Our luggage was taken from us upon entering the lobby.
“We will take it up to your room ladies.” The receptionist said as we walked over to her to get checked in, “Please let us know if there’s anything else you need. Our VIP’s always have access to the spa, which is only a few steps away from your lobby on the third floor. Enjoy!” She handed us each a bracelet we had to wear to get through doors and to our rooms.
We walked towards the elevators as we heard more people come in. When JJ talked to the receptionist on the phone, she said it was their slower season, which we loved because we didn’t want to go to a crowded place with people when we wanted to relax. As realtors, we were around people constantly, this was a much-needed break, but now I wasn’t so sure.
“Hang on.” JJ paused and looked back at the lobby, the group that was now checking in was about ten people, “Shit.” JJ looked back at us concerned, “I think we should go to the bar.”
“Oh my gosh!” We all looked surprised as Brenda appeared out of the crowd and walked towards us.
Our faces probably looked the same in that moment. What the actual fuck? Our trip was just supposed to be us three. I should’ve known it was all too good to be true. Since the day we had booked it, everything had gone smoothly from ensuring my clients were taken care of while we were out of town to the trip to get to Colorado. Everything looked good before we left LA and getting here, until now.
“What are you guys doing here?” Savannah asked before I could.
Brenda tossed her wavy hair back and smiled, “We just decided to come last minute when you mentioned you were coming last week.” Oh shit, did they think it was an invitation?
JJ looked like she wanted to throat punch her. The last thing we needed was a fight over a misunderstanding. The reason we also booked the dates we did was because we knew it would be harder for them to get off work. We had more flexible schedules. How did this happen?
“Oh,’ I said to interrupt the awkwardness, “well you’re here now, so how about we go get a drink?” Smiling, I looked over at JJ and Savannah.
JJ rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything.
There were more people than I realized when I looked behind Brenda and noticed the familiar faces. Savannah’s hand tightened around my arm and my heart stopped for a minute.
No, no, no, what the actual fuck weretheydoing here? Dorian and Luz were talking to the receptionist. Right away, I noticed that they were having a heated conversation that they were trying to keep quiet. Did they see me?
I looked away, not wanting Brenda to notice my reaction to their presence. I had only seen them together from a distance at the store, and I always walked the other way. This was the closest I’ve been to them, and I didn’t want to be there.
“Let’s go.” JJ said to my left. The girls pulled me away.
“Wait up guys, everyone is getting checked in.” Brenda followed behind us as we made our way through the lobby to get to a bar on the first floor.
Shaking my head I turned to face her, “What the hell do you mean everyone?”
She stopped in her tracks and looked away, “Look, all I did was let the other girls know about this trip and they all wanted to come.”
Unbelievable.
“No they didn’t. You all said you were busy with work and other things.” JJ pointed out.
Savannah straightened up, crossing her arms, “Why the fuck would you do that? I knowyouare friends with everyone Brenda, but noteveryoneis friends with each other. You know that Luz is not close to us anymore, and she hasn’t even talked to Maya in a long time, so my question is, what would make you think this is ok? Inviting them is like a slap in the face.” She was right, I didn’t even care Brenda and the other girls showed up, fine whatever, but the other two? Not okay.
Brenda stepped back, looking at us with disappointment. “All I wanted was to have a vacation with my friends, I was thinking we could put this behind us because they have moved on Maya; they’re engaged now. What is this animosity towards each other accomplishing?” She glanced from Savannah to me and to JJ, “I got a little carried away, but I did want to surprise everyone. My intentions were good, and you know what, I’m not sorry.” She looked back at the group, “You all need to decide whether we’re friends or we’re not, but I’m not picking sides.” She looked at us seriously, and when we didn’t speak, she turned on her heel and left to join the group again.
We walked into the bar and ordered drinks. The place seemed so zen, but I couldn’t even be that happy about it because I was no longer in a calm relaxing mood. Of course, when has a trip ever gone to plan?
“I don’t even know what to say right now.” I told them as we waited for the three margaritas on the rocks we ordered.
Savannah nodded, “It’s beyond me why Brenda would think this is a good idea. Like what world have you been livin’ in girl? I cannot.” She voiced exactly what we were all thinking. “Plus, didn’t they just go on vacation like a few weeks ago? And why would they want to come knowing we’re here anyway?” All good questions that I was wondering myself.
We could hear more people walking into the bar, but I didn’t care to turn around and see who all it was. I knew that there was no avoiding the fact that we would run into Luz and Dorian, but if I could prolong it, I had to try. No way was I ready to see them together face to face.
The server sat our drinks in front of us and moved on to take more orders since it was getting busy. “We can’t let this ruin our weekend, ok? So, cheers!” JJ raised her glass up, “to fun times because we’re going to make the best of this no matter what.”
We couldn’t argue with that, “Cheers.”
Three drinks later and I was ready to go to my room and get in the shower. I was tipsy for sure. We hadn’t had food on the plane, and then we drank so I was definitely feeling it. A nice shower and then food would also help.
The place was busier now and we dodged and ducked our way out of the bar to the elevators. Savannah and JJ didn’t want to talk to anyone else any more than I did. My friends had their own fair share of boy drama, so this trip was supposed to be drama free.