Chapter 2 Faith
TWO
FAITH
“Now for the fun stuff, ladies. We leave for Aruba, the One Happy Island, on Saturday.” Addison practically jumps out of her seat as the rest of us cheer.
I can't wait for this vacation. We might have to wake up early and deal with a layover but arriving in paradise will make it all worthwhile. Our annual girls’ trip has become a tradition for the four of us. The only requirements are warm weather and an all-inclusive resort.
“Kendall, have you called the resort to let them know we want the wedding tour?” Addison asks.
“Girl, you know I was on that like white on rice weeks ago. Once we booked, I called. Actually, I’ve talked with the wedding planner a few times. Destination wedding, here I come.”
“You are one of a kind. I can’t wait to tour the resort and see what’s possible for your wedding. We are going to have so much fun!” Addison beams at her.
“Yes, lots of fun, relaxation, and a perfect time to get some vitamin D while away from all this cold, dark weather we suffer through during the winter. Man, I hate being so cold.” I fake shiver and run my hands up and down my arms to warm up.
This is a trip I look forward to every year. It’s a whole week away from work and life. When I can escape life, even for a little bit, I take full advantage of it. My mental health thanks me.
“Yeah, I’m so ready for some vitamin D…tonight,” Kendall says. She tips her head back and belly laughs. We all shake our heads and laugh along with her. Whenever there’s a time to joke around, she takes full advantage of it.
Dinner comes out, and we enjoy our meals and wine. We chat about the trip, what we’re most excited for, and the outfits we’ve planned.
“Did everyone book their excursions?” Addison asks.
Everyone nods in unison.
I booked two excursions. One is an ATV tour on the North side of the island with the girls, and the other is a snorkeling trip that I'll enjoy solo.
The girls aren't interested in snorkeling, but I'm thrilled and eager to go. I usually don’t get a whole lot of alone time on these trips, so snorkeling by myself sounds like the perfect opportunity to relax and be with my own thoughts.
The waiter places all the desserts and coffees on the table then slips the check to us. “Enjoy. Here’s the check, but no rush ladies.”
Flourless chocolate cake is my favorite dessert. A low moan escapes my lips as I slide the bite off my fork. We enjoy our dessert and decaf coffee—otherwise we’ll be up all night—and count down the hours until we leave.
My friends drop me off in the driveway and Kendall says, “I’ll keep you posted once I talk to Dane about that date.”
“I thought you forgot, but maybe that was wishful thinking. Don’t you have enough on your plate with wedding planning to set me up with one of your fiancé’s friends?”
“You should know me better than that. I’m a multitasker and matchmaker extraordinaire.” Kendall flips her hair and gives me a wink.
With a sly grin, I say, “Well, we shall see. Dane might not go along with your plan.”
“Dane does anything I ask him to do. Nice try, girl.”
“Good night, ladies. See you bright and early Saturday morning,” I say, hoping to distract her from further matchmaking talk.
I shut the car door and give a big smile and an exaggerated wave.
The frigid air makes it difficult to breathe, so I tuck my face in my coat and run up the porch stairs.
The porch is my favorite spot during the summer.
I drink my coffee on the porch swing. It’s relaxing and peaceful.
Winter can be dreadfully cold, so sitting out on the porch is for the warmer weather. But I love it anyway.
The front door is inviting, and I punch in the code to unlock the door and step into my sanctuary.
I inhale the scent of my apple pie candle that lingered from earlier.
Home brings a calming sense of relief to my body.
In need of some water, I stroll to the kitchen.
It prompts me to set the coffee maker. Waking up to the smell of coffee in the morning brings a smile to my face.
After the coffee is all set, I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and sit at the island as I look around.
When I first moved into this place, it had pine cabinets and laminate countertops.
The kitchen renovation left me with two-tone cabinets, white on the top and a deep blue on the bottom.
I also had the contractor add a waterfall countertop island.
When the sun is out during the winter months, the breakfast nook is bright and inviting.
I down the rest of my water and it’s jammie time.
I shuffle up the stairs to my bedroom and slip into my moon and stars flannel pajamas.
These are warm and cozy. I hug myself and rub my hands up and down my arms. I look around, searching for my slippers.
Once I find them, I pop them on—they feel like I’m walking on clouds.
As I glance over at the clock, I realize it’s not too late for a movie and my body begs for some couch time.
My slippers scuff along the stairs as I make my way to the living room.
The dark gray couch sits in the middle of the room with a direct view of my large screen TV.
I throw myself on it and nab the fluffy blanket that’s on the back of the couch.
It’s so soft—I can’t help but nuzzle my nose into it and smell the lavender scent from the dryer sheet.
I sink further into the couch, covering myself up.
The remote sits on the end table, and I can barely reach it.
Grabbing it, I turn on the TV and scroll to find my next movie.
The Holiday shows up on my recommended list. I’ve seen it many times, but I press play anyway.
Now that I’m snuggled up and warm, my eyes start to get heavy.
I doubt I’ll make it through the whole movie.
Within the hour, my eyes flutter closed and then open.
My king-sized bed with its pillow-top mattress is calling my name.
Ugh, I was almost asleep, but now my thoughts consume me as I toss and turn while lying in bed.
Most nights, I don’t think about sleeping alone but tonight is different.
It’s like time is standing still. I can’t help but think I’ll never find the love of my life.
My eyes are closed, but I feel the tears rolling down my cheek.
The chimes on my phone go off while it is charging on my nightstand. It’s pitch black in my bedroom, but the phone lights up the space. I grab it and take a look. It’s a text from Kendall. She wasted no time on this dating mission.
Kendall:
Hey Girl! Dane has a friend!
Faith:
Ok??
Kendall:
He works with him. He’s good looking, fit, enjoys going out to eat—he sounds just right for you! I gave Dane the ok to give your number to him. So…You’ll be hearing from him. Oh, his name is Kai ;)
Faith:
No pic?
Kendall:
If Dane says he’s good looking, then he’s good looking.
She is persistent, and I’ve definitely been sucked back into her matchmaking mission. With a long sigh, I close my eyes in hopes to find restful sleep tonight.
I wake to my blaring alarm. At first, I’m in such a deep sleep, I don’t even recognize the noise.
When I finally come to, I turn it off. With light peeking through the curtains, I crack my eyes open and stretch my arms overhead.
I’m not a morning person, but the smell of coffee tickles my nose.
I throw the covers off, slink out of bed, and trudge down the stairs to pour a cup of French vanilla coffee.
I’m in zombie mode until I have a few sips of coffee.
Popping up on the stool at the island, I sip my drink and go through my to-do list for the day.
I’m taking a half day so I can finish packing for our trip.
Tomorrow morning will come fast. With my phone in one hand and my cup of coffee in the other, I scroll social media.
The soft tone of an incoming text breaks the silence of the morning.
My heart is pounding in my chest with excitement.
Unknown number:
Good Morning Faith, this is Kai. Dane gave me your number. I hope that was ok with you?
It's surprising to receive this first thing in the morning. Is he too eager? Ugh, I’m already finding something wrong with him. I need to give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s probably sending it now before the day gets busy. That's what I would do.
Faith:
Good Morning. That’s not a problem at all.
Kai:
Are you free this weekend for dinner?
My mind goes into vacation mode. The bright blue ocean sparkles in the sun, the sand stretching out before me. The resort is a luxurious oasis, with palm trees and lounge chairs scattered around the beach.
Faith:
My girlfriends and I leave for our Aruba trip tomorrow. Maybe the following Sunday when I’m back?
Kai:
It’s a date! What’s your favorite kind of food?
Faith:
That is a tough one. I kind of have a thing for food. But…if I had to pick just one…I’d go with Italian. How about you?
Kai:
I’m not picky and love all kinds of food. I have the perfect place we can go.
Faith:
Well then, I’m officially intrigued.
Kai:
Since we have over a week before our date, you’ll be hearing from me.
Faith:
Then I look forward to it.
Kai:
I’ll make a reservation and text you the time. Have a good day, Faith. :)
He seems pretty laid back and I like that he actually asked me a question. I can’t wait to see what he has planned for us. The warmth in my body spreads thinking about our date. I haven’t had this kind of date in a while. It’s a refreshing feeling and a twinge of excitement comes out of me.
Faith:
That’s perfect. Thank you.
Kai:
It is!
This is different from what I’m used to. I’m the one who usually texts first and some guys it would be at least a day before they respond. Not Kai, though. He’s quick to respond, and he is winning points with me already.