Page 41 of Love, Take Two

Emory leans down to kiss me goodbye, soft and lingering despite our very public location. "See you tonight," he murmurs against my lips.

"See you tonight," I agree, watching him walk toward the boat with obvious reluctance.

The spa at Paradise Cove is absolutely stunning , an open-air pavilion with flowing white curtains, treatment rooms overlooking the ocean, and the kind of serene atmosphere that immediately makes stress melt away. Maya appears at my side as we're checked in by staff members who move with the efficiency of serious luxury hospitality.

"No phones policy," one of the spa coordinators explains as we're guided to lockers. "Complete digital detox for optimal relaxation experience."

"Digital detox," I repeat with mixed feelings. Part of me is relieved to disconnect, but another part already misses the option of texting Emory.

"It'll be good for you," Maya says, surrendering her phone with obvious reluctance. "When's the last time you went twelve hours without checking notifications?"

"I honestly can't remember," I admit, following her toward the relaxation lounge where the bridesmaids are already settling in with cucumber water and soft robes.

The first few hours pass in a blur of luxury treatments, a detoxifying body wrap that leaves my skin glowing, a massage that works out tension I didn't know I was carrying, and a facial that makes me look like I've been sleeping for weeks instead of staying up late with Emory.

During a break between treatments, I find myself on the relaxation deck with Erika, both of us sipping herbal tea and looking out at the ocean where we can just barely see the fishing boat in the distance.

"How are you feeling about everything?" Erika settles into the chair beside mine with genuine curiosity.

"About what?" I ask, though I suspect she's referring to the chemistry between Emory and me.

"About being here, watching me marry Jared." She speaks with characteristic directness. "I know this situation could be weird."

"It's not weird at all," I say honestly, meaning it completely. "You and Jared are perfect for each other. Anyone can see that."

"And you and Emory?" She smiles like she's drawn her own conclusions.

"We're figuring it out." I can't keep the happiness out of my voice. "But yeah, there's something there."

"Something," Erika repeats with obvious amusement. "Vada, you two look at each other like you're the only two people on earth. That's not 'something,' that's everything."

"You think?" I ask, genuinely curious about her outside perspective.

"I think we all made the right choices," Erika says with contentment that radiates from her. "Jared and I work because we want the same things; stability, partnership, building something steady together. You and Emory have this electric connection that's impossible to fake."

"Electric connection," I test how the phrase feels.

"The way you move together, how naturally you coordinate, the obvious chemistry; it's what everyone hopes to find but most people never do," Erika continues with growing enthusiasm. "I'm excited to see where this goes for you both."

Before I can respond, one of the bridesmaids appears to let us know our next treatments are ready, and Erika gets pulled away by her maid of honor for some bride-specific pampering.

The afternoon continues with more luxury treatments – hair styling that transforms my waves into something red-carpet worthy, makeup that enhances rather than masks, and a manicure that makes my hands look elegant. By the time we're finished, I feel like a different version of myself.

"Holy shit, Vada," Maya says when she sees the final result. "You look absolutely stunning."

"Do I?" I ask, checking my reflection in the spa's floor-to-ceiling mirrors. The woman looking back at me is polished and confident and beautiful in a way that feels both authentic and elevated.

"Emory's going to lose his mind when he sees you," Maya confirms with obvious satisfaction at the transformation.

As we're gathering our things and preparing to head back to the resort for dinner preparations, I catch sight of the fishing boat returning to the marina through the spa's panoramic windows. From this distance, I can make out individual figures on the deck, and my pulse quickens with anticipation.

"There they are." Maya follows my gaze toward the boat. "Ready for your grand reunion?"

"More than ready." I watch the boat approach the dock and calculate how long until I can see Emory again.

"Good." Maya grins. "Because after today's transformation, tonight's going to be interesting."

As we walk back toward the resort, I think about Erika's words about electric connections and making the right choices. Six days ago, I thought I was here to prove I could handle my ex-boyfriend's wedding with mature grace. Now I'm walking back to meet someone who makes everything feel possible instead of complicated.

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