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Chapter 2: Cancun

** Lena**

When Jasper and I arrive at the resort, a squeal of excitement erupts as I spot my best friends. Jordan stands at the front desk, her wavy, auburn hair accentuated by the oversized silver shades that rest on her nose. Beside her is Katie, sporting a stylish blonde bob and a chic sun hat that accentuates her floral sundress. “JORD… KATE!” I shout, dropping my luggage to race towards them. “WUD UP MY GUYYYYY!?” Jordan hollers, pulling both me and Katie into a huge hug. We haven’t been able to see each other for a few weeks due to our work schedules, but you’d think it was years based on our reactions. Katie wriggles, trying to escape our tight hold on each other, but she stops when I squeeze more firmly. I’ve missed them so much! “Alright, alright!” Katie laughs, playfully pushing us away and smoothing out her dress. Jasper rolls his blue eyes as he strolls past us, mumbling, “I’m going to get us checked in.” The lobby fills with our delighted wails as we explore the elegant space, linking our arms together like we’re back in middle school. The marble walls stretch high, the peach and ivory floors gleam, and the decor is sophisticated with subtle oceanic accents. Deep blue curtains embroidered with white and gold seashells frame a breathtaking view of the island, and on the other side of the glass, white sands shining against turquoise waters.

“What should we do first?!” Jordan’s gray eyes sparkle as they bounce between Katie and me. “Definitely the rooftop pool!” Katie suggests, tossing her unlimited drink pass into the air. “We’re on vacation!” she exclaims while breaking into a little victory dance.“You know ya girl is going to have the drinks FLOWINNN and the boys GROANIN, BAYBEEE!” Jordan shouts, offering up and waving her own pass around.“EUGH JORD!” Katie grimaces as I laugh hysterically, we’re in for an interesting week! It’s at this moment that I realize how tense my shoulders are, and as I join them in our celebratory jig, they finally ease enough to relax and drop. “Maybe we should grab something to eat first, I’m starving!” I whine, patting my stomach. Just then, Jasper approaches us with our room keys in his hand. His gaze flickers between the three of us before settling firmly on mine, his tiresome gaze eliciting a shiver up my spine. With a flat, emotionless tone he says “I’ll be in the room.” I grimace as he runs his fingers through his short blonde hair, annoyed that even with his dreary attitude, he’s still attractive.

After a brief pause, he continues with a breathy voice, “James is going to call when his flight lands. We’ll head out for drinks and figure out which activities we should plan together.” He hands me a keycard for our room, his fingers brushing against mine with a fleeting touch. I respond with a forced smile, attempting to bridge the unbearable gap between us; the gap that continues to build despite arriving in paradise for premarital festivities. Jasper smiles back half heartedly and kisses me lightly on the cheek… Actually no, I wouldn’t classify this as a kiss, it’s barely a peck! A kiss like this screams: this is for show rather, not a real, genuine expression of love. I can’t help but notice as Katie and Jordan exchange snarky glances, their eyebrows raising in disbelief. Jasper pulls away, then shifts his attention to them, offering a polite nod before he turns and heads towards the elevator. I hope he will turn and wave before getting on the elevator, bo. Maybe he will wave when the elevator is closing, another no. As the metallic doors slowly shut in front of him, I stare in his direction, waiting for any signs of life but it never comes, as doesn’t break eye contact with his phone once.

Jordan’s reaction is immediate and entirely expected. Out of the three of us, she is incapable of limiting her loud, highly opinionated Gemini beliefs. She rolls her eyes dramatically and then turns to me, the frustration evident all over her sour face. “Motherfucker couldn’t even say hey, hello, how the hell are ya?! EXCITED FOR THE TRIP?!” she exclaims, punctuating her words with air punches aimed in Jasper’s direction. Meanwhile Katie, who’s becoming increasingly stressed by the show, tries to calm Jordan by covering up her imaginary boxing match. “Alright, ALRIGHT!” Jordan declares, regaining her composure and striking a more polished pose. Both Katie and Jordan look at me, as if waiting for my reaction to the whole situation. I glance at them succinctly before shifting my focus anywhere else. Unable to escape their peering eyes, I shrug, hoping the conversation will move on without needing a detailed explanation. Jasper and my issues are no secret and are often a frequent topic in our group chat. They know what's going on, and I don't want to set the tone of our trip by discussing it within the first ten minutes.. Katie interrupts my thoughts with a reassuring pat on the back before gently ushering all of us toward the elevator. She offers me a sweet and understanding smile that softens the air around us, but her expression hardens as she turns to Jordan, who is dying; her eyes wide with an unquenchable need to gossip.“There will be plenty of time to talk about it during the week,” Katie adds quietly before pressing the floor numbers for each of our rooms.


The girls and I agree to unpack and change before we set out to explore the resort. As I open the doors to the suite, I’m instantly awestruck-it's absolutely breathtaking! Rich hues of blue, ivory, and coral blend seamlessly throughout the room creating a refined but comfortable environment. I waste no time hopping on the plush, overstuffed sofa sitting across from a pair of velvet armchairs arranged around a sleek coffee table. I stretch, wiggling my fingers and toes, before standing up and making my way to the bedroom with my suitcase. My feet sink into the soft, ocean themed rugs, and the stress I felt earlier unwinds with each step forward. I open a door on the far right revealing the master bedroom, bathed in soft, natural light that filters through billowy curtains. I set my suitcase down and gasp at the gigantic, clawfoot tub peeking out of the bathroom. With no hesitation, I leap onto the king bed, sprawling out on the goose down comforter like a child making snow angels after a winter storm. I giggle at how luxurious it all feels, but as I settle into the softness enveloping me, I realize Jaser is nowhere to be found. I pull my phone out of my back pocket to text him, wanting him to be in the know of my whereabouts; but as I hit send, I hear the familiar chime of this phone in the other room.

I follow the sound to discover his phone abandoned on the entertainment stand near the TV. How did I miss it earlier? I briefly consider messaging James directly to see if he has arrived but hesitate. Jasper and James have only been friends for a year, and no matter how much time passes,I can't fucking stand him. They met a few months after James landed a senior position, and since then, the two have been inseparable. Not only does James encourage the worst in Jasper, but our engagement stops him from making a move on me when we’re alone. Jasper never believes me, of course, assuming I’m making it up or that I’ve done something to provoke the encounter. More often than not, I take my leave whenever the sleazeball shows up. I’d rather avoid him as much as possible during this trip. Instead, I decide to make the most of my welcomed solitude.

I start unpacking my suitcase, carefully hanging up each blouse and dress to avoid creasing. The silk fabric of one of my favorite cocktail gowns drapes gracefully over the hanger as I smooth out wrinkles. Next, I organize my shoes and accessories by style in one of the dressers next to the window. I step in front of the long, ivory curtains and slide them open, bathing the room in a warm, welcoming glow. The city skyline stretches out before me, a dazzling tapestry of stucco and silver buildings lined chaotically against the serene beach and palm trees. Below me, the sea glistens like a field of diamonds as the waves gently lap at the shore. I take a moment to inhale deeply and I exhale after glancing up at the horizon, vibrant shades of orange, pink, and purple swirling between large, fluffy clouds. A surge of optimism flows through me as I take one last look at the view before throwing on my swimsuit to meet up with the girls. I'll be damned if I don't make this the best week of my life!

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