I shook my head. That didn’t sound appealing to me in the least.
“They’ll slow down one day,” Reese said.
“I don’t know about that,” Chloe argued. “Those two have zero interest in anything serious.”
That part I could agree with. As much as I wasn’t interested in drinking, dancing, and hooking up my way through the week, I didn’t want anything serious either.
For the very first time in my life, I was on my own. No one else for me to watch over or worry about. I planned on enjoying that for a very long time. Plus, I wasn’t a big believer in lasting relationships. Sure, most of the guys on the team were happily married, and I really liked their wives, but I wasn’t afraid to face the truth. Half of them would end up divorced, bitter, and hating one another.
Love was a fleeting emotion. When the hard times came, and they always would, the facades washed away and you were left with the harsh truth that the only person you could rely on was yourself.
Romantic love and happily ever afters were as real as cupid and fairytales. I learned that lesson as a child, and I would never let myself forget.
“We’re here!” Emma cheered.
I looked out the window to the lush jungle-like foliage that opened up to reveal a sprawling resort.
The car stopped, and we unloaded, Chloe leading the charge. A marble fountain in the front flowed down the middle of the open reception area and down to a stream that wound its way through the grounds.
“Jones! Over here!” Mikey called. I picked up my bag and made my way to him. “We’ve got our room keys.” He handed cards to me and Lance. “We’re in two-fourteen.”
“Do we have any plans or a schedule?” Lance asked.
I shrugged. “I haven’t heard.”
He ducked back to where the rest of the couples stood and spoke to Erik and Reese before coming back. “They said there isn’t anything set until Friday night. They’ll send out texts if people are going to dinner and stuff, but we’re free to do whatever we want.”
“Nice.” Mikey held up his hand for a high five which Lance gave him. “Then let's go change.”
He was a man with a plan, and it was too soon to start fighting him on anything, so I followed them to our room. I had to pick and choose my battles this week. I didn’t want them getting mad that I was bailing on them until I was truly burnt out. Plus, it wasn’t like I had any plans. As long as I got a chance to relax, maybe in a hammock, I would be happy.
I soaked in the sun and felt the stress and burdens roll off my shoulders with each step. This was exactly what I needed. I expected a pang of guilt, but it never came. Mom was at peace, and she would be thrilled to see me here. I was stepping out of my comfort zone, putting myself out there. Trying new things and taking time for myself. Everything she’d asked me to do for the last six years.
I could picture her smiling in my mind, and it put my body at ease.
Mikey stepped up to our door and inserted his key. “Ten minutes to unpack and change.”
“Got it,” I said as we entered the shared living area. There were two couches and a TV, but none of that mattered because beyond it was a balcony with an uninterrupted view of the beach. “Wow.”
Turquoise blue water and sun-soaked sand lay just beyond their window.
“Make it five minutes,” Lance said before rushing to one of the three bedroom doors.
I claimed the one opposite him and tossed my bag on the queen-sized bed before opening it to pull out a pair of black board shorts. I tugged off my shirt and stepped into sandals, then went to the living room.
“Ready?” Mikey asked as Lance joined us a second later.
“Let’s go.” I didn’t want to be inside for another second, not when the beach was feet away and calling my name.
Perfect rows of beach chairs with bright blue towels waited for us. Mikey pulled off his shirt, and Lance tossed his hat on another one, claiming our spot. I took just enough time to step out of my shoes before turning and running into the water.
I felt like a kid as a wave crashed against my chest, and I dove under the next one. The water was warm, and the sand under my feet was so soft.
I came up for air and found Lance next to me. “Let’s move here.”
He laughed. “I think we can probably form a team here right? Ice hockey in Cancun just makes sense.”
I smirked and moved in deeper. Mikey met us and floated on his back, staring up at the sky. “We could live here for the summer. It’s not like we have to really be back until September.”
“That’s true.” Lance waggled his brows.
It wouldn’t take much for me to agree. I’d gladly become a beach bum for a month or two. I could learn to scuba dive or surf or sail.
“You guys don’t need to convince me. I’ve got nothing to get back to.” The words tumbled out of my mouth without thought, but they were painfully true. I was free of any responsibility. I should spend the off-season traveling or doing something I hadn’t done before. Learn to live again.
“Wouldn’t that be nice?” Mikey said with a sigh, eyes closed and still floating near us.
“Hey, guys!” I turned around to see Emma, Olli, Brandon, Nikolai, and Elena stepping into the water.
“Hey, where’s everyone else?” I asked when they got closer.
“Most of the girls went to meet the wedding planner and go over all the details,” Emma explained.
“You didn’t want to go?” I asked.
“Yes, but …” She waved her hand in front of us. “I couldn’t wait.”
Elena swam up next to us. “We volunteered to keep an eye on the guys and keep them in check.”
I laughed. “What a sacrifice.”
She winked. “It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.”
The rest of the guys dropped their stuff on the chairs and came into the water. Reese cheered as he sprinted past them and dove into an oncoming wave.
Elena shook her head. “See? We have to keep them safe.”
Nikolai came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her middle. She squealed and turned in his arms.
I glanced away when they kissed, and Emma caught my attention. “You know, this is where Lucy and Colin reconnected. You might be this year’s lucky one.”
I cringed. “My money’s on Lance.”
“He and Mikey aren’t ready to slow down.”
“But I am?” I asked.
She just smiled.
“I don’t think that’s going to happen. I’m taking baby steps to a normal life. I’m not looking for anything anytime soon.”
She raised her brows and stepped back. “Sure.”
I narrowed my eyes. She was acting strange. Secretive.
“Emma, come here! There’s fish!” Olli shouted, and she swam away without another word.
4
Dani
Maggie swung around the doorframe into my office, panting.
“What?” I scanned her, looking for an injury or explanation.
“They’re here.”
“Who?” I looked back down at my notebook, trying to find the caterer’s phone number for the rehearsal dinner tonight.