Chapter 68: Unexpected Call

Tuesday, July 18th, 2006

Katie awoke on Tuesday to find that Josh had already left for work. The lingering soreness from the night before reminded her of their time together, but now she was left to decide how to occupy her day until he returned. She started with a hot shower, allowing the water to ease her muscles and clear her mind.

Dressed and refreshed, she made her way to the kitchen, her stomach demanding attention. She scanned the room, recalling that Josh had stocked some groceries specifically for her. Checking the designated cabinet, she found a selection of cereals, oatmeal, bagels, peanut butter, and various snacks. A glance in the fridge revealed an even more thoughtful touch—her favorite cream cheese and an assortment of jams.

Opting for simplicity, she reached for a box of Reese’s Puffs and grabbed a bowl. Searching for milk, she found only Vitamin D milk, which was no surprise. She could practically hear Josh’s voice defending his choice, dismissing anything else as mere “water.” Smirking at the thought, she poured herself a bowl and settled at the table.

As she ate, her eyes landed on the newspaper Josh had brought in. She flipped through the pages, but the static nature of print felt archaic compared to the digital convenience she longed for. The thought of scrolling through Facebook or reading the news on a smartphone was far more appealing. It struck her then—hadn’t the first iPhone just launched last month? Even if it wasn’t as advanced as what she remembered, it had to be better than her outdated flip phone. She made a mental note to bring it up with Josh later.

Just as she finished eating, the landline rang, pulling her from her thoughts. She rinsed her bowl and grabbed the phone. “Hello?”

“Hey, I was actually trying to leave a message for Josh. This is the right number, isn’t it?” came Colleen’s voice on the other end.

Recognizing her friend, Katie perked up. “Oh, hey, Colleen! Yeah, this is Josh’s place. He’s at work, but I can take a message for him.”

Colleen’s tone brightened. “Perfect! Could you let him know that the Phaeton should be ready by Friday? The dealership’s already been paid, and they’re handling the window work on Tuesday. The detail shop is doing a full paint correction—it added a bit to the cost, but it’s worth it. I made sure they didn’t overcharge him.” A brief pause, then she seamlessly shifted to a more casual tone. “But enough about business! How have you been? We haven’t caught up in ages.”

Katie chuckled at Colleen’s effortless transition. “Things have been great! I’m staying here for a few days, then Josh is taking me back home for my birthday. After that, I really need to focus on getting my license. Wedding planning is mostly handled, but you know how it goes—there’s always a chance of last-minute chaos.” She sighed, feeling the weight of her ever-growing to-do list. “It just seems like there’s never enough time.”

Colleen picked up on the stress in her voice. “Do you have any plans today?”

Katie hesitated. “Not really. Why?”

“Let’s have a girls’ day! Spa, mani-pedis, maybe even a salon visit—just a full day of pampering. You sound like you need it.”

The idea was immediately appealing. “That sounds amazing! I just need to get dressed. When can you slip away from work?”

Colleen laughed. “Whenever I feel like it.”

Katie grinned. “Perfect. I’ll be ready in a few minutes.”

“Great! I’ll be right over,” Colleen said before hanging up.

Excited for a much-needed break, Katie rushed upstairs to get ready, looking forward to a day of relaxation and catching up with a good friend.

Colleen pulled into Josh’s driveway in her sleek BMW, the hum of the engine fading as she shifted into park. She grabbed her purse, stepped out, and strode confidently up to the front door, rapping her knuckles against it. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Katie, who greeted her with a warm smile.

“Hey, Colleen! Great to see you. I’m just about ready—come on in!”

Colleen stepped inside, glancing around at the cozy living room. “Thanks! I’m excited for today. It’s been too long since I’ve done something like this.”

Katie led her through the house and into the bedroom, where various outfit choices were draped over the bed. “I just need to figure out what to wear,” Katie said, sifting through the clothes. “Something comfortable but cute, since we’re going out.”

Colleen plopped onto the edge of the bed, crossing her legs. “Well, we’re getting pampered, so comfort is key. A nice flowy dress or some leggings and a tunic would be perfect.”

Katie nodded and grabbed a soft, pastel sundress, slipping it on and checking herself in the mirror. As she ran a brush through her hair, she glanced at Colleen in the reflection. “I was also thinking—I kind of want to get one of those new iPhones that just came out.”

Colleen raised an eyebrow. “Oh, girl, that’s a great idea! And guess what? Josh already set up an account with the provider. Everything’s under his trust, so adding you to the plan would be super easy.”

Katie turned to her, eyes wide. “Wait, what? He didn’t even tell me he set all that up.”

Colleen smirked. “Men, right? Always making decisions and forgetting to mention them. But hey, at least it makes things easier for you. We can stop by the store today and get you set up with a brand-new phone.”

Katie grinned. “That sounds perfect.”

Colleen clapped her hands. “Alright, now that you’re ready, let’s hit the road. We’ve got a full day of pampering ahead of us.”

The first stop was a high-end spa downtown. As they walked in, the calming scent of lavender and eucalyptus greeted them, along with the soft hum of relaxation music. A receptionist with a serene smile welcomed them.

“Welcome to Tranquil Haven. Do you ladies have an appointment?”

Colleen nodded. “Yes, under Colleen Bell. We’re here for the full relaxation package.”

“Ah, wonderful choice. We have you both booked for massages, facials, and a soak in the mineral baths. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to the changing area.”

Katie and Colleen exchanged excited looks as they were led into a softly lit room with plush robes neatly folded in cubbies. They changed quickly and met back in the waiting lounge, where a spa attendant guided them to the massage rooms.

Lying face down on the massage table, Katie sighed as skilled hands worked out the knots in her shoulders. “This is heaven,” she murmured.

Colleen, on the table next to her, hummed in agreement. “I needed this so badly. We should make this a monthly thing.”

After the massages, they moved on to facials, where their faces were cleansed, exfoliated, and treated with cooling masks. They sat side by side, cucumbers over their eyes, sharing lighthearted stories about Josh.

Once their treatments were complete, they slipped into the mineral bath, letting the warm water soothe them further. By the time they finished at the spa, they were fully relaxed and glowing, their skin refreshed and their spirits lifted from the laughter.

Next on the list was a high-end nail salon. As they walked in, the scent of fresh polish filled the air, and the buzz of quiet chatter and soft music set a tranquil tone.