They have quite the love story that started in a very interesting way last year, and now they are engaged. I’m happy they found each other, but I wish my luck would change, too. Maybe I’m giving off some sort ofstay away from me, I’m damaged goodskind of vibe. The last couple years of dating proved there are a lot of duds out there. My dreams of finding the love of my life are dwindling.
“Your luck needs to change, Faith. You deserve a great guy. Someone you could spend time together eating out at all your favorite restaurants, going to the movies, and fall madly in love with. I see it in your eyes when you watch all those romantic movies and cry.” Kendall sighs.
“I should swear off men,” I declare.
“No, I’m asking Dane to see if he has a friend or co-worker we can set you up with,” Kendall says, crinkling up her face as she taps her chin dramatically.
She’s not wrong. Iwantto fall madly in love. The feeling of full-body goosebumps, the fluttering in my belly, my soul yearning to be with someone that I want to spend quality time with and not have any hesitations.
“Another setup? No, thanks!”
I’m thirty years old, and I’ve had just a few boyfriends since the love of my life shattered my heart into pieces.
It seems like I’m on a date a couple times a week, but in reality, it’s only about twice a month. They all make me feel exhausted, though. I get my hopes up, then I’m disappointed. Maybe I’ll take a sabbatical from dating. One minute, I want someone to share my life with, and the next, I swear off all guys. Being me is entertaining, at least.
“Come on, girl. You have nothing to lose but a couple of hours and everything to gain—like a hottie that loves you,” Kendall urges. She really can be very persuasive.
Despite it all, I know that, deep down, part of me is still with my high school sweetheart, Jude. It’s been almost twelve years, and he’s the only one I can’t seem to forget about. But I have to move on. If I don’t, I’ll be living in the past and continuing to second guess all of my decisions. It’s time to think about the future and find a man that I can share my life with.
“I think I need to say yes, or I fear I’ll end up living in my house with a dozen cats.”
“That’s depressing. Well, let’s see what Dane says. It’s worth a shot. You just have to keep trying and putting yourself out there,” Kendall reiterates as she rubs my shoulder with so much affection. I lean into her.
“What the hell. Why not?”
TWO
FAITH
“Now for the fun stuff, ladies. We leave for Aruba, theOne Happy Island, on Saturday.” Addison practically jumps out of her seat as the rest of us cheer.
I can't wait for this vacation. We might have to wake up early and deal with a layover but arriving in paradise will make it all worthwhile. Our annual girls’ trip has become a tradition for the four of us. The only requirements are warm weather and an all-inclusive resort.
“Kendall, have you called the resort to let them know we want the wedding tour?” Addison asks.
“Girl, you know I was on that like white on rice weeks ago. Once we booked, I called. Actually, I’ve talked with the wedding planner a few times. Destination wedding, here I come.”
“You are one of a kind. I can’t wait to tour the resort and see what’s possible for your wedding. We are going to have so much fun!” Addison beams at her.
“Yes, lots of fun, relaxation, and a perfect time to get some vitamin D while away from all this cold, dark weather we suffer through during the winter. Man, I hate being so cold.” I fake shiver and run my hands up and down my arms to warm up.
This is a trip I look forward to every year. It’s a whole week away from work and life. When I can escape life, even for a little bit, I take full advantage of it. My mental health thanks me.
“Yeah, I’m so ready for some vitamin D…tonight,” Kendall says. She tips her head back and belly laughs. We all shake our heads and laugh along with her. Whenever there’s a time to joke around, she takes full advantage of it.
Dinner comes out, and we enjoy our meals and wine. We chat about the trip, what we’re most excited for, and the outfits we’ve planned.
“Did everyone book their excursions?” Addison asks.
Everyone nods in unison.
I booked two excursions. One is an ATV tour on the North side of the island with the girls, and the other is a snorkeling trip that I'll enjoy solo. The girls aren't interested in snorkeling, but I'm thrilled and eager to go. I usually don’t get a whole lot of alone time on these trips, so snorkeling by myself sounds like the perfect opportunity to relax and be with my own thoughts.
The waiter places all the desserts and coffees on the table then slips the check to us. “Enjoy. Here’s the check, but no rush ladies.”
Flourless chocolate cake is my favorite dessert. A low moan escapes my lips as I slide the bite off my fork. We enjoy our dessert and decaf coffee—otherwise we’ll be up all night—and count down the hours until we leave.
My friends drop me off in the driveway and Kendall says, “I’ll keep you posted once I talk to Dane about that date.”
