Chapter One

“Well, is that a yes or a no? Please say you’ll go!” Faith Stockton sits on the edge of her seat, her left foot repeatedly bouncing against the floor as she anxiously waits for me to respond.

I’d love to go on a cruise. Who wouldn’t, right?

But…

Work’s been nothing shy of crazy, the weather’s been depressing as hell, and I’ve been in a huge funk as the realization has finally sank in—I’m going to be spending the holidays alone. “I don’t know, Faith. I’ve got—”

“A million excuses and none of them are valid, Lil. You need this time away.”

Apparently my best friend knows me better than I know myself.

Folding my hands together, I bring them underneath my chin and sigh. It won’t be the same without Liam, but alas, I will survive. No more fooling around on the plush corduroy chaise longue in front of the fireplace at my parents’ house; no more roaming hands underneath the super-soft, fleece blanket. I grin, thinking about the pillow he’d quickly snatched to cover my face. It had only taken a few flicks of his fingers inside my panties for the soft cries to escape my mouth.

“Lil?” Faith raises her voice to get my attention. “Earth to Lil.”

“Huh?” I look away, embarrassed that she’s caught me reminiscing. Liam always knew the right spot.

“Well, I’m waiting? Can I let my travel girl know? Are you in?”

“Can we not wait until the Spring? It’ll be warmer and I’ll have a better chance of finding a swimsuit that fits.” Although I’m super proud to have lost two jean sizes, I’m so close to hitting my first goal.

Faith shakes her head. “Unfortunately, this is the only week we can get in on the deal. The price more than doubles the week after. She has it all set up for us. Manis, pedis. We can get facials, a massage. We can even add the hot stones if you’d like.”

“Faith, it really does sound amazing—”

“If you’re worried about a swimsuit, we can head down to the mall.”

“You can’t buy bathing suits this time of the year!” I say a little too loudly.

“What about online?” she suggests. “I bet that website you love to order clothes from still has some available.”

“And pay a ridiculous amount to have it priority shipped? No, ma’am, I don’t think so. What happens if it doesn’t fit? Then I’m out all of that money.”

“Can you just wear the one from this past summer?”

I run my hands along my lower abdomen, proud that the waistband of my jeggings hasn’t rolled over my belt. “I mean, I could—” But I’d really feel better wearing a new one. One that will embrace my curves and give my ‘girls’ the attention they deserve.

“I’m making the decision for you, okay? I’m going to call right now.” Faith squeals and hops up from the table. “I’ll be right back.”

I should’ve known there was no way I was getting out of this. When Faith sets her mind to something, there’s no talking her out of it.

While I wait for her to return, I pull out my phone, noting all the things on my calendar I’ll need to reschedule. Two meetings on Monday, dinner with a potentially new client on Tuesday, my dad’s doctor appointment on Wednesday, and then there’s my own consultation with the gynecologist on Thursday. I haven’t had sex in so long, I’m questioning whether I should keep taking The Pill or not.

I rub my temples, my head hurting just thinking about it. If Liam and I were still together, I wouldn’t even consider it, but we’re not. As much as I hate to admit it, this last year was nothing more than wasted time. A Caribbean getaway might be the very thing I need to put it all behind me.

Finally, Faith returns to the table, giddy with excitement. “We’re all set. We leave on Sunday!”