Page 72 of Love is a Game

“This one’s called the Drunken Alchemist, with cypress, juniper, gin botanicals, and black pepper,” the masseuse says eagerly, holding up a small amber bottle. “It’s one of our most popular blends. We also have gift packs in the spa lounge if you’d like to take some home. Essential oils make great gifts!”

I sink deeper into the plush lounge chair, my legs wrapped in a warm towel, the mingled scents penetrating my skin and muscles so that I’m tingling all over.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the lake stretches out in the distance, its surface shimmering under the afternoon sun. The whole place is impossibly serene, its peacefulness punctuated by trickling sounds of water and soothing string music.

It’s also wildly unexpected.

“This was nothing but a weathered fish-and-chip kiosk last time I was here,” I say, in awe of the sleek wood paneling, stone-tiled floors, and soft lighting that makes everything feel warm and expensive.

Vivian grins, rolling her shoulders as her foot massage and pedicure winds up. “It’s the perfect spot to untangle all my knots after a week in the kitchen. Sure, I love a good nature walk, maybe a bit of kayaking. But a five-star spa with Reiki massage just fifteen minutes out of town? Pure heaven.”

“Yeah, definitely a step up from Gus’s bait shop,” I agree, stretching out my legs.

Misha, lying on the lounger beside me with a cloth over her eyes, hums in agreement. “And actual lattes.”

Vivian laughs. “Yes! Great coffee. And the restaurant’s decent too. It’s nice to have something other than cafes, bars, Chinese takeout, or burger joints. Sometimes we want to eat out somewhere other than our own restaurant.”

Misha sighs dreamily, stretching like a cat in the sun. “All this pampering, the view, the quiet…it almost makes me see myself living the small-town life,” she murmurs.

Vivian lifts her head just enough to smirk. “Mmm-hmm. Living the small-town life…or loving your small-town fireman?”

Misha peeks out from under the cloth, grinning. “Can I just put this out there? Because I’ve been in a drought so long, I need to shout it from the rooftops: Steven issocute, so sweet, andboy-oh-boy, he really knows how to work his equipment!”

Vivian snorts. “And here I thought you kept coming back because you missed me in LA!”

“Sorry, honey, it’s all about the sex!” Misha grins. “There, I said it. The drought is over, the oasis has appeared, and it’s no mirage. Steven plays my body like Robby Krieger on guitar!”

Vivian shakes her head. “You’re so dramatic. I bet your ‘drought’was, like, two weeks.”

“Excuse me! It was at least three months,” Misha retorts. “And look, I can handle being single. Maybe even enjoy the independence for a while. But one-night stands and a vibrator just don’t cut it long-term.”

“Duh. That’s why you need a reliable fuck-buddy,” I say, giving in to Misha’s candor and blurting it out.

Her eyes widen like I just handed her the secret to happiness. “Oh my god, I’ve always wanted one! No small talk, no awkward dates, no crappy Tinder matches—just ayour place or mine?arrangement.”

“Exactly,” I smirk. “He knows what you like and where you like it. There’s a whole shorthand built in. Just fun, no attachment.”

I say it lightly, but the truth lingers at the edges of my mind. Tuck isn’t exactly honoring the “no attachment” rule.

Vivian glances up from her phone. “Speaking of bedroom adventures, thank god for Violet. Every Monday, she invites Finn over for dinner and a movie night. I have no idea what she endures with their taste in teenage blockbusters. I like to imagine she has a good book to see her through. Bonus for us? Privateadulttime.”

“So Finn’s there tonight?” Misha doesn’t miss a beat. “That meansMamais free for cocktails, right?” She claps her hands. “That deck bar over the lake is calling my name.”

“I can haveonecocktail—” Vivian starts, immediately met with exaggerated groans from Misha and me. “No, seriously, I don’t mind being designated driver,” she insists. “Tomorrow’s a big day at the restaurant, getting everything in gear for a hectic week. And…” she hesitates, glancing at me, “the funeral, of course.”

Misha instantly turns somber. “Gosh, of course.”

I wave a hand, brushing away their sudden concern.

“Honestly? It’ll be a relief to get through the formalities. To finally say goodbye. And I really appreciate today—now that everything’s arranged, it’s good to think about something else for a while…to get pampered and let all the emotions settle.”

I turn to Misha. “And I can’t thank you enough for all the fun this week. It’s helped me remember that I still have a life to live, even though Mom’s was cut short. I give a bright smile. “So, I say—more of it! Cocktails are on me!”

The bar is plush and expansive, its decor mirroring the blues and greens of the lake and forest. And while the cocktail menu is nothing groundbreaking—standard fare with a few house specialties thrown in, it doesn’t matter. The real highlights are the view and the company.

I’m not sure how this even happened.Me—fully immersed in a girly hangout. Not feeling out of place or judged. Just…easy. Fun even. Huh. Who’d have thought?

The outlook from the deck is pure summer. The lake stretching wide, dotted with kids making the most of the water.

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