PROLOGUE
DANI
Ugh,Monday.
“Premier Travel. This is Daniela speaking. How may I help you?”
It was the first call of the day. Shimmering sunlight pierced the window as Dani began helping a couple plan their dream honeymoon. That bright light was pretty but painful, thanks to one too many glasses of wine at her dinner date the night before.
Fortunately, it was a simple trip to arrange. The couple wanted a flight-and-honeymoon package to a luxury resort in Bali. Dani, per her training, forced herself to be pleasant and enthusiastic while she completed the booking to accommodate their list of must-haves. At least it took her mind off the list of must-haves her date had rattled off. And he hadn’t even been drunk at that point.
Her coworker and bestie rushed in as their manager called out, “Late again, Jade.”
“Sorry, sorry.” Jade waved at her as she placed her cup of coffee on the desk next to Dani’s and dropped into her swivel chair with a huff. “Has it been busy?”
“Not really.” Dani yawned. “One call. Honeymoon in Bali. They’re going to a naked-all-day place.”
Jade sighed. “Mmm, sex on the beach. I’d love that.”
“Ooh, yes.” Dani batted her lashes, pouting and shaking her boobs. “Ooh, baby, a jellyfish stung me on my little kitty. Can you rinse it in a golden shower to help make it all better?”
“Girl, stop,” Jade exclaimed softly and laughed. “It’s too early. So…how was last night? With dude?”
Dani sipped her hot coffee. “Somehow, even more awful than the one before. He kept saying, ‘you females’ and explaining how we need to level up.”
“Ew, one of those?”
“Yeah. I got a good bottle of wine out of it, but now my head is killing me. Strike fifty for you.”
“Okay, okay.” Jade turned on her computer. “We need to go to DEFCON 1. Year Zero isn’t over yet—”
“Nope. No, Jade. It’s done.”
“It’snotdone. We have two weeks left till your birthday. You’re going online,” Jade whispered vehemently.
“I said no apps and I meant it.” Dani looked out the window, at the people rushing to and fro to get to work or to school, same as every day.
Is that what I look like? she wondered. So busy doing, but nothing happening of any significance?
“You put me in charge of finding you a husband, so that’s what I’m gonna do. I’m signing you up today, Dani. To-day.”
“Go for it,” Dani drawled with a thumbs-up.
There was no use arguing with Jade again. Her Year Zero plan to finally find a husband was done. There was a new, secret plan in the works. A Plan B.
Their manager returned from the break room, while the other two agents arrived, apologizing profusely. Jade dropped the dating app threats, leaving Dani free to slip into her own head, with her eyes fixed on the poster on the opposite wall. The caption read “The Amalfi Coast,” displaying the colorful cliffside town of Positano, leading down to a beautiful beach. The sky was an outrageous blue, as if it had been kissed by the sea and borrowed its color.
Lost in the imagined scent of saltwater and the taste of lemon liqueur, Dani almost missed the incoming call from her cell on the desk. When she saw the caller ID, her heart quickened its pace.
This was it. Plan B. Her true destiny calling.
“Hello?” Dani asked quietly.
“Miss Martina?” the male voice said.
“This is she.” She held her breath, waiting.
“I’m calling from the Head Office regarding your transfer request. If you have time now, would you like to discuss your options with me?”
