The next morning, I woke up to the elevator noise.
I opened my phone. The group had already planned the day.
Finn, [Miami Beach today. Meet in the lobby at nine.]
I finished washing up and went downstairs at exactly 8,55.
The four of them were on the lobby couches.
Olivia held an iced Americano.
Nathan’s face darkened when he saw me come from the regular elevator.
“Where’d you go last night? Didn’t answer your phone.”
I walked up to them. Calm.
“Phone died. Grabbed something to eat and slept.”
Lucas sneered.
“You’re sure relaxed. We waited in the booth forever.”
“Olivia’s stomach hurt and she didn’t dare eat.”
I looked at Olivia’s flushed face.
“Oh. Sorry about that.”
No explanation. No guilt. Not even a spare greeting.
It clearly threw them off.
Nathan frowned, about to snap. Finn stood.
“Enough. Let’s not fight on vacation. Car’s here. Let’s go.”
—On the ferry to Miami Beach, it was packed.
Olivia was afraid of the sun.
Nathan and Finn flanked her, shielding her with their bodies from the crowd.
Lucas cut a path ahead.
I fell to the back. Swept away by tour groups. Drifted further from them.
By the time I got off on the island, the four of them had vanished into the crowd.
My phone buzzed.
Lucas sent a voice message in the five-person group.
“Chloe. Since you guessed wrong at dinner last night, let’s play something fun today.”
“Second guessing test. We’re waiting at your favorite spot on the island.”
“See if you can find us before dark.”
Olivia sent a cute sticker.
[Go Chloe! If you can’t find us, we won’t bring you back~]
I looked at the screen. Almost laughed.
My favorite spot?
Did they even know what I liked?
When Nathan and I first got together, I mentioned South Pointe Park in Miami Beach.
Later, we came to Florida with the five of us.
But Olivia wanted a viral smoothie place.
They stopped caring where I wanted to go.
I put my phone away. Followed the signs. Walked straight toward South Pointe Park.
The island sun was good. Boats docked at the marina.
I watched the boats alone. Mailed myself a postcard at the post office.
No arguments. No accommodating.
No tiptoeing to match their pace.
This was the most relaxed afternoon I’d had in years.
—
At four p.m., the group lit up again.
Nathan posted a photo.
Olivia, wearing a sparkling pearl bracelet.
A seaside café in the background.
Lucas, [Chloe, your brain’s beyond saving.]
[We’ve had three coffees here and you’re still not here.]
Finn, [Lost? Want me to come get you?]
Nathan, [Don’t. She’s just being dramatic. Wants attention.]
[When she can’t walk anymore, she’ll call for help.]
I sat on a bench by the water. Watched the ferry in the distance.
Two words on the screen. Sent.
[No need.]
The group went quiet for a few seconds.
Then Nathan’s private message popped up.
[Chloe, what are you even doing?]
[I bought Olivia a bracelet. Is that worth your passive aggression?]
I didn’t reply. Put the phone on silent.
Their guessing game. I wasn’t playing anymore.