Painhurst Station

Chapter Three

The morning sun shone brightly, casting a golden hue on everything it touched. The wind kissed my face, whipping through my hair and giving me a surge of energy as I darted across the parking lot. Another late start that turned into a sprint, but somehow, the rush filled me with a sense of exhilaration. I burst through the glass doors of Meadow Mist Spa with my chest heaving and my heart racing.

As I dashed up the steps, I could see Claire at her desk, her usual bright smile lighting up the lobby as per. I always admired how effortlessly she radiated positivity, even on the most stressful days.. But today, she looked particularly stunning—her hair cascading in blonde soft waves, the fabric of her pastel purple blouse catching the light just right. I couldn't help but feel a warm flutter of admiration as I ran past.

“Made it!” I called out breathlessly, waving as I approached the reception desk.

“Just in time!” Claire’s eyes sparkled with encouragement. “You’ve got a minute to clock in! I was starting to think you might take a personal day Em!”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I said, mirroring her smile as I reached for the time clock. It beeped, and I felt that familiar sense of accomplishment wash over me. Another day of work awaited me, and despite the chaotic start, I felt ready to tackle it.

As I straightened up from clocking in, I noticed Jake leaning against the glass wall of his office, his light grey suit tailored just right. He was deep in conversation with another manager, but his gaze flicked toward Claire, and for a moment, I caught the intensity of his stare. It was fleeting, but there was a certain heat in the way he looked at her that made me uncomfortable. Claire didn’t seem to notice; she was too busy organising papers and answering calls like the champion she was.

Everything about their dynamic felt charged, like the air before a storm. They were close—almost too close for colleagues. Jake’s tendency to lean in when they talked, his lingering glances when he thought no one was watching. His eyes trading the lines on her tights while she was stood at the desk. I shook my head slightly as if to dismiss the thoughts swirling in my mind. It was none of my business. After all, who was I to judge?

“Hey, you!” Jake called out, he was the most laid back boss you could ask for, but he was finally tearing his eyes away from Claire. I forced a smile, knowing that his attention was just a routine interaction, but there was something about it that felt oddly possessive. “Glad you could join us today. We’ve got Mrs whinypants on the schedule today—don’t be late to that, alright?”

“Wouldn't miss it, Boss,” I responded, unable to wiggle the tension in my chest.

“Good,” he winked, "You know what to do Em, I trust ya" and then turned back towards his office as if I had been dismissed.

I caught Claire's eye again, and this time she rolled her eyes with a playful smile, as if to say “Can you believe him?” I chuckled, feeling a sisterhood in that shared moment of exasperation. It was easy to forget the unspoken tensions when Claire’s laughter filled the air. Claire was only young, around 22. Jake was 30 and newly divorced. It felt odd to say the least. It made me re-live my recent breakup, you think a girl would have it all together by 25, but I had to start all over again. I wasn't always from Painhurst, but I moved away from my ex, my family and now lived in a one bed flat above the local library.

As I turned to head back toward the treatment rooms, I noticed Jake’s focus linger on Claire from his office, that predatory glance that made the back of my mind stir with unease. He had a penchant for undressing her with his eyes—maybe it was just a part of his charm and confidence, but something about it felt off. Claire was professional, dedicated, and so good at her job that it left me wondering what lay beneath the surface of their relationship.

Of course, no one openly talked about it in the office. The unspoken dynamic hung thick in the air like the scent of essential oils, but it was easy to ignore when I was lost in my own world of massage therapy, gliding my hands over muscles and easing tension. Apart from Lucie's appointment, I'd rather watch Jake be a dirty perv then deal with her.

I moved toward the treatment rooms, dismissing the thoughts that bubbled up in my mind.. Today, I had clients to focus on, a job to do. I needed to stop thinking about Erik.

The sweet notes of nature’s symphony played softly in the background of the spa, blending with whispers of comfort and calm.

As I prepped for my sessions, the golden sun poured into the room, filling it with warmth. I could still feel the remnants of the wind against my skin, the rich energy of the morning invigorating my spirit. Erik. No! Today was going to be a good day, I told myself, a day to give and receive the healing touch that had drawn me to the spa world in the first place.

Despite the undercurrents in the air—Claire and Jake, their silent connection, the glances exchanged—I was determined not to let it rattle me. I had my own role to play here, bringing bliss to others, and that was where my focus needed to remain. And so, as the first client arrived, I opened my heart to the sunshine streaming in and stepped forward into a day filled with potential.

As I stood behind the reception desk at the spa, I could hear the gentle chime of the doorbell and the faint sounds of calming music in the background. I was trying to concentrate on my tasks when Claire, my colleague, picked up the phone. She was speaking to a customer, and as she did, I couldn't help but overhear snippets of the conversation. When she mentioned Erik’s name, my heart skipped a beat.

“Hi, Emma! Just a heads up— An Erik has booked a 14:15 appointment with you,” Claire relayed, her voice light and cheerful. I felt my eyebrows knit together in surprise. I realised I had barely known him, and yet, here he was, requesting an appointment with me. What made it even stranger was that he knew my name without my name badge being present.

A mix of excitement and apprehension flooded over me. How DID he know my name? Was I just overthinking this.. or was there something more curious about Erik?

As the time ticked away and 13:00 rolled in, I was reminded that Mrs. Whinypants were due to arrive any minute. I braced myself for her. She was notorious for being a very problematic client, and my mind was already racing with thoughts of her impending arrival. Balancing the anxiety about Erik and the dread of Mrs. Whinypants were proving nearly impossible.

Suddenly, Lucie, stormed over to my station from the reception area, her expression sour.

“This treatment you offer is useless, you better do a decent job today!”

she declared, her voice dripping with disdain. “You really need to step it up, Emma.”

I felt my patience fraying.

“You are rude, Lucie.”

I snapped back without thinking, my nerves finally snapping. A tense silence filled the air before Lucie’s eyes widened in incredulity.

“Rude? RUDE? You’re the one who can’t even handle basic treatments!” she fired back, her voice elevating.

Before I knew what was happening, she spun on her heel and stormed towards Claire’s desk, screeching for a refund. I felt heat creeping up my face as embarrassment washed over me. Claire, ever the calm mediator, tried to soothe the situation, but Jake, our manager, overheard the commotion and rushed from his to pitch in.

“Lucie, let’s take a breath here,”

Jake said, trying to keep the peace, but Lucie’s fury was still palpable.

“Oh shut up, you pervert! This has nothing to do with you and your ugly suit!”

she yelled, pointing an accusatory finger at him.

"Walking around here like you own the place, tell your staff they need more training! I have been here long enough and my body still aches! These treatments are just as useless as your staff!"

I could hardly believe what I was witnessing.

Jake’s expression darkened, but he kept his composure.

“You need to leave, now”

he said evenly, before escorting her out, effectively banning her from the spa.

After Lucie stormed out, I turned to Claire and Jake, my face still burning with shame.

“I’m so sorry, I'm not too sure what happened”

I stammered, guilt washing over me.

Jake turned to me, a small smirk breaking through the tension.

“Honestly, I’ve wanted to do that for a long time, so no problem,” he reassured me, giving me a light pat on the shoulder.

Just as I was starting to feel a bit more at ease, the door jingled again, and I suddenly felt a flutter of nerves. I looked over, still holding myself from Lucie's rage. Erik walked in, looking around with an air of confidence. I took a deep breath, ready to greet the mysterious man who somehow knew my name. His eyes met mine.