IVY
The second I stepped through the front door after my hike with Karson, the girls screamed with excitement.
“You’ve got an admirer, babe,” Sass exclaimed, brushing her cinnamon-colored hair off her shoulder. “I’d wager they’re from the guy you sang that duet with, hmm? Or are they from that guy who’s been asking you out forever?” She gestured toward a huge bouquet of twenty-four long-stemmed red roses.
I picked them up, inhaling the sweet floral scent, warmth blooming in my chest. Checking the card, I smiled as I read it aloud. “‘For the sweetest woman I’ve ever met.’”
“Aww, that’s so cute,” Olivia cried.
“Hey, where’s mine?” Suki grinned, glancing up at me through thick black bangs as she leaned in to smell the flowers.
“They’re stunning.” I held them closer. “And I think I know who sent them.”
“Yeah?” Curiosity flickered across Sass’s face. “Spill, babe. We want details.”
I slipped the roses into a vase while the girls ordered Thai food.
After the food arrived, we sat cross-legged on the living room floor, passing containers between us and laughing as I told them everything, including how I couldn’t seem to stop staring into those sky-blue eyes of his.
I recycled my container, picked up the heavy vase, and carried it to my room. I showered, then slipped into my pajamas. It’d been a long day, but I couldn’t stop thinking about seeing Karson again tomorrow.
IVY: Someone sent me the most beautiful roses. I wonder who they’re from??
As I pressed my nose against one of the buds, my phone buzzed.
KARSON: I guess you have a secret admirer… Glad you like them. Sweet dreams Ivy.
I sank back onto the bed, my head hitting the pillow, replaying the day, a grin still on my face.
Everything was awash in a sky-blue haze when I eventually fell asleep.
***
I leaned over the blender after my morning yoga session with Sass and Olivia, adding another spoonful of protein powder to our smoothies.
After tossing in raspberries, mango, banana, oat milk, I hit the button, waited for the mixture to smooth out, then poured it into three large glasses.
“So where are you taking this Karson hottie today, Ivy?” Sass asked cheekily, sipping her smoothie.
“We’re going to Water World. I want to see him without a shirt.” I waggled my eyebrows and handed Olivia her smoothie before taking a sip of my own.
“Smart. Plus, you can hypnotize him with that gold bikini again.” Olivia tapped the side of her forehead like she’d just cracked the code.
“Actually, I’m wearing my orange bikini today, so that plan will never work, babe.” We giggled. “But seriously, I just want to have a bit of fun with him before he leaves tomorrow.” I loaded my empty glass into the dishwasher.
“He’s probably fallen hard already. Am I right or am I right?” Sass laughed.
“She’s right.” Olivia nodded. “We all saw you on the stage together. The poor guy doesn’t stand a chance.”
Part of me hoped they were right…
I didn’t want today to be the end of our story. It felt like it’d just begun.
I changed into my bikini, denim shorts, a black singlet, then grabbed my bag and jumped into the car, typing out a quick message.
IVY: I’ve got a surprise for you today! Bring swim gear. Ivy x
I started up my faithful old car and pulled onto the road, heading toward the resort.
