4 weeks prior to the set up
Olivia stepped off the elevator, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor of her high-rise building's hallway. She shifted her overnight bag higher on her shoulder, sighing in relief at finally being home. The quick trip to Montana had been incredible—seeing her brother's dream come to life was something she wouldn't have missed for the world. But after the open skies and rustic charm of his grow-your-own restaurant, she was ready for the embrace of her warm, sophisticated oasis in downtown Chicago.
She pushed open the door to her apartment, the soft click of the lock echoing through the space. The scent of vanilla and fresh peonies greeted her instantly. A wave of comfort settled over her as she stepped inside, setting her bag down near the entrance.
The apartment was a blend of classic sophistication and cozy warmth. Cream-colored walls provided a neutral base, allowing the soft teal and coral accents to breathe life into the space. A plush sectional in a muted teal shade wrapped around the living room, inviting her in with its overstuffed cushions. Coral throw pillows added pops of color, complementing the abstract art above the fireplace—a painting reminiscent of a sunset over the ocean.
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the breathtaking Chicago skyline, city lights twinkling like distant stars. Long, gauzy curtains framed the view, offering privacy without suffocating the space. A vintage chandelier hung above the dining table, its crystals reflecting the soft glow of the warm lighting throughout the apartment.
She made her way to the kitchen, running her fingers over the cool marble countertop. The space was modern yet inviting, with gold hardware accentuating the white cabinetry. The aroma of espresso from her last brew still lingered faintly, mingling with the scent of the freshly cut flowers in a glass vase on the island.
She poured herself a glass of water before retreating to her home office, a corner of the apartment that embodied both elegance and functionality. A white desk with gold accents sat beneath floating shelves filled with travel souvenirs and books. A plush, cream-colored office chair awaited her, positioned before her sleek laptop setup. As she connected her laptop to the dual monitors, her phone buzzed against the desk.
A smile tugged at her lips as she saw Haley's face flashing on the screen. With a swipe of her finger, she answered the video call, her best friend's bright grin filling the display.
"Well, look who's back in civilization!" Haley teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "How was ranch life?"
Olivia laughed, sinking into her chair. "Absolutely amazing. The restaurant is incredible, Haley. Seeing him finally get his big break… it was surreal."
"And you? You look like you could use a spa day."
Olivia chuckled, leaning back. "Montana was worth every second of exhaustion. But I won't say no to a facial."
Haley grinned. "Then it's a date. But first, tell me everything."
Olivia exhaled, ready to recount the whirlwind of her brother's grand opening, the family moments, and the quiet realizations she'd had while away. Haley had always loved Olivia's family, enjoying every detail about them, but as the conversation continued, Olivia sensed there might be another reason for this call. Haley's tone held a slight hesitation, something unspoken lingering in the air.
"You okay, Hales?" Olivia asked, tilting her head slightly.
Haley hesitated before letting out a small sigh. "Yeah, I mean… I do want to hear everything, but there's also something I need to talk to you about."
Olivia straightened, her curiosity piqued. "I'm listening."
Haley chewed her lip for a moment before speaking. "It's about Daniel."
Olivia's stomach fluttered slightly, sensing the shift in their usual lighthearted conversation. "Daniel?"
Haley took a deep breath, as if preparing herself. "I think… I think this is getting serious, Liv."
Olivia leaned back slightly, her expression thoughtful. "Serious? Hales, you've only been dating for a little while."
Haley let out a light laugh and shook her head. "See? This is why I need to tell you things. It's been almost six months, Liv."
Olivia blinked, surprised. "Wait—six months? Have we really been that out of sync?"
Haley smirked. "Maybe if we still lived in the same city, you'd have a better idea."
Olivia sighed dramatically. "Boston stole you from me."
Haley chuckled. "And yet, we still see each other all the time. Your love of travel and mobile work means I get surprise visits more than I probably deserve."
Olivia grinned. "True. Even with your structured job as a financial analyst, you still manage to make time for our friendship trips, so I guess I'll forgive you."
Haley smiled warmly. "Exactly. So, now that you're caught up… I need your honest opinion about Daniel."
Olivia smirked, leaning forward. "Okay, add him to FaceTime right now. Let's meet him."
Haley rolled her eyes. "Liv, this is a real conversation. I need your actual opinion, not a surprise interrogation."
Olivia laughed, holding up her hands. "Fine, fine. But why is this suddenly so important to you?"
Haley sighed, her expression softening. "Liv, you're my only real family now. Ever since my dad passed... it's just been you. Sure, I have an aunt in Florida, and we talk often, but I haven't really shared how I feel about Daniel with you because, honestly, I wasn't sure myself until recently.""
Olivia's teasing demeanor faded slightly as she took in Haley's words. "Hales... I didn't realize."
Haley gave her a small smile. "I know. We don't always talk about the serious stuff, but you've always been there for me when it matters." Since our freshman year at Boston University—remember how we ended up roommates because of that dorm mix-up? Two Illinois girls, from totally different cities, meeting by chance?"
Olivia smiled, nodding. "Best mistake they ever made."
Haley exhaled, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "That's why your opinion means so much to me. You know me better than anyone, Liv. And I know you'll tell me if I'm being ridiculous about all this."
Olivia folded her arms, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Well, I do take my job as your personal reality check very seriously. So, tell me—what exactly makes this different from the others?"
Haley hesitated for a beat, then said, "Because with Daniel… it just feels easy. Like, I don't have to try so hard. And I want to let myself believe that's okay."
Olivia studied her best friend for a moment before softening. "Hales, if it feels right, then maybe it is. You just have to trust yourself on this one."
Haley's face lit up with excitement. "I really think it is, Liv. Every time I'm with him, it just feels... effortless. Like I don't have to be anything other than myself. He makes me laugh, he listens, and he's just so—genuine."
Olivia smirked, crossing her arms. "Sounds like someone's smitten."
Haley let out a soft laugh. "Maybe I am. And that's a little scary, but also kind of amazing. I've never felt this way before."
Olivia leaned back, nodding. "Well, that's a good sign. You deserve someone who makes you feel like that."
Haley grinned. "That's why I want you to meet him. I know your judgment is solid, and if you tell me I'm seeing things through rose-colored glasses, I'll listen."
Olivia smiled, nodding. "Sure, Hales," she said, genuinely happy for her friend.
Olivia took an exasperated breath and resigned with a sigh. "Fine, Hales. Yes. I'll meet him."
A squeal erupted from the other end of the phone as Olivia watched her friend dance wildly around her apartment, excitement radiating off her in waves. Haley twirled and jumped, looking like a woman possessed by pure joy. Olivia giggled, shaking her head at the spectacle.
Haley slid back over to her phone, her face suddenly serious as she leaned in close to the screen. "Okay, Liv. What do you think about New Mexico?"
Haley's eyes lit up as she launched into an enthusiastic explanation. "Yes! There's this incredible spa resort there. It's huge—luxurious pools, thermal hot springs, the best massages you can imagine. We could go for a long weekend, just us, relaxing and unwinding. And…" she hesitated for a moment before adding with a grin, "it would be a great opportunity for you to meet Daniel, if you wouldn't mind."
Olivia sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Alright, alright. A weekend of relaxation doesn't sound too bad."
Haley clapped her hands together, her excitement unshaken. "See? You'll love it! Just imagine—hot stone massages, facials, and endless glasses of wine by the pool."
Olivia smirked. "You had me at 'wine.'"
Haley grinned but then leaned in closer to her screen. "And… it would be the perfect chance for you to meet Daniel."
Olivia arched an eyebrow. "Ah, there it is."
Haley laughed, shrugging. "I mean, if you're going to be my reality check, you might as well meet him in person."
Olivia exhaled, considering it for a moment. "Fine. But if he turns out to be the kind of guy who can't handle us quoting our favorite rom-coms at full volume, I reserve the right to be skeptical."
Haley gasped dramatically. "Please, I would never date a man who doesn't appreciate a solid movie night."
Olivia chuckled. "Then I guess we have a deal."
Haley squealed again, bouncing slightly. "This is going to be the best trip ever."
Olivia shook her head, amused but warming up to the idea. "Let's just see if this spa is as magical as you claim.
Haley stopped for a moment and bit her bottom lip. "Liv..."
Olivia knew that look. It meant that Haley was up to something else. And she wanted to know exactly what it was.
Haley took a deep breath, her excitement shifting slightly. "So… there's one more thing. Daniel's best friend is single, and I thought maybe—"
"Absolutely not," Olivia interrupted, shaking her head firmly. "Hales, you know how I feel about relationships right now. After Paul the Asshat? No way. I'm not starting anything anytime soon."
Haley sighed, expecting this response but still hopeful. "I know, I know. But he's really great, Liv. You'd at least get along."
Olivia gave her a pointed look. "Not happening."
Olivia huffed. "Do I need to explain my reasoning?"
Olivia raised an eyebrow. Haley rolled her eyes and smirked. "I know it's some kind of scientific mojo about why you don't believe in love."
Olivia smiled, shaking her head. "Quite the opposite, actually. Hales, I do believe in love. I see it all the time—with my parents, my sister and her husband, my brother and his girlfriend. And now, when you talk about Daniel… you may not want to admit it yet, but I see it thriving."
Haley blinked in surprise. "Then what's the issue?"
Olivia exhaled. "I just don't believe in love for me. I think love is a virus, actually."
"Eww, Liv. COVID much?" Haley exclaimed, making a face.
Olivia giggled and continued. "Love starts as a thought process—an indescribable feeling that can't be removed, found, or eradicated quickly. Just like a virus. Think about what happens when you fall in love—it affects your brain patterns, which in turn affect your sleep, heart rate, eating habits, even your bowel movements. Rational thought and logic leave, it can make you breathless, jumpy, erratic, paranoid, delusional—even psychotic. Money, power, and wars have been started over love. I understand the power it holds more than anyone, and I will not let it take power over me again."
Haley looked at her friend for a moment and then shook her head. "Then at least can we find you a boy toy with a big ass..."
Before Olivia could respond, the phone screen suddenly went black. The call had disconnected—her phone dead from an uncharged battery.
Olivia giggled to herself, shaking her head at Haley's antics. With a small sigh, she set her phone aside and turned back to her laptop. The familiar glow of the screen lit up her face as she logged in and began working, the quiet hum of the city outside serving as a backdrop to her thoughts.