Callie had one of the best sleeps she'd had in a long time. Maybe it was the weight that had been lifted off her shoulders after the talk with Kyle, or maybe it was the acceptance that not all love was meant to last. Either way, she woke up feeling lighter, more at peace with herself. She had finally gotten the closure she had been waiting for, and it felt liberating.
The second day of the company outing started with breakfast by the beach. The tables were set under a canopy of palm trees, the morning sun casting a golden hue over the pristine sand. The fresh ocean breeze carried the scent of coffee, fruits, and warm pastries. Laughter and chatter filled the air as employees gathered in groups, enjoying their meals and recounting the previous night's events.
Ava plopped down next to Callie, her eyes immediately scanning her face. "Wow, you look... different. Did something happen last night?"
Callie took a sip of her orange juice and smiled. "I had a conversation I really needed to have."
Ava narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "With who?"
Callie hesitated for a second before admitting, "Kyle."
Ava almost choked on her coffee. "Kyle? As in your ex-fiancé Kyle? That Kyle?"
Callie chuckled at Ava's reaction. "Yes, that Kyle."
Ava put down her mug and leaned in dramatically. "And? What happened? Did he beg for you to take him back? Did you slap him? Did you throw a drink in his face? Oh, please tell me you at least made him cry."
Callie let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "There was no slapping, no throwing of drinks. Just talking. He apologized, and we finally got the closure we needed."
Ava pouted. "Closure, huh? That sounds way too mature and not nearly as dramatic as I hoped. But… do you feel better?"
Callie nodded, a serene smile gracing her lips. "I really do."
Ava studied her for a moment before sighing. "Fine. I guess that's good. But if he tries anything, just know I'm fully prepared to kick his ass."
Callie laughed, appreciating her friend's fierce loyalty. Just then, a group of their officemates called for them to join a game happening near the shore. Without hesitation, Ava grabbed Callie's hand and dragged her along.
The rest of the day was filled with fun activities—beach volleyball, relay games, and even a tug-of-war that had everyone laughing until their stomachs hurt. Callie threw herself into the moment, allowing herself to enjoy the simple joys of the present. It felt good. It felt right.
But as the day went on, she started noticing something—or rather, someone.
Ava, too, picked up on it. She nudged Callie as they stood by the water, their feet sinking into the wet sand. "So, tell me something. Since when did our boss become Mr. Subtle Glances?"
Callie blinked, following Ava's gaze toward Dave. He was a few feet away, talking to a couple of their colleagues, but every now and then, his eyes would drift to her. It wasn't overt, but it was enough for Ava to catch on.
"What are you talking about?" Callie asked, feigning ignorance.
Ava scoffed. "Oh, please. He's been looking at you all day. And don't even get me started on the way he acts around you. I mean, the man actually talks to you. He barely acknowledges the rest of us."
Callie frowned slightly, biting her lip. "He's just being nice."
Ava snorted. "Nice? Callie, wake up. The man practically threw daggers at Kyle when he saw him last night. And don't even try to tell me you didn't notice how he was hovering around you all morning."
Callie opened her mouth to protest, but the words died on her tongue. Had she been so caught up in everything that she missed the signs? Or had she been deliberately ignoring them?
Ava smirked, crossing her arms. "I knew it. You're noticing it now, aren't you?"
Callie let out a sigh, shaking her head. "It's complicated."
"Oh, honey," Ava said, looping her arm through Callie's. "Complicated is just another word for interesting."
Callie laughed, but deep down, she knew Ava was right. Something was shifting between her and Dave. And whether she was ready to face it or not, one thing was certain—she couldn't ignore it any longer.