The fun and games continued throughout the day, everyone soaking in the last bits of their island retreat. The team was in high spirits, competing in relay races, splashing around in the ocean, and lounging under the sun with cold drinks in hand. The salty breeze carried bursts of laughter, the kind that only came from truly unwinding, from leaving the worries of the real world behind—at least for a little while.
Everything seemed perfect—until an unexpected announcement changed the mood.
Just as the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Dave gathered everyone around. The moment he stepped forward, his usual unreadable expression in place, the excited chatter died down. A hush fell over the group, the only sounds remaining the rhythmic crash of waves and the occasional crackle from the bonfire that had just been lit.
"I have some news," he began, his voice carrying over the sounds of the shore. "Due to an important event happening at the office, we'll be leaving earlier than expected. Our return trip has been moved to first thing in the morning. I know this isn't what we planned, but it's necessary."
A collective groan of disappointment rippled through the group.
"Ugh, we were supposed to have one more full day!" Ava muttered under her breath, arms crossed in frustration.
"Yeah, what could be so important?" another colleague sighed, shaking their head.
Callie felt the sting of disappointment as well. She had been looking forward to one last slow, easy day on the island—one more morning of waking up to the sound of waves, of sipping coffee while watching the sun rise over the horizon. Now, instead, they'd be packing up and heading back to reality far sooner than she had anticipated.
Dave let them grumble for a moment before smirking slightly. "Since it's our last night here, I say we make the most of it. So tonight, no curfews, no restrictions. Enjoy yourselves. We're partying until dawn."
Cheers erupted instantly, the mood shifting in an instant.
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Ava whooped, nudging Callie. "Looks like we're going all out tonight."
Callie laughed, feeling a familiar buzz of excitement creep in. One last night of freedom, one last night under the island sky—it had to be unforgettable.
The staff wasted no time setting up for the night's festivities. A bonfire blazed on the shore, its flickering flames casting golden light against the darkening sky. String lights were strung between the trees, their soft glow illuminating the gathering area in a dreamy, almost magical way. A makeshift bar was stocked with colorful drinks, ice clinking against the glasses as cocktails were poured with flair. A speaker blared a mix of tropical beats and dance tracks, the kind that made it impossible to stand still.
As the night deepened, the island transformed into something out of a dream. People let loose—dancing barefoot in the sand, swaying to the rhythm of the music, taking in the salty air and the thrill of a night with no limits. Someone started a limbo contest near the bonfire, drawing laughter and cheers as people lined up to test their flexibility. Others sat on blankets near the water, sharing stories and sipping their drinks as the ocean lapped at the shore.
Callie allowed herself to be swept up in the atmosphere, savoring the feel of the warm night air against her skin, the way the music pulsed through her bones. For once, she didn't think about the morning, about the return to office life—she just let herself exist in the now.
But through the crowd, she still caught those familiar eyes watching her from across the bonfire.
Dave.
The firelight cast shifting shadows across his face, but his gaze was steady, locked onto her in a way that sent a subtle thrill through her spine.
Tonight was going to be interesting.