Page 36 of Love, Take Two

She's probably right, but the vulnerability of being someone's long-held dream feels both thrilling and terrifying.

"Plus," Maya continues, moving on to eye makeup with artistic precision, "did you see those analytics you were showing me earlier? Your joint content is performing crazy well."

"The numbers are incredible," I agree, thinking about the possibilities that have been emerging all week. "We could actually build something real together."

"Could work?" Maya repeats with mock offense. "Vada, you two are sitting on a goldmine. People can't get enough of watching you be happy together."

Before I can respond, there's a familiar knock on my terrace door. Through the glass, I can see Emory holding what appears to be a bottle of wine and looking slightly windblown from the ocean breeze.

"Speaking of your business partner," Maya says with a knowing smile, "should I make myself scarce while you two work on your... evening plans?"

"Maya," I warn, though I'm already moving toward the door to let Emory in.

"What? I'm just saying, the way you light up when you see him is very... telling," she continues with her trademark innuendo.

"Ignore her," I tell Emory as I open the door, accepting the wine he offers. "Maya's been providing commentary about how obvious we are."

"Obvious how?" Emory asks, immediately stepping closer and sliding his arm around my waist like it's the most natural thing in the world.

"Like that," Maya points out with obvious delight. "You two can't be in the same room for thirty seconds without gravitating toward each other."

Before we can settle into whatever evening plans we might have had, my phone buzzes with an incoming call from Erika. I answer it immediately, knowing she's probably coordinating final details for tomorrow's activities.

"Vada!" Erika's voice comes through with characteristic organization and excitement. "I'm doing final headcount for tomorrow's bachelor and bachelorette activities. Are you free to go over the schedule?"

"Of course," I say, putting her on speaker so Maya and Emory can hear. "What's the plan?"

"Okay, so the guys are taking the resort's sport fishing boat for deep sea fishing and yacht club lunch," Erika explains, and I can hear rustling papers as she consults her detailed planning notes. "Traditional bachelor party activities, very civilized, nothing crazy."

"Define nothing crazy," Emory says with the wariness of someone who's learned to be cautious about bachelor party promises.

"Legitimate fishing, excellent food, maybe some competitive storytelling," Erika laughs. "Jared specifically requested no chaos, so you're safe from any surprise activities."

"What about us?" Maya asks with obvious curiosity about the bachelorette agenda.

"Luxury spa treatments, champagne brunch, professional photography session," Erika lists with obvious satisfaction in her planning. "Private chef, wine tasting, maybe some beach time if the weather cooperates. Very sophisticated, very relaxing."

"That sounds perfect," I say with genuine enthusiasm. "Much more civilized than whatever bachelor party stories we'll probably hear later."

"Hey, we can be civilized," Emory protests with mock offense. "Some of us are very sophisticated fishermen."

"Sure you are," Maya says with obvious skepticism. "Just try not to fall overboard or create any international incidents."

"No promises about the international incidents," Emory says with a grin that suggests he's looking forward to whatever male bonding activities tomorrow will bring.

"Speaking of tonight," Erika continues, "meet at the Crown Restaurant at seven. Dress code is elegant tropical swimwear, and we're doing some toasts to celebrate the week and will cap off with a little sightseeing excursion. Nothing too elaborate, just good food and good company."

“Why do we need swimwear?” Emory questions.

“Because we are in an ocean paradise and you never know when the sea will call you in.” Erika quips. “But trust me, you want your suit.”

"Sounds perfect," I say, checking the time and realizing we have about an hour to get ready. "We'll see you there."

After Erika ends the call, the three of us settle into comfortable conversation about tonight's ‘whatever Erika has planned’ celebration and tomorrow’s fun.

"First time apart since youreconnected," Maya observes with obvious interest. "How are you feeling about a whole day of separation?"

"We're not that attached," I protest, though privately I'm already calculating how many hours until we're reunited tomorrow evening.

---