When Valentines Collide by Adrianne Byrd Page B

Liberation program.”
    â€œCome again?” Matthew shot a glare at Seth.
    â€œDon’t worry,” Dr. Gardner continued. “Nothing is more important to us than our guests’ privacy. We’re just thrilled for the opportunity to introduce an alternative method to relationship healing.”
    â€œUh-huh.” Matthew digested the kind woman’s words and then reached over to close his wife’s gaping mouth. “This Sexuality and Liberation program of yours…exactly how does that work?”
    Before Dr. Gardner could respond, Chanté finally found her voice. “Excuse us for a minute, won’t you?” She grabbed Matthew by the arm and tugged him aside. “I don’t care how it works. We’re not staying!”
    â€œOh, c’mon, Chanté,” Edie jumped uninvited into the conversation. “Give it a try. What do you have to lose?”
    â€œYou, stay out of this!” Chanté jabbed her finger in the center of Edie’s breastbone. “What were you thinking tricking us to come to a place like this?”
    â€œWe,” Edie said as she dragged her groaning husband into the argument, “are trying to help you, since both of you are too proud and stubborn to do the right thing. I mean, really! Duct taping the house, cutting up expensive cars and tampering with food. Does any of that sound like what two rational, mature adults do to resolve conflict?”
    â€œDon’t forget what he did to my shoes,” Chanté added, crossing her arms with a great huff.
    Edie gave her friend an annoyed look as she slid her hands onto her hips. “Look, Seth and I know you two are a little on the neurotic side. We’re your friends. We accept that. We also know you two still love each other.”
    Chanté lowered her eyes and then stole a side-glance at Matthew. His deep onyx gaze softened as it roamed her face. “A marriage needs more than love.”
    â€œYes, it needs communication and hard work,” Edie answered. “Somehow in your crazy quest to always be right, you’ve forgotten how to connect. You’ve forgotten how to touch each other.”
    â€œHey, I’ve tried to connect with her.”
    â€œWhen? In between getting drunk and passing out?”
    â€œI knew that wasn’t a dream!”
    â€œNo, it was a nightmare.”
    â€œOkay. Okay,” Edie snapped. “The bottom line is that you guys need help.”
    The group fell silent.
    Finally, Matthew cleared his throat. “I’m willing to give it a try, if you are.”
    Chanté looked up again, this time her eyes were glossed with unshed tears. “I…guess…we could give it a try.”
    â€œYes!” Edie jerked her arm back as if her favorite football team had scored a touchdown.
    Dr. Gardner cleared her throat and everyone turned toward her with guilty smiles for having forgotten she stood behind them.
    â€œUh, yes. About that program?” Matthew asked again with a widening smile.
    Dr. Gardner clasped her hands together and rocked excitedly on the balls of her small feet. “Our Sexuality and Liberation program gives our couples the framework and tools for lovemaking.”
    â€œTools?” Seth asked, and then grinned at his wife. “I’m already liking the sound of this.”
    Edie smacked him on the arm. “Behave.”
    â€œI believe that great sex is a rarity even for couples who are in love. I’m interested in making it a repeatable reality.”
    â€œNow I like the sound of that,” Chanté said.
    Edie turned around and gave her girl a high-five.
    Seth frowned and curled his bottom lip. “How come she didn’t get smacked?”
    His wife playfully smacked his arm again. “Don’t worry about it.”
    â€œSince you’ll be staying,” Dr. Gardner chuckled, “how about I show you to your private lodges?” She winked.
    Seth and Edie took the lead,