silence until the spa concierge came to take them to their massage.
    “I hope you don’t mind being in the same room for our treatments ,” Rachel whispered nervously. She hadn’t really thought about it when she booked it, but now it seemed so intimate. She was looking forward to spending the day with Austin like this; she just hoped he felt the same.
    Austin grabbed her hand as they walked to the massage suite. “This is perfect. All of it.” He squeezed Rachel’s hand , and she felt the nervousness fade away.
    After some awkward maneuvering and laughing, Austin and Rachel manage to situate themselves on the massage tables without baring their goods to the world. The tables were set up just close enough for them to hold hands.
    A woman and man came in and, after briefly introducing themselves, they began to massage and rub the soreness and stress away. They spent the next ninety minutes with their eyes closed, only opening them occasionally to share a contented smile. At the end of the massage, they had to let go of each other to finish the wrap portion.
    After Rachel and Austin were buffed , shined, and wrapped, they were left alone to relax for a bit. Unable to touch, they just turned their heads toward each other.
    “Did you lose your hair?” Austin spoke so softly that Rachel almost didn’t hear him.
    “Yes. It was devastating at first. I had long, dark hair. It was my best feature.” Rachel tried to shrug, but the wrap made it impossible.
    “I disagree. It’s not your best feature, even when it was long.” Austin watched Rachel so intently that she felt utterly exposed. “You have a kind heart and a strength that is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. What you have been through would break most people, but you seem unfazed.” 
    “Not unfazed, Austin. I had a rough time like anyone who goes through something like this. Just when I thought I couldn’t do it, I realized I could. I could, because I had to—because there was no other choice. Cancer didn’t stop me from being me; it just helped me find what really matters—what is really important. I want to open my mind, try new things. Take chances I never thought I could. I am strong because I was weak, I am beautiful because I own my flaws, and I can laugh now because I’ve known true sadness. Don’t ever be afraid