1st setup
The soft chime of an incoming email pulled Olivia's attention from the half-packed suitcase on her bed. She exhaled, adjusting her posture before scanning the message on her laptop. Another prescription verification. Even working from home, there was never a true "off" switch. With a few swift clicks, she approved the order, then shut the screen with finality.
Her gaze drifted back to her suitcase. Packing used to be second nature, but this trip felt… different. Not because she didn't want to go—she did—but because it was the first time in years that she and Haley weren't planning their next adventure before this one had even started. .
Her phone buzzed. Haley.
Olivia smirked as she answered. "Checking to make sure I haven't backed out?"
"Wouldn't put it past you," Haley shot back. "But no. Just wanted to make sure you're actually excited."
"I'm always excited for a vacation," Olivia said evenly.
"Yeah, but this one's different. It's not just another trip. It's our trip, you know?"
Olivia did know. And she wasn't about to let nostalgia get the best of her. "We'll still travel," she said, shifting a pair of heels into her bag. "Just maybe fewer places that require a 'singles only' itinerary."
Haley groaned. "Don't remind me. I swear, if one more person asks if I'm retiring from fun, I'll lose it."
Olivia chuckled. "You're not. But things will change."
A beat of silence passed. Haley wasn't the sentimental type, but Olivia could tell she felt it too—the weight of the inevitable.
"Tomorrow. Airport. No excuses," Haley finally said.
Olivia smirked. "I'll be there."
She ended the call, then zipped her suitcase with a firm pull. Change didn't scare her. But that didn't mean she had to like it.
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The New Mexico sun greeted them with an intense, dry heat as Olivia and Haley stepped out of the airport, sunglasses already perched on their noses. The resort shuttle waited at the curb, its sleek, white exterior promising luxury and relaxation. Haley squeezed Olivia's arm as they loaded their bags.
"Tell me you don't already feel ten times lighter," Haley said, grinning.
"I do," Olivia admitted. "Or maybe it's just that I left my work laptop at home for once."
"Good," Haley declared. "Because for the next four days, we are embracing full spa mode. Massages, facials, hot springs, and, of course, endless margaritas."
The resort, nestled between rolling desert hills and towering rock formations, was a sight to behold. Terracotta buildings with sprawling patios and trickling fountains blended seamlessly into the landscape. A staff member greeted them with cool towels and cucumber-infused water upon arrival. Olivia took a deep breath, inhaling the mix of lavender and sage in the air.
"Okay, I might never leave," she murmured.
Haley nudged her. "Told you."
Their rooms were luxurious—two private casitas side by side, each with a balcony overlooking the desert. White linen curtains swayed in the breeze, and the oversized bathtub in Olivia's room practically begged her to sink into it with a glass of wine. But first: the spa.
An hour later, Olivia lay on a heated massage table, the expert hands of a massage therapist kneading away months of tension. The low hum of meditative music mixed with the occasional chime of wind chimes outside. Just as she felt herself drift into a blissful haze, Haley's voice, slightly muffled, broke through from the next table over.
"Liv, promise me we do this every year. Married, single, whatever. We make time for this."
Olivia let out a content sigh. "Deal."
Later, as they lounged by the pool, sipping on frozen margaritas, Haley turned toward Olivia with a teasing smile. "Oh, by the way, Daniel's coming tomorrow."
Olivia raised a brow. "And?"
Olivia groaned, rubbing her temples. "Haley, are you serious? You promised this trip wasn't going to be awkward."
Haley waved a hand dismissively. "It's not awkward! Daniel's bringing his best friend strictly as a friend. No expectations, no pressure."
Olivia exhaled sharply, taking a long sip of her margarita. "This is exactly what I didn't want. Now I have to make small talk with some random guy while you and Daniel get all cute and couple-y."
Haley rolled her eyes. "Liv, you're being dramatic. Just relax and enjoy yourself. Besides, if he turns out to be a dud, we can always prank him into thinking there's a resort-wide scavenger hunt and send him on a wild goose chase."
Olivia giggled, shaking her head. "You're impossible. Fine. I surrender. But if this guy starts talking about his cryptocurrency portfolio, I'm out."
Haley clinked her glass against Olivia's. "Deal. But if he turns out to be charming and fun, you owe me a round of drinks."
Olivia sighed dramatically, but a small smile played at her lips. "Fine, but don't hold your breath."
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By the time she walked into El Cielo, the resort's premier restaurant, she was met with a breathtaking ambiance. The open-air terrace overlooked the desert, where the sky was painted in shades of deep indigo and amber. Inside, warm adobe walls were adorned with hand-painted tiles, and soft candlelight flickered on each polished wooden table. A live guitarist strummed a slow, melodic tune in the background, the notes blending seamlessly with the gentle hum of conversation and the occasional clink of wine glasses. The scent of mesquite wood and sizzling seafood filled the air, mingling with hints of citrus and spice.
She straightened her soft pastel pink dress, the fabric light and floaty, moving with each step she took. On her feet, she wore a pair of strappy wedges that gave her just enough height without sacrificing comfort. Her chestnut hair cascaded in loose waves down her back, catching the dim glow of the restaurant's candlelight.
Haley was already seated at a table near the terrace, deep in conversation with a man Olivia assumed was Daniel. They were leaning in toward each other, engaged in what seemed like an intimate discussion, making Olivia hesitate for a brief moment. Was she interrupting something?
If she was going to endure this, she'd at least do it on her terms. As she approached, Haley's eyes lit up, and she waved enthusiastically. "Liv! Finally! Come meet Daniel."
Olivia put on a polite smile, masking the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. She wasn't about to make a scene in the middle of an upscale restaurant, but she was definitely skeptical about how the night would unfold. Haley had been insistent that she and Daniel would get along, and Olivia wasn't sure if she was just being optimistic or if there was something she wasn't seeing yet.
She reached the table, her fingers lightly brushing against the back of an empty chair before glancing between Haley and Daniel. "Nice to meet you," she said smoothly, extending a hand toward him.
Daniel stood, shaking her hand with an easy grin. "You too, Olivia. Haley's told me a lot about you."
"I bet she has," Olivia murmured, sliding into her seat. She picked up the menu, pretending to scan the options even as her mind buzzed with questions.
"I hope you don't mind," Daniel said, settling back into his chair. "Preston couldn't make it last minute."
Ah. So that explained the empty chair. Not that she cared much, but it did confirm that this dinner was just the three of them.
"Not at all," Olivia replied, keeping her expression neutral. "I hope everything's okay."
Daniel nodded. "Yeah, just work stuff. He's always getting pulled into something last-minute."
Throughout dinner, Olivia couldn't help but notice how Daniel always seemed to keep physical contact with Haley. A casual hand on her arm when he laughed, a brush of his fingers against her back when he shifted in his chair—little touches that spoke of familiarity. It was subtle, but Olivia caught every moment, even as she and Daniel got lost in their sports debate.
She glanced over and wanted to know more about the two of them. It seemed like a good opportunity while they were absorbed. "So, tell me more about yourself, Daniel?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.
Daniel looked up from his plate, seemingly caught off guard for a moment before regaining his easy composure. "Well, I work in sports marketing. Keeps me busy, but I love it. I get to travel a lot, meet some really interesting people."
Haley beamed. "He's being modest. He's worked on some huge campaigns. Ever heard of the championship ad with the little kid and the hall-of-fame player? That was him."
Olivia raised an eyebrow, impressed despite herself. "No way. That ad was everywhere. You pulled that off?"
Daniel chuckled. "It was a team effort, but yeah, I had a big hand in it."
As the evening progressed, Olivia found herself relaxing more, caught up in the easy conversation and shared laughter. She realized that Haley was safe with him. The way he was so attentive, the small, protective gestures—Daniel was the one for her.
"So, Olivia," Daniel said, setting his drink down. "If you had to pick—one sporting event to see live, anywhere in the world—what would it be?"
She didn't even have to think about it. "World Series, Game Seven. No question."
Daniel let out an appreciative whistle. "That's a solid choice. High stakes, electric atmosphere. I respect it."
"What about you?" Olivia asked, tilting her head.
He grinned. "Easy. FIFA World Cup Final. The energy, the passion—it's unmatched."
Olivia pursed her lips, pretending to consider. "I don't know… baseball's got more strategy."
Daniel groaned. "You and your stats. You're impossible."
She laughed, shaking her head. "And you're too sentimental."
Haley threw up her hands. "I swear, I've never seen two people nerd out about sports this much in my life."
Daniel met Olivia's gaze and smirked. "What can I say? Some things just click."
Olivia felt her stomach flutter unexpectedly, but then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Daniel's fingers trace small circles against Haley's back.
Daniel turned to Haley, his expression softening. "Babe, since you're here, I've been meaning to ask this for a while." He hesitated for a second, then continued, "Would you like to move in together?"
Haley sat there for a second, her eyes wide before she giggled and punched his shoulder. "You big doofus. I'm practically already doing that. Of course, I will."
Olivia watched the moment unfold, warmth filling her chest. She smiled to herself, knowing without a doubt—Haley had found her person.
Haley suddenly clapped her hands together. "Okay, this calls for a celebration. Let's go dancing!"
Daniel groaned good-naturedly. "You just agreed to move in with me and your first thought is a club?"
Haley grinned. "Absolutely. What better way to celebrate?"
Olivia laughed, shaking her head. "You know what? I'm in. Let's do it."
Daniel sighed dramatically but smiled. "Fine, but if I have to dance, you owe me a slow song."
Haley rolled her eyes. "Deal."
As they left the restaurant and stepped into the cool night air, Olivia felt lighter than she had in a while. Maybe tonight wasn't just about introductions—it was about celebrating love, friendship, and unexpected connections.