All right everyone. Another chapter for you to read. Just a little reminder because this is when its going to start getting a little crazy and at some points maybe a little confusing.
Jake is Robert Simmons
Sara is Grace Simmons
Sara and Jake made their was back to the elevator. As the elevator creeped down to the mail floor, Sara looked at her ring.
These belonged to Jake and…his wife?!?
She wanted to ask him about it but decided it wasn't the right time. The elevator door opened slowly. Jake slipped his arm around her, causing a shiver to run down her spine. He led her off the elevator and towards the main desk. Alana looked up as they approached the desk.
"Well you too look refreshed."
"Its this place." Jake said, "Its only been 20 minutes but I swear the stress is already leaving my body."
"Well the others are in the main meeting room, at a little get together. I'll be happy to show you the way."
"That would be lovely." Sara said, slipping her arm around Jake. She brushed a finger up his spine and felt him shiver in response.
Alana stood slowly, moving to the other side of the desk.
"Follow me."
Sara and Jake followed her down a long hallway. She stopped outside a room and knocked on the door.
"Enter." A voice called from inside
Alana opened the door and stepped inside, motioning for Jake and Sara to follow. They entered the room to see 3 other couples sitting on various couches.
"Father, the last of our guests have arrived."
A man stepped forward. Holding out his hand, he said
"Welcome, I am John Malfat."
Jake stepped forward, shaking his hand
"Robert Simmons and this is my wife Gracie."
"Please join us. Thank you Alana."
Alana nodded her head, then back out of the room. Jake and Sara made their way to an empty couch and sat down. Jake slipped his arm around Sara and attempted to pull her closer but she wouldn't move.
"Well for the benefit of our new arrivals, why don't we introduce ourselves and tell a little about why we are here."
The man on the far end of the room began.
"I'm Jack Singer and this is my wife Elizabeth. We've been married almost 8 months…"
"But we seem to lack communication." Elizabeth added
The next man said
"Samuel Jones and my wife Kathryn. We've been married for a year. We've been….having…intimate problems."
The final man said
"Harrison Waters and my wife Isabelle. We've been married for 2 months. Isabelle and I are having difference of opinion on some things and we need to find a way to work them out."
Jake waited for a moment, then said
"Robert Simmons and my wife Gracie. We've been married 6 months and to be honest, I don't know why we are here."
"You know why we are here Robert. You refuse to listen to anything I say."
"I listen to everything you say."
"Then what did we talk about on the way here."
"We talked about you family."
"No."
"My family?"
"No."
"Our jobs?"
"No, see Robert that's your problem. You don't listen to me."
Jake started to open his mouth when she said
"And don't say we'll discuss it later. You always say we'll discuss it later."
Jake was about to say something when Malfat interrupted them.
"Robert, Grace I need for both of you to sit back, take deep breaths and relax.
Jake and Sara leaned back against the couch.
"I think for today we should end our session. Tomorrow we will meet for group therapy in the second floor meeting area. I want everyone to think about what they expect to gain from this retreat."
With that, he left the room. The others stood slowly and began filing out of the room. Sara and Jake stood slowly, waiting for everyone else to leave.
"Nice work rookie." Sara whispered, "I almost believed you."
"Its all in the timing." He whispered back
"Well let's go back to our room and talk."
"Maybe we should go outside. Less chance of being heard."
"All right."
Jake slipped his arm around Sara.
"What's with all this touchy, feely stuff?"
"Just trying to make it look convincing."
He led her out of the room and into the hall. They walked passed the main desk, where Alana was filing some papers. Jake waved to her as he led Sara out of the building.
They walked down a lined path, away from the compound. They started through the woods. Sara stopped, looking at the sun setting beyond the trees. Jake turned to her. At first, he couldn't help but stare at her. Finally he said
"What do you think of the great John Malfat?"
"I think he's full of hot air."
"You don't think he'll save our marriage."
"There's nothing there to save."
Jake looked over her shoulder, then grabbed her by the arms. He pulled her to him and before she could say anything he kissed her. Pulling back slightly, he moved towards her ear.
"What are you doing?"
"Malfat is behind you." He whispered, "Make it look real."
Sara brought her lips back to his and kissed him. Jake knew that he could easily get carried away, so he stopped, pulling away slowly, finally acknowledging Malfat's presence.
"Hello Robert, Grace."
"Hello." Jake said, slipping his arm around Sara.
"So are you two enjoying your stay so far?"
"I…I think it will be good for us." Jake said, pulling Sara a little closer.
"Well let me leave you two alone."
"Thank you."
He walked away, leaving them on the path. Sara turned to Jake.
"Next time, give me some warning before you pull a stunt like that."
"Sorry but it had to be done."
"Well let's go back to the room and figure out our plan."
"Actually I'm kind of tired. Its been a long day."
"All right."
They walked back to the main building and headed for the elevator. As the rode up to the second floor, Sara leaned against Jake. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and led her towards the room. Taking the key, he unlocked the door. She walked into the room, heading towards the bedroom with Jake following behind.
"I'll go first. It will only take a second." He said, opening a drawer and pulling out some clothes.
"Okay."
He walked into the bathroom and shut the door. Sara opened her dresser and pulled out her clothes. She turned off the overhead lights, leaving only a small lamp in the corner burning. Looking at the door, she figured she had a few minutes before Jake would be back.
She stripped off her clothes, throwing them in the corner. Slowly she pulled her t-shirt over her head and let it fall. As she was pulling her shorts up, the bathroom door opened.
Sara pulled her shorts on quickly and spun around. Jake was standing in the doorway, the light from the bathroom behind him. Sara's eyes fixed on his chest. Her eyes dropped to the floor.
"What are you doing. I thought you were going to say something before coming out."
"I forgot my shirt."
He moved quickly across the room and opened his dresser drawer.
"Okay."
Sara looked up to see that he had pulled a shirt on. They looked at each other for a minute.
"Well, I'll see you in the morning."
He started to walk out when Sara said
"Wait."
He turned to face her.
"What?"
"Well…like you said, they might be watching. Maybe you should…sleep in here tonight."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
Sara moved towards the bed, pulling back the blanket. She slipped under the covers. Jake moved towards the other side of the bed. After a moment of hesitation, he slipped under the covers. Sara turned on her side, facing him.
"Just remember, keep you hands to yourself."
She turned on her back and closed her eyes. Unfortunately, she found herself unable to sleep.
"Jake?" She whispered
"Yeah?"
"Where did the rings come from?"
"I told you they were mine."
"But…Why do you…Why am I…"
"She didn't love me enough."