As I look in the bathroom mirror, dark circles lie under my eyes from lack of sleep. I’m not even sure a good hot shower will help me look any better. Regardless, I begrudgingly strip off my nightshirt and step into the shower. The water soothes me as I stand here and let it cascade over my body. What I really want to do is go back to bed and not have to think about how this day is going to go. This is going to be a disaster of epic portions; I can feel it in my bones. Luckily, if I remember reading the pamphlet correctly, I won’t have to see Lincoln until dinner this evening. That should help me get through the majority of the day without too much anxiety.

My biggest concern at the moment is how I’m going to get in and out of New York without my father hearing about it. Though I’ve never seen them, I’m more than one hundred percent sure that I have eyes on me at all times. Dad let me go off to college out of state because he sent someone to watch over me. But when I put my foot down and told him I didn’t need watching, he gave in without one single iota of an argument. I assume he still assigned someone without my knowledge, since there would be no way in hell he’d let me live on my own, not with the enemies he has made over the years. Up until now, I’ve not given it a single thought. If someone is watching me even to this day, then they’ve done their job extremely well at hiding in the background. In fact, maybe too well. Never have I worried about the backlash of my father's dealings, and if I am honest with myself, over the years, I’ve always thought someone would come looking for me. Someone who knows the easiest way to get to my dad is through me.

I quickly shake those thoughts out of my head and turn off the water. As I step out of my shower, I can hear my phone ringing in the bedroom. Wrapping a towel around myself, I quickly make my way to my phone.

“Good morning, Ms. Vicci.” I recognize the voice as David Lawrence’s. “Just a reminder that your driver will be at your home in fifteen minutes and will be waiting for you outside.”

I glance at the clock on the bedside table, and sure as shit, I’ve got fifteen minutes to finish getting ready. “Thank you, Mr. Lawrence, for the heads up. I’ll be ready.”

I toss the phone onto the bed and wonder how I got so behind. I didn’t think I was in the shower for forty minutes, but apparently, I was. Quickly, I toss on a pair of jeans and a fairly nice blouse. Unsure of what the day holds, I’m presentable for anything that could come my way. It takes me another ten minutes to get my hair dry, and by the time I grab my keys and exit my home, I’m actually five minutes late. A sleek black town car sits in front of my home, and when the driver sees me, he steps out and walks around to the passenger door and opens it.

“I’m sorry I’m a bit late,” I tell him, not sure if he really cares, but it is the proper thing to do.

“No apologies needed, ma’am. I’m here for your convenience, not mine, so take all the time you need today.” He clears his throat and then continues, “The only hard schedule we have, ma’am, is to be sure we are at the airport at twelve thirty.”

As the driver closes the door behind me, I notice a black gift back with gold tissue paper on the seat next to me. A card sticks out of the top of it with my name handwritten on it.

It takes me a minute to realize that the word ‘love’ is actually his initials and not a term of endearment. I remember the conversation we had when we met and that we have similar monograms. Inside the bag is a Tiffany blue box. Curiosity gets the best of me, so I open the box to find a charm bracelet with one single charm. The charm is oblong with a caduceus on the front of it. It’s simple but delicate and beautiful. Then it strikes me that this charm is specific to me. It wouldn’t make sense that any other winner of his auction would want a charm with a caduceus on it.

“How in the hell did he get this between last night and this morning?” I whisper to myself.

“Excuse me, ma’am, did you say something?” The driver's eyes are looking at me in his rearview mirror.

“No, I’m sorry, just talking to myself.” My head is shaking back and forth.

“Are you ready? We need to leave in order to get you to the spa on time.” His eyes are still staring back at me as he speaks

“Yes, by all means, I’m ready.”

The car pulls away from the curb and races through traffic. Unsure of what to do with this gift, I quickly put it back in its box and place the box back in the bag before tucking it into my purse. The car comes to a stop in front of the Oasis. I’ve heard about this spa, but I’ve never had an opportunity to visit it. Before I know it, my door is being opened, and the driver's hand reaches in for mine.

“Enjoy yourself, ma’am; I’ll be here when you finish.” He closes the car door behind me when I step out, then escorts me to the entrance. Before I can thank him, a very lovely older woman welcomes me to her spa. I notice then that the spa doesn’t actually open until ten a.m., yet here I am at eight being waited on.

“Good morning, Ms. Vicci. I’m Madeline Charron. Welcome to my spa.” Her French accent is very strong as she speaks. “Let me show you to the changing room. I’ve got you scheduled for a facial, massage, and anything else you would like. You just tell me, and I’ll ensure you are taken care of immediately.”

I politely thank her and then ask, “The sign says you don’t open until ten, but it is only eight?”

Madeline catches on to my inquisitive question. “Yes, mademoiselle, we are here early to serve you at the request of Mr. Eastwick. Now, go enjoy yourself.”

Before I can thank her, Ms. Charron introduces two young women who will be providing my services today. “This is Brigette and Janelle. They will be here to serve you and your needs.” She quickly turns and walks away, leaving me with Brigette and Janelle.

It is almost noon by the time I’m done. Every inch of me has been pampered from head to toe. My massage was so amazing that I decided this is one pleasure I need to make sure I make time for in the near future. It was surprising to feel how tight my muscles were. I hadn’t known it until Janelle's fingers started working my neck and shoulders. When she was done, the tightness that I had begun to feel as normal was gone, and I felt so much lighter and free. Not a care in the world could rock me today, not after that massage.

When I exit the Oasis, the town car that brought me here has been replaced. Outside of the spa sits a black limousine, and its driver is standing by the passenger door. “Good afternoon, Ms. Vicci. Are you ready?”

I don’t expect what is inside the limo when the door is opened for me, and I climb in.