Page 90 of ReTreat Yourself

I call Maria-José-Inmaculada-Carmen over. It’s time.

‘Thank you so much for all the effort you’ve both put in to organising this event,’ I say to them. Maria-José-Inmaculada-Carmen gushes about how her family keep saying how proud of her they are. Ava looks a bit sulky that I never told her our parents were coming and, quite rightly, doesn’t believe me when I say I thought it would be a nice surprise for her, and that surely she must miss them terribly. I ignore her protests when she argues that it’s only been two weeks since she last saw them.

After a few minutes, the background music that has been playing is turned down and suddenly all eyes are on me, standing on a small podium. It’s time to put my life coach face on. I’m a million miles from the fake who spent her days googling Ryan Reynolds instead of facing up to what she should be doing.

I glance around at the crowd gathered in front of me. For a second, nerves get the better of me and I want to run away.

Then I see Ava and Maria-José-Inmaculada-Carmen looking up at me. Their faces are beaming.

Ava gives me the thumbs-up and mouths, ‘You’ve got this.’

I take a huge breath in. She’s right… for once.

It’s time to shine.

37

‘To coach is a privilege. The opportunity to help someone help themselves is one of the most rewarding things that we can do for each other. Some people want to change their lives to pursue a life’s dream, or sometimes they want to have a better relationship with a family member or friend.’

I pause to sweep my eyes across the small crowd.

‘For some the goals are personal and for some the goals are business driven. One thing that each of us here today has in common is that we all want to see what the best version of ourselves is capable of. How high we can fly. How daring and brave we can be. How successful we can become. My team and I’ – I stop to smile at the faces shining up at me – ‘can help you create the life you want. We are dedicated to making sure you achieve what you set out to do. Nidi and I will be leading the coaching for business, for those of you who would like to be more productive in the workplace or challenge yourself to start a new career. Ava is our new social media coach, to help you bring balance to your on and offline worlds. And Maria-José-Inmaculada-Carmen is our wellbeing coach, offering yoga and holistic solutions for those wanting to adopt planet-friendly lifestyle choices.’

There follows an almighty thunderous cheer as Maria-José-Inmaculada-Carmen’s whole family erupt at the mention of her name. She looks like she will burst with pride. I see she is making eye contact with Alejandro, who is grinning back at her. ‘And for this, we are partnering with our favourite local retreat and hosts for this evening, Endless Cloud and Starbeam Night Sky.’

It’s all I can do not to grin insanely at the many bonkers things that happened here to change my life and outlook for the better.

Both warlocks begin wafting their robes, humming loudly. They encourage everyone to join in, holding hands. The momentum gathers force until the whole crowd are bellowing along, ‘Shanti, shanti. Shanti, von wibe von tribe,’ ending in a piercing ding from the gong hanging around Endless Cloud’s neck.

There’s an odd beat of silence as we all watch, breathless, with no idea how to react. Suddenly, the whole place erupts with applause.

The power in the room is incredibly positive.

Ava helps me off the podium as I am wearing ridiculously high heels and a very tight dress.

That was exhilarating. I feel high. That nervous energy from before has turned to adrenaline and relief, and is coursing through my veins. I am immediately approached by four people claiming to be from the ICF.

‘Hi, I’m Andrew. This is my team. I’d just like to say that Nidi explained everything and I have to say’ – he glances around – ‘we’re very impressed with what you’re doing. We need go-getting, forward-thinking dynamic people in the field. We look forward to seeing your business thrive.’

I am gobsmacked. I thought they’d be judging me and criticising but instead they are encouraging and praising. But then what did I expect from my fellow life coaches? All that negativity was in my head. Assuming the worst.

‘Thank you,’ I say, relieved. ‘It’s been a steep learning curve.’

‘What is life,’ he says, smiling knowingly at his colleagues, ‘if not one big steep learning curve?’

I watch them mingle with the crowd and immediately wish that Oliver was here to share this moment. I’ve really missed him. I’ve thought about him non-stop since the minute he left yesterday.

Butterflies run amok in my stomach.

I’ve developed a real a sixth sense over the last few weeks. A nose for these things.

Flustered, I dart my gaze around the room for him.

He’s here. I feel it.

Then our eyes meet. Across a crowded room! Just like they are supposed to. He literally takes my breath away. Within seconds he has muscled his way towards me and is picking me up in his beefy arms to swing me round.

‘Great speech! I’ve missed you. You look amazing.’