Page 34 of Love, Take Two

"Thank God," Stella says with obvious relief. "Because watching my brother pine for someone for eight years while dating other people was getting depressing."

"I wasn't pining," I start, but both women give me looks that suggest this argument is not going to be successful.

"Vada," Stella says, "tell me you're considering keeping him. Because he's been a mess without you, even though he's too stubborn to admit it."

"I'm definitely considering keeping him," Vada says with a laugh that makes my chest warm.

"Stella," I try to interrupt, but she's clearly just getting started.

"Excellent," Stella says with satisfaction. "Because Tom and I were starting to plan an intervention about his dating life, and this is much better than having to sit him down to create a dating app profile."

"Tom's your husband?" Vada asks, clearly trying to keep up with my family dynamics.

"Husband and co-conspirator in worrying about Emory's love life," Stella confirms. "Though honestly, we stopped worrying the minute we saw his social media this week. You can't fake the way he looks at you in those photos."

"How does he look at me?" Vada asks with curiosity that suggests she genuinely wants to know.

"Like you're the most fascinating person he's ever met and he can't believe he gets to touch you," Stella says with the bluntness that's her trademark. "Also like he wants to show you the entire world and protect you from everything, simultaneously."

"That's... actually accurate," I admit, which makes both women laugh.

"So what's the plan?" Stella asks with the practical energy of someone who wants concrete information. "I hope this isn't just vacation romance if you're introducing her to family."

"We're figuring stuff out," I say carefully. "Basically, they were thinking about the hurdles of location, balancing work and life, and creating something that lasts instead of just getting swept away by this romantic setting."

"Smart," Stella says with obvious approval. "Seriously, you guys click! Watching you two work and even just the photos, it's clear there's way more than just physical attraction happening. You operate like a team that's been at it forever."

"It's definitely not just physical attraction," Vada agrees, though her cheeks pink slightly. "Though that part is... also very good."

"TMI!" I say quickly, while Stella laughs with obvious delight.

"I like her," Stella announces unnecessarily. "She's exactly what you need, someone who encourages your dreams while calling you on your bullshit."

"I haven't called him on any bullshit yet," Vada points out.

"Give it time," Stella says with confidence. "Trust me, he needs someone who won't let him overthink himself out of good opportunities."

"Speaking of opportunities," I say, trying to steer the conversation away from my psychological analysis, "Vada and I are discussing business collaboration. Combining travel content with event planning for destination celebration experiences."

"I think you two could make anything work," Stella says with complete confidence. "Honestly, it all boils down to are you willing to give building something together a real shot, or just doing your own thing in separate places?”

"We're working on it," I say, looking at Vada with the certainty that's been growing stronger every day we're together.

"Good," Stella says with satisfaction. "Because life's too short to waste second chances, especially when it's this obvious you're meant to be together."

Before either of us can respond to that declaration, voices carry from Vada's suite through our shared wall—Maya's distinctive laugh followed by what sounds like multiple women talking at once.

"That's my cue," Vada says with obvious reluctance. "Maya and some of the other women are planning pre-bachelor party activities, and I should probably join them before they come looking for me."

"Of course. I forgot about that."

"Stella," Vada says, turning back to the camera with genuine warmth, "it was so wonderful meeting you."

"Thank you for being brave enough to give him another chance," Stella replies with sisterly sincerity. "And Vada? He's worth the geographic complications. Trust me on that."

After Vada disappears into her suite through our connecting door, Stella fixes me with the expression of someone who has important things to say.

"Emory," she starts with unusual seriousness, "I need you to listen to me carefully."

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