I decided to take a break from everything—work, stress, the city that never lets you breathe. “Beaches, sun, and cocktails,” I thought. “That’s the medicine I need. Just me and my margaritas.”
No distractions. No chaos. But then, on the third day, Jason happened. He strolled up to me while I was attempting to look intellectual with a book I hadn’t read past page two.
“Hey, is this seat taken, or do I have to challenge your imaginary friend to a duel?” he said with a grin that screamed trouble.
I raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Only if you promise to lose dramatically.”
He sat down, laughing.
“Deal. Though fair warning, I don’t go down easily.”
From there, it was game on. Every conversation with him was like this—quick, witty, and just the right amount of banter. He seemed perfect. You know, the kind of guy that makes you forget your iced coffee is melting because you’re too busy laughing at his jokes.
“So, what brings you to this paradise? Running from a secret life as a spy?” he teased one night, swirling his drink.
“Obviously. But shh, it’s top secret. I’m here incognito as a beach bum.”
“Ah, good cover. Very convincing.”
By the third day, I wasn’t just having fun. I was really enjoying his company.
Wait a minute… could this be more than just a vacation fling?
Of course, I immediately brushed that thought away because, well, it’s me. I don’t just fall for a guy in three days. Right?
“Be careful, Monica,” I thought, sipping my cocktail.
“This is vacation logic talking. Back home, he could be a completely different person. He could have weird habits. Or worse… he could be one of those people who calls you at 7 a.m. on a Saturday to go jogging.”
But despite my inner sarcasm, I kept imagining what would happen after this trip.
Maybe fate is finally giving me a break, or… it’s setting me up for one heck of a plot twist.
And boy, was I right about that.
That evening, I plopped down on the hotel bed, phone in hand, ready to spill the details about Jason to Audrey. She had been my go-to for everything, from awkward dates to work drama, so naturally, she had to hear about this guy.
“Okay, Audrey, brace yourself,” I said as soon as she picked up the phone. “I’ve met someone.”
“Wait, what?!” she squealed, her voice crackling through the speaker. “Tell me everything! Is he cute? What’s his name? Details, Monica, I need details!”
I laughed, propping myself up on a pillow.
“His name’s Jason. Met him here, at the beach. We’ve been spending a lot of time together. Oh, wait! Hold on a sec… I’m sending you a picture. He’s such a total hottie, you’ve got to see this.”
I quickly scrolled through my photos and sent the best one. “Check your phone. You’ll die when you see him.”
Audrey went quiet for a second, which wasn’t like her. I could practically hear the gears turning in her head.
“Jason, huh?” she said slowly. “That’s… interesting.”
I frowned at her tone.
“What’s up? You don’t sound excited. You should be freaking out right now.”
“Oh, I am,” she replied, but there was hesitation in her voice.
“It’s just… I’ve been talking to a guy, too. His name’s Jake. Met him on a dating site. He invited me to the beach… the same place you’re at, actually.”