3 Weeks after the London Meet-up.
Olivia stretched out in the middle of her bed, her laptop balanced on her thighs as she scrolled through prescription orders and checked emails from the distribution warehouse. After weeks of traveling, hopping from one city to another, there was nothing quite like being home. The stillness, the familiar scent of vanilla and fresh linen in the air, the way her room felt both sophisticated and inviting—it was a feeling no hotel, no matter how luxurious, could replicate.
Her bedroom was a reflection of her personality, a soft blend of cream tones with pops of bright pink that made the space feel warm yet refined. It contrasted with the teal and coral hues of her living and dining rooms, giving each area of her home a unique but cohesive aesthetic.
Dressed for comfort rather than function, Olivia wore a simple camisole tank top and a pair of shorts, her thick wavy-straight hair piled up in a messy bun, secured lazily with a pencil she had shoved in absentmindedly. She shifted slightly, adjusting the pillows behind her as she skimmed through a request from one of her regular clients. It was routine work, but there was something satisfying about organizing orders and ensuring everything ran smoothly.
She sipped from the cup of iced coffee resting on her nightstand, the condensation leaving a ring on the coaster. She had a long list of things to do, but at least she could tackle them in the comfort of her own space. No noisy cafes, no cramped airplane seats, just her, her laptop, and the quiet hum of home.
A notification popped up on her screen, pulling her attention away from the spreadsheets. A message from Haley. Olivia smirked, already anticipating whatever update her best friend had about moving in with Daniel. Shaking her head, she set her laptop aside for a moment, stretching her arms above her head before reaching for her phone.
"Well, let's see what dramatic revelation she has now," Olivia muttered to herself as she unlocked her phone.
The message read: I'm freaking out, Liv. Moving in with Daniel was exciting, but now it feels so... permanent. What if we fight and I can't just go home?
Olivia's smirk faded slightly, replaced by a flicker of curiosity. She sat up straighter, thumbs hovering over the keyboard as she typed back.
Haley, we've talked about this. You were so sure! What's making you nervous now?
Almost immediately, the typing bubbles appeared. Olivia leaned back against her pillows, concern creeping in.
I don't know, Haley finally replied. It just hit me today while I was packing up the last of my things. Like, this is it. No more running back to my apartment when I need space. No more 'let's take a break and reset.' It's all in, Liv. What if I mess this up?
Olivia sighed, tapping her fingers against the phone screen before responding. Haley, you're not going to mess this up. You and Daniel are solid. You've already had tough conversations, and you always work through them. What's really scaring you?
She waited, watching the typing bubbles flicker on and off. After a long pause, Haley responded. I guess... I'm scared of losing myself. Of getting so wrapped up in 'us' that I forget about 'me.'
Olivia exhaled, nodding to herself. That, she could understand.
Haley, listen to me. I get it. But Daniel isn't like the asshat I dated. You remember how he strung me along, kept me just close enough but never really in? Daniel's the real deal. He truly cares for you, and you know it.
She paused before adding, And if it makes you feel any better... I may have pulled him aside when we went dancing that night and, uh, politely threatened to cut off his balls if he ever hurt you.
Haley's reply came instantly. WAIT WHAT?!?
Olivia grinned, picturing her friend's reaction. Yup. And you know what he said? He promised he would gladly go nutless if anything ever happened to you.
The LOL emoji and happy-face-tears popped up on the screen. Then, Liv, you're insane. But also, I love you.
Olivia laughed, relief settling in. Love you too, Hales. Now breathe. You've got this.
A moment later, another message popped up.
Oh! That wasn't even the main reason I texted you! Did you see the invite? One of our old sorority sisters is throwing a bachelorette party in Hawaii at the end of the month. And apparently, it's leading right into the wedding of the year.
Olivia's eyebrows lifted as she read the message. Wait, what? Who's getting married?
Emma Sinclair. And you KNOW how extra she is. This is going to be a full-blown event.
Olivia let out a low whistle. Emma Sinclair didn't do anything halfway. A bachelorette party in Hawaii and then an over-the-top wedding? It would be something to witness.
Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Olivia texted back.
That we absolutely have to go? Haley replied.
Olivia grinned. Obviously. A trip to Hawaii sounds like exactly what we need right now. Sun, cocktails, and a front-row seat to Emma's inevitable wedding theatrics? Sign me up.
I know, right? Haley sent a string of excited emojis. But also… what are we wearing? Because you know, Emma will have some ridiculous theme for every event.
Olivia rolled her eyes, already imagining the elaborate dress codes. Let me guess, 'Tropical Glamour' or 'Golden Goddess'?
Or worse— Haley replied—Full-on mermaid couture.
Olivia laughed out loud, shaking her head. I wouldn't put it past her.
Oh, and get this, Haley continued. The wedding states you're supposed to have a plus one. Like, it's an actual requirement. Emma's insisting that nobody comes alone.
Olivia groaned. Of course, she is. That sounds exactly like something Emma would do. What does she think, single people will ruin her aesthetic?
Probably, Haley replied with a laughing emoji. So… who are you bringing?
Since I'm bringing Daniel, maybe he could bring his best friend? You know, the one you were supposed to meet in New Mexico but had that work issue?
Olivia sent the rolling eyes emoji. I don't need a plus one to have a good time at a wedding. Trust me, I can handle Emma's theatrics all on my own.
Oh, come on, Liv! Haley pressed. This isn't just any guy; it's Daniel's best friend. He's smart and funny, and you two were supposed to meet already. It's fate!
Olivia sighed. Fate? Really? You sound like a rom-com.
I'm just saying, at least meet him. Worst case? You tolerate each other for a weekend. Best case? You have someone to make fun of Emma's fifteen outfit changes with.
Olivia hesitated before responding. Fine. But this is not a setup. Just two people at the same wedding, got it?
Liv, do you really want to be the only single person there? Everyone's coming as couples. I mean, I'll be with Daniel, Emma's entire bridal party is basically paired off, and even Rachel managed to bring someone.
Olivia groaned. Wow, way to guilt trip me, Hales.
I'm just saying! Look, you don't have to marry the guy. Just meet him. Who knows, maybe you'll actually have fun?
Olivia sighed, rubbing her temple. Fine, but if he turns out to be some awkward finance bro who only talks about stock portfolios, I'm blaming you.
Haley sent a string of laughing emojis. Deal. But trust me, you'll like him. He's nothing like Paul. Just give it a shot, okay?
Olivia frowned at her screen. Do you even know this guy you're trying to set me up with, or are you just going by what your boyfriend is telling you? What if he's not that great? What if he's actually worse than Paul the Asshat? You wouldn't know, would you?
A beat passed before Haley's response appeared in all caps. OLIVIA DENISE WEBBER! A sad emoji followed. I have not met him yet, but I know my man, and I know that he would not set you up with a bad person.
Plus, Daniel swears he's the best guy he knows. He's loyal, funny, and apparently makes the best margaritas. If nothing else, you'll have great drinks all weekend.
Olivia snorted. Great, so he's a bartender. That's reassuring.
Liv! Haley groaned. Just say yes. One night. One conversation. If he turns out to be awful, I'll owe you coffee for a month.
Olivia hesitated, staring at the screen. Fine. But you better be prepared to deliver that coffee.
YES! Haley sent a string of dancing emojis. You won't regret it, I promise.
Later that evening, Olivia sat on her couch, gazing out over the Chicago skyline, a glass of wine cradled in her hand. Wrapped in a throw blanket, she let the quiet hum of the city settle over her. The lights stretched endlessly beyond the window, a glittering reminder of the world constantly moving around her.
And yet, her mind was stuck on one thing—or rather, one person. Grayson.
How could she not think of him? Meeting him once was already an anomaly, but twice, in different parts of the world? That wasn't just a coincidence. The first night she met him, there had been something—a hint of magic, a spark of something that could have been. But she refused to let herself go down that road. It was easier to chalk it up as a fleeting moment, a figment of her imagination.
Then London happened. The moment she saw him, her breath caught in her throat, if only for a second. She recovered quickly, steadying herself before he could notice. The last thing she wanted was for him to know he had any sway over her. So, she stayed calm. She was always cool.
He intrigued her, though. He hadn't pried or asked anything too personal—which somehow made her like him more. But what was she saying? She couldn't like him more.
Ugh.
Shaking her head, she pushed away the swirl of thoughts and stood abruptly. She refused to entertain them any longer. There was work to do. Focus, Olivia.
She made her way to her office, determined to lose herself in emails and orders, anything to keep her mind occupied. Anything to forget about Grayson.