I stood up.
“No, no, don’t get up,” Kimmie said, taking a seat beside me. “You look...busy.”
She looked just like the photos she’d taken: five foot five, long, wavy brown hair, pretty almond-shaped eyes. She was dressed more casually than the others: suede calf-high boots, black leather pants and a white denim cropped jacket over a black tank top. Where do all of these moms shop? And how can so many of them wear white?
I forced the appetizer down my throat. “It’s nice to meet you,” I said. She daintily shook my hand, as if human contact wasn’t something she relished.
I took a bite of my crepe, eyeing Kimmie to see if she was going to stay.
“So,” she said, watching me intently. “How do you feel about your chances?”
“My chances for what?” I asked, my mouth full.
“Winning,” she said, staring me dead in the eye, expressionless.
I chewed. “Well. There are a lot of great women here.” I trailed off, hoping that would be a sufficient answer.
Kimmie scanned the room, her eyes narrowing. “They’re okay.” She turned back to face me. “Don’t let your guard down just yet. The competition’s not over.”
She gave a saccharine smile before standing up abruptly and walking away.
An almost-full plate of food sat in front of me, but suddenly I wasn’t as ravenously hungry as I was before. Kimmie the Ice Queen was right. This wasn’t a vacation. It was the final lap.
When I finished my meal, I opened the welcome packet Anna had given me.
Dear Ashley Keller,
It’s our absolute pleasure to welcome you to the Napa home of Emily Walker for the Motherhood Better Bootcamp Finale! We hope this time will be one of rejuvenation and community. Below are your accommodation details and schedule, along with a map of the estate.
Wednesday
11:30AM Welcome brunch
Feel free to spend the rest of today relaxing! The spa, pools and kitchen are at your full disposal. If you need anything, please page Anna or James (the house butler), and our staff will provide it.
6:30PM Dinner in the Outdoor Garden Dining Room with Emily and her family
Thursday
6AM Yoga on the south lawn with Emily & Sven
7AM Breakfast in the Main Dining Room
8AM Basket and Dream Catcher Making in the Craft Room
9AM Organic Smoothie Workshop with Chef Evelyn
10AM Makeovers!
Noon Lunch & Sharing
1-5PM Free Time
6PM Dinner on the North Lawn
Friday
5AM Hair & Makeup
7AM We go live!
11AM Farewell brunch
“So much for a relaxing vacation,” I thought. At least the makeover sounded fun. I scanned the sheet to find my room assignment.
Accommodations
Ashley Walker: The Pink Peony Room (locate on the map)
Roommate: Kimmie Reardon
Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse.
When I finally made it to the room through the labyrinth of doors, I was taken aback. Pink Peony wasn’t just the name of the room, it was the theme. Pale pink and white flowers with dainty green leaves filled every inch of the slate walls. A bedside table adorned with an antique desk lamp and a glass vase full of delicate peonies separated two double beds. The only other furniture was a white leather loveseat and a tall, wide oak dresser.
The bathroom door on the far right of the room opened.
“Hi, roomie,” Kimmie said slyly, as she walked out and sat on a bed covered in garment bags.
I placed my suitcase, which had been left just inside the door by the staff, on the remaining bed.
“Hi again, Kimmie,” I responded. “Did you know we were roommates earlier?”
Kimmie threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, yeah. I was just waiting for you to figure it out.”
I smiled weakly. “It’s going to be great.”
Kimmie swung her legs over the bed to face me. “I’m so happy we’re together. I can’t imagine being with some of the other women.”
I opened my suitcase and began slowly taking out my belongings, hoping Kimmie wasn’t judging them. I didn’t own anything nice enough to warrant a garment bag.
“Oh, really? Why not?” I asked, making my way over to the dresser. I opened drawer after drawer to find they were already filled with silk panties, tops, jeans and more jeans.
“Sorry. I’m an overpacker. I left you some space in the closet,” she said flippantly.
I opened the modest closet to find it two-thirds full. Six hangers remained. “Thanks.”
Kimberly pulled a black compact out of her purse and began puckering her lips. “Some of the moms here...wow. I mean, you can tell they needed the challenge, but there’s no way they’re going to win. I’m talking totally dumpy. Frump city. It’s sad.”
I silently stacked my clothes on the shelf at the top of the closet, next to four pairs of Kimmie’s boots.
“Motherhood will do that to you,” I responded.
Kimmie dug through her purse and retrieved a small glass vial and wrapped hypodermic needle.
“Oh, not me. Letting yourself go is a choice.” She unwrapped the needle and poked it into the top of the vial. “Do you want some? It’s better than Botox,” she said, peering into the mirror and sliding the needle into her forehead.
I watched, shocked. “Um...no. But thank you.”
“Suit yourself. We’re going to be on TV in just under forty-eight hours. Your fine lines will be even more pronounced in high definition.”
I slid my empty suitcase under my bed and sat on the chair. It was so odd not to have a baby to change, feed or put down for a nap while worrying she will wake up any second. I folded my hands and realized that I had absolutely no idea what to do with myself. Sleep was out of the question with Kimmie sitting three feet away, injecting God knew what into her brow line.
I coughed. Make conversation, Ashley. It’s not that hard, my inner voice urged.
“So, Kimmie...how did you hear about the Motherhood Better Bootcamp?”
Kimmie put the needle in a black plastic box and snapped it shut.
“Actually, I’ve known about it for months. Emily Walker’s husband works with mine. They’re investors,” she said, smiling rather smugly.
“Investors? What do they invest in?” I asked, leaning my head on my hand.
“Everything. Tech, retail... They went to the same Ivy League and were even in the same frat. We were at each other’s weddings.”
“So, you know each other?” I asked, trying not to frown.
Kimmie stumbled over her words, “Well, yes, but no. We’re in many of the same circles. Anyway, I’m going to take a shower before heading down for a swim. Let’s sit together at dinner, okay? See ya,” she said, standing up and tossing me a tight smile.
“Okay, bye.”