It’s only been a few months since I married into this circle—but already, it’s home.
Laurelyn slides the margarita toward me. “All right, newlywed—spill. How’s married life?”
Addison grins, already sipping. “And how are you adjusting to life Down Under? Any culture shock? Regret? Homesick meltdowns?”
Chloe lifts her glass and smirks. “Look at her. She’s glowing. This is not a woman who’s suffering.”
I take a slow sip, salt and citrus brushing the rim. “Not to be dramatic, but my life still catches me off guard in the best way. I’m happy. Deep-in-my-bones, didn’t-know-it-could-be-like-this happy. I didn’t realize life could be this easy or this right.”
Laurelyn nods. “It was the same for me, so I get it.”
“I’m not saying it’s effortless—but for the first time, I’m not working against the current.”
I think of my childhood. Of too-loud family members and too-little peace. Of trailer park summers, whispered judgments, and the constant sense I didn’t quite belong in the space I was born into.
Then I think of Charleston, of the years that weren’t all bad but were… incomplete. I didn’t know how much more life could offer until I stepped into this one. Until Alex. Until waking up wrapped in his arms, building a future I believe in, working a job at Sebring Hotels that lights me up, and finding friendships that are stitched together with purpose and love.
This isn’t a new chapter. It’s a whole new book.
Laurelyn tips her margarita in Violet’s direction. “All right, Violet. You’ve been quiet. Give us your first impressions of Australia and of being with Elias.”
Addison leans in, eyes sparkling. “Yes, especially Elias. We want details.”
Violet doesn’t miss a beat. “Australia is gorgeous. The men are beautiful. The coffee is suspiciously good. But Elias?”
She draws out the pause long enough to make us lean in. “Entirely too good-looking for my emotional safety,” she says, reaching for a margarita because she’s going to need alcohol to get through the rest of this confession. “Umm… it’s actually rude how symmetrical his face is. And don’t even get me started on his body.”
The girls laugh, and Violet presses a hand to her heart, mock serious. “And he’s nice. Help-you-with-your-bags, ask-about-your-day, remembers-how-you-take-your-coffee nice. The kind of thoughtful that makes you suspicious, because no man that hot should also have emotional intelligence.”
Addison lifts a brow. “You sound surprised.”
“I am surprised. The man opens doors and listens. It’s unnerving.”
Addison grins. “You poor thing. Sounds like you’re dangerously close to being cherished.”
Violet points at her, mock scandalized. “Exactly! And I didn’t come here emotionally prepared to be adored by a man who can turn my body into a puddle of obedient goo with just his hands and eye contact in the bedroom that says, ‘you’ll do exactly as I say.’ And the worst part? I do it. Happily.”
Oh boy. Things are heating up between Violet and Elias.
Addison lets out a whoop and clinks her glass to Violet’s. “Oh, I really like this one.”
Laurelyn laughs. “Are you catching feelings for Elias?”
“I think the feelings are catching me. Like a trap. A very tall, charming, dominating Australian-Samoan trap.”
Addison snorts. “Sounds like you’re being treated with basic decency.”
“I am!” Violet points at her. “And it’s disarming as hell.”
Laurelyn laughs. “So… you’re saying you like him?”
Violet sighs, dramatic but soft around the edges. “Yes, against all my better judgment and long-standing commitment to keeping things complicated. It’s deeply inconvenient.”
Addison snorts into her drink. “Oh no. You’re done for.”
“Tell me about it,” Violet groans. “One more Saturday morning in his hoodie and I’m going to start picturing us in matching Christmas pajamas with our dog named Waffles.”
Laurelyn grins. “You sure you’re not already there?”
