Chapter Five
Poppy
T he drive from Nice to Monaco is extraordinary - in the best way possible.
The road twists along the cliffs, revealing breathtaking views of the Mediterranean below, and the towns we pass look like they’ve been pulled straight from a vintage postcard. Pastel-colored buildings cling to the rocks as if they grew there naturally, and every few miles, I spot yet another picturesque little café where I could easily waste hours pretending to be effortlessly chic.
I exhale, forcing myself to absorb it all.
New chapter. Fresh start. And no more Noah.
This is good. Perfect , even.
Everything is working out as it should.
* * *
The moment I step into the hotel lobby, I know I’m in a different world.
Everything is marble, the chandeliers look like they were personally commissioned by a nineteenth-century royal, and the air smells like money - probably because it’s filtered through a ventilation system that only lets in the scent of success.
Before I can really process the sheer ridiculousness of it all, I hear a shriek.
Scratch that - it’s more of a full-blown scream .
" Poppy !"
I barely have time to brace myself before I’m tackled by three very excited young women.
Emma, Jas, and Leah practically launch themselves at me in the middle of the lobby, wrapping me in a giggling, perfume-scented hug.
"You’re here !" Emma beams, shaking me by the shoulders like she’s making sure I’m real.
" Finally !" Leah adds. "I swear, this took way more convincing than it should have."
Jas smirks. "But we got you here in the end. And now, you’re officially free from the clutches of romance’s most unhinged ambassador."
I snort. "What can I say - knowing Noah, he’ll be composing a tragic breakup ballad as we speak."
Emma steps back, giving me a slow once-over.
"At least you look hot for someone who just broke up with a man who genuinely thought singing in public was a romantic gesture."
"Yeah - turns out heartbreak and exhaustion really bring out my cheekbones," I deadpan.
They howl with laughter, and for the first time in days - no, weeks - I feel light.
* * *
Upstairs, the suite is exactly what I expected given that it was booked by Emma’s father.
Outrageous .
The balcony overlooks the marina, where superyachts are lined up like it’s the most normal, natural thing in the world. The water is a criminally gorgeous shade of blue, and the buildings have that perfect old-world charm, all white stone and pale pink facades.
"This is insane ," I mutter, stepping out onto the balcony.
Leah flops onto one of the beds, sighing dramatically.
"I know. I feel like I should start a new life here. Maybe seduce a billionaire. Become someone’s mysterious second wife."
I arch a brow. "Second?"
She shrugs. "First wives have to deal with the prenup."
Emma cackles and throws herself onto the other bed.
"Okay, before we let Poppy fully descend into her independent-woman fashionista era, we need to discuss the itinerary."
Her eyes practically glint with mischief as she points a perfectly manicured nail in my direction.
She pauses for dramatic effect as she locks eyes with me in mock-seriousness.
"And remember: this is a dictatorship, Poppy. Not a democracy. You will comply."
Jas nods solemnly as she moves to sit down besides Leah.
"We’ve painstakingly curated two week’s worth of fun, luxury, and at least one bad decision."
"Preferably more than one," Leah adds.
I cross my arms over my chest and sigh .
"And what if I just want to lounge in the hotel, sketch, and sip overpriced cocktails in peace?"
"Oh, Poppy . Sweet, na?ve, hermit Poppy,” Emma smiles. “This is Monaco . There is no ‘lounging’ unless you’re recovering from a hangover or counting your diamond collection."
Jas leans forward. "You’re single now, babe. That means you are legally required to say yes to everything reckless and ridiculous."
"Convenient," I mutter.
"Right. Tomorrow - beach club,” Leah grins, unlocking her phone. “We’ve already reserved the loungers, and you will be wearing something that is both tiny and fabulous."
"Thursday is casino night,” Jas cuts in. “And, before you ask, no, we are not letting you sit in a corner sketching gowns while sipping a mocktail."
I gasp dramatically. " Betrayal ."
Leah waves me off. "Oh, please - we love you. That’s why we’re forcing you to have a life."
"We still have to figure out when we’re going to squeeze in dinner at that insane place Hannah recommended. Truffle pasta, cocktails served in actual golden chalices, and waiters who look like they walked straight off a Prada runway,” Emma beams. “It sounds like heaven ."
"And, of course, that takes us to the main event,” Leah smirks.
“Yes! The Grand Prix!" Emma squeals, clapping her hands. “Next weekend, but it can’t come quick enough.”
I groan. "This sounds like a lot. Do I really need to -”
" Yes !" they all yell in unison, making me wince.
"Okay,” Emma starts. “So obviously, at the time we booked, you weren’t coming because you were playing devoted girlfriend -"
"- before you realised you were dating a discount Shakespeare," Leah adds.
"Thank you for that reminder," I grumble.
" Anyway ," Emma continues, "so we already have our tickets. But don’t worry - Leah thinks she can get you one."
I blink over towards my friend.
"You personally?" I ask.
Leah tosses her dark hair over her shoulder. "I have my ways."
I narrow my eyes at her.
"Elaborate."
"Let’s just say… I met a guy,” she grins.
I sigh. "You flirted, didn’t you?"
"Correct. And now, you’ll have a ticket. You’re welcome."
I hesitate.
"But I don’t even know anything about it!”
Emma scoffs. "You don’t need to know anything about it, Poppy. You just need to like hot men, champagne, and the fact that you’re in freaking Monaco ."
“I’m not so sure it’s that simple,” I frown.
"Well, if nothing else, think of the fashion. The outfits. The couture ,” Jas smirks. “The potential inspiration."
I exhale, a small smile tugs at my lips.
She knows how to convince me.
Besides, this is supposed to be my fresh start. I’m young, I’m single, and I’m in Monaco, for crying out loud - I can’t just sit in the hotel and sketch outfits all day.
"Fine," I say, exhaling. "I’ll go."
The room erupts into cheers, and Leah claps her hands together excitedly.
" Yes ! And so Poppy’s wild era begins."
"I wouldn't call going to the F1 being in my wild era ,” I laugh.
"It’s a gateway to wild,” she says. “This is just step one."
I shake my head, but I’m smiling as Emma kicks her legs out from under the covers.
"Perfect! Now that that’s settled - cocktails on the balcony?"
I follow them outside, laughing along as the warm breeze ruffles my hair, and it’s then that I feel it again.
That little spark of excitement.
Maybe they’re right after all. Maybe this is the start of something new.
I turn and glance at my suitcase, where my sketchbooks are tucked safely inside. I brought them just in case inspiration struck.
But maybe I don’t just need inspiration.
Maybe I need an adventure.