Page 94 of Vacation with the Ice Queen

Lila believed her. Four days of borrowed time, to be spent not in fear of the ending, but in celebration of the unexpected gift they'd found between beginning and goodbye.

13

SERENA

The remains of breakfast sat forgotten on the terrace table as Lila nursed the last sips of her coffee, watching Serena speak on the phone. Even in this simple act, Lila could see how much had changed. Two weeks ago, Serena's phone calls had been clipped commands and rapid-fire questions. Now, she was smiling as she spoke, her free hand gesturing expressively though the person on the other end couldn't see.

"Yes, that's perfect. Just for the two of us, right," Serena said, catching Lila's eye and winking. "Thank you, I appreciate you arranging this on short notice."

Four days. The thought whispered through Lila's mind as she set down her empty cup. Four days until Serena would board a plane back to Manhattan. Four precious days to create memories that would have to last much longer.

Serena ended her call and slipped the phone into her pocket, a small gesture that spoke volumes. The Serena who had first arrived on the island would have kept the device in hand, awaiting the next urgent message.

"All set," she announced, moving to sit beside Lila. "Our day is planned, assuming you're still willing to trust me with the itinerary."

"Depend on it," Lila replied, curious about what Serena had arranged. "Though I'm wondering if I should be worried about your mysterious phone calls and secret plans."

Serena's laugh—still a relatively new sound that Lila treasured each time she heard it—bubbled up freely. "Nothing sinister, I promise. Just trying to create something special."

The simple admission warmed Lila's chest. This was yet another change, Serena openly expressing her desire to please someone else and prioritize connection over efficiency.

"Should I change?" Lila gestured to her sundress, the light fabric perfect for the morning's growing heat.

Serena's eyes traced over her with appreciation that sent a pleasant shiver down Lila's spine. "You're perfect as you are, but you might want to bring a swimsuit. And perhaps something warmer for later."

"Now I'm really intrigued." Lila stood, gathering her overnight bag that had transformed into something more permanent over the past days. "Swimwear and warm clothes on a tropical island? What exactly are you planning, Ms. Frost?"

"You'll see." Serena's smile held mischief that few in the corporate world would believe the infamous Ice Queen capable of. "Just trust me."

Trust.Such a simple word, yet so weighted with meaning between them. Trust had been broken and rebuilt, tested and strengthened. Now it felt like solid ground beneath their feet, even as the countdown to goodbye continued its relentless tick.

While Serena cleared their breakfast dishes, Lila ducked into the bathroom to freshen up. The woman in the mirror looked different than she had two weeks ago. Not just the sun-kissed glow on her skin or the loose waves in her hair from yesterday'socean swimming, but something in her eyes: a clarity and certainty about herself that hadn't been there before.

Whatever happened when Serena left, Lila knew she wouldn't lose this reclaimed sense of self. Unlike with Sophie, where she'd gradually diminished to accommodate another's needs, with Serena she felt expanded—more aware, more present, more herself.

"Ready when you are," she called, emerging with a small bag containing her swimsuit and a light cardigan.

Serena waited by the door, keys in hand and a small backpack over one shoulder. "Our chariot awaits."

"Chariot?" Lila raised an eyebrow as they stepped outside into the brilliant morning light.

Instead of answering, Serena gestured toward the path where a resort golf cart sat decorated with flowers and a small cooler strapped to the back.

"You commandeered us a golf cart?" Lila laughed, delighted by the unexpected touch.

"I may have mentioned to the staff that we had special plans today," Serena admitted as they approached the vehicle. "They were surprisingly accommodating."

"I'm sure your charming personality had nothing to do with it," Lila teased, climbing into the passenger seat.

"Or the fact that I tipped them the equivalent of a month's salary," Serena countered as she settled behind the wheel. "Ready for an adventure?"

The question seemed to encompass more than just their day's plans; it was an invitation to embrace whatever came next.

Lila reached over to squeeze Serena's hand, feeling the connection between them like a tangible thread, precious and real despite its inevitable end.

"With you? Always."

Serena's smile in response held no reservations, just pure presence in the moment they were sharing. She started the cart, and they pulled away from the villa, leaving behind work reports and countdown anxieties in favor of whatever the day might bring.

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