Chapter 1
Daria
The resort shuttle hits another pothole, and my stomach lurches along with it. I grip the handle above the window and try to look like I'm totally fine with this decision—coming alone to a singles retreat in the mountains where I'll be surrounded by confident, outdoorsy women who probably look amazing in thermal wear.
This was a terrible idea.
"First time at Evergreen Lakes?" the driver asks, catching my eye in the rearview mirror.
"Yeah." I force a smile. "My friend convinced me it'd be fun."
"The Single Woman’s Escape to Evergreen Lakes retreat, right? You'll love it. Great group this year."
Great. As in great competition for the hot ski instructors I saw in the brochure. Not that I came here for that. I came here to... what did Shayna say? "Put yourself out there, Daria. Take a risk. Be visible."
I stare out the window at the snow-covered pines blurring past. Visibility. That's always been my problem—too much of thewrong kind (these curves can't hide in a crowd) and not enough of the right kind (boys looked right through me in high school; men do the same now).
The Evergreen Lakes Resort materializes through the trees like something from a postcard. Rustic timber beams, enormous windows glowing warm against the winter afternoon, mountain peaks rising behind it like sentinels. It's beautiful. Romantic, even.
Which makes me feel more alone.
I grab my duffel from the luggage pile and trudge toward the entrance, my boots crunching in the packed snow. Through the glass doors, I spot a cluster of women already laughing together by the stone fireplace, and my chest tightens. Of course, they've already bonded. Of course, I'm late to my own fresh start.
"Welcome!" A perky brunette with a clipboard intercepts me at check-in. "You must be Daria! I'm Kelly, your retreat coordinator. We're so excited you're here."
"Thanks." I shift my duffel to my other shoulder. "Sorry I'm late—"
"Oh, you're right on time! We don't start orientation for another hour. Let me get you checked in and show you to your suite."
Suite. Right. Because I'm sharing with three strangers who are probably all a size two and have never experienced the unique joy of chub rub.
Kelly hands me a folder bulging with schedules and activity options. "You're in the Aspen Suite with Madison, Claire, and Joelle. They arrived about an hour ago—super sweet girls, you'll love them."
I nod as if I believe her.
The suite is gorgeous with exposed beams, a fireplace, and mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Three of the four beds already have suitcases on them, personal itemsscattered across nightstands. I take the remaining bed by the window and sit on the edge, exhausted.
What am I doing here?
My phone buzzes.
Shayna:You there yet? Send pics! And DON'T chicken out.
Me:Made it. It's beautiful. Terrifying, but beautiful.
Shayna:You've got this, D. Remember, relax and make this trip all about you! Meet a man and have some naughty fun. You’re a catch. Hugs.
I stare at her message, wanting to believe it. Twenty-three years of evidence suggests otherwise, but maybe that's the point of coming here. New place, new people, a new Daria who doesn't assume she's invisible.
The door bursts open, and three women tumble in, laughing and pink-cheeked from the cold.
"Oh my God, the hot tub is amazing—" The tallest one stops when she sees me. "Hi! You must be Daria!"
"That's me." I stand, tugging my sweater down over my hips.
"I'm Madison." She's stunning—willowy, blonde, effortlessly pretty. "These are Claire and Joelle."
Claire waves, dark pixie cut framing delicate features. Joelle grins, curvy like me but carrying it with confidence I've never managed.
