A complimentary getaway with an unfamiliar face seemed far too good to be true. Yet, the electronic message wasn’t asking for bank details or private info—just a flight itinerary, a hotel booking, and the name of a mysterious travel partner.
Intrigued, I boarded the plane, only to find my supposed “stranger” was the last individual I ever wished to lay eyes on again.
It was a typical Friday evening, and my whole body just ached with exhaustion. The moment I stepped into my sister Briar’s apartment, I practically collapsed onto her sofa, kicking off my shoes. One arm draped over my face, while the other casually scrolled through my emails on my laptop.
Across the room, Briar was in her own world. She was twirling in front of the mirror, trying on one outfit after another, striking dramatic poses like she was the headliner of a fashion show. The rustling of shopping bags and the soft swish of fabric filled the air as she admired herself.
She did a quick spin, turning to me with hopeful eyes. “What do you think?”
I barely glanced up. I smirked. “Looks good, Briar. But I don’t get why you need so many clothes.”
Briar scoffed, placing her hands on her hips. “Of course, you don’t. You weren’t the one stuck wearing hand-me-downs your entire childhood.” She dramatically flipped her hair. “Consider this my therapy. I’m healing, Cassidy.”
I shook my head. “Whatever you say.”
My attention drifted back to my laptop, clicking through emails. Mostly junk—bills, newsletters I’d forgotten to unsubscribe from.
Then, something caught my eye.
I sat up, my brow furrowing as I reread the subject line:
🎊 Congratulations! You’ve secured a free two-day retreat with an undisclosed travel companion!
Before I could even process it, Briar’s voice interrupted.
“How about this one?” she asked, stepping into yet another dress.
I didn’t answer.
Silence stretched between us.
“Cassidy?” She turned, raising an eyebrow. “Are you even listening?”
I snapped out of it. “Huh? Sorry, I just got some weird email…” I frowned. “It says I won a free two-day vacation with a stranger. Definitely a hoax.”
Briar’s jaw dropped. “What?! A free trip? Let me guess—do they need your credit card info or your social security number?”
“That’s the thing… they don’t.” I scrolled through the email again, expecting to find something suspicious.
“No banking details, no dodgy links. Just a confirmation with my name, flight itinerary, and a hotel reservation.”
Briar practically lunged across the couch, leaning over my shoulder. “Let me see.”
I tilted my screen toward her. She scanned the email, her skepticism morphing into shock.
“No way… Cassidy, this looks legitimate! Flights, hotel, even travel protection. It’s all here.”
I shook my head. “No, there’s got to be a catch. No one just hands out free vacations.”
Briar clicked on links, cross-referenced the information, and finally leaned back with a grin.
“I can’t find anything suspicious.” She turned to me. “Cassidy, you actually won this trip. Congrats, sis.”
I chewed my lip, unsure whether to feel thrilled or terrified.
“I can’t just go on a trip with some random person.”
Briar waved a hand dismissively. “Why not? It’s free. And who knows? Maybe this ‘stranger’ is a charming fellow who’ll finally end your dry spell.”
I shot her a glare. “Briar! I like being unattached, okay? That’s my preference.”
She smirked. “Sure… I’ve heard that after every ‘seasonal romance’ since your separation.”
I grabbed a pillow and threw it at her. She dodged, laughing. “Hey! Just saying. Maybe it’s destiny.”
Destiny or not, something about this whole thing felt odd.
And yet, a small part of me wondered…
What if?
The next day, I stood at the Crescent City airport terminal, gripping my suitcase so tightly my knuckles turned white. The ticket in my hand felt heavier than it should.
I still couldn’t believe Briar had talked me into going.
This was utterly bonkers.
I exhaled sharply and turned toward the exit.
What am I doing?
Every rational part of my brain screamed at me to leave.
I swallowed, staring at the automatic doors.
I’ve always been careful. Always chosen the safest path.
But I can’t keep running from new experiences.
I let out a slow breath, forcing myself to turn around.
The flight was opulent. First-class. Sumptuous seats. Complimentary beverages. A world I had never stepped into before.
But none of it mattered.
My focus was on the person who would sit beside me.
Would they be chatty? Annoying? Someone I could endure for two days?
Then, I reached my seat.
A man was already there, hunched over, scrolling through his phone.
I took a hesitant step forward.
He turned slightly.
My stomach plummeted.
No. No, no, no.
“…Julian?” My voice barely escaped my lips.
His head snapped up, his piercing hazel eyes widening in shock. The same eyes I had once adored. The same face I had tried so hard to erase from my memory.
“Cassidy?” He blinked. “What in the world are you doing here?”
I exhaled sharply, my heart slamming against my ribs. “Please don’t tell me you also received these tickets.”
Julian ran a hand through his hair, still looking as bewildered as I felt.
“…Through some contest email? Yeah. You too?”
I groaned, every fiber of my being screaming at me to leave.
“Oh no. No, no, no. This is too much. I’m leaving.”
I spun on my heel, ready to march straight off the plane.
But before I could take a step, a gentle but firm hand landed on my shoulder.
I turned to find a flight attendant offering a polite but unwavering smile.
“The plane is preparing for takeoff, ma’am. Please remain seated.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but Julian spoke first.
“It’s okay,” he said smoothly, offering that same damn charming smile he always used. Then, he reached for my hand and squeezed it lightly—just like he used to when he wanted me to calm down.
For a second, just a single second, my breath caught.
Then, I ripped my hand away.
No. Not again.
Julian exhaled, his voice softer now. “Cassidy, our marriage ended years ago. Please don’t spoil your free trip just because of me. I promise, I won’t bother you.”
I hesitated.
What was I supposed to do?
The plane was boarding, and I wasn’t about to miss my first-ever first-class experience just because of Julian.
With a long, frustrated sigh, I dropped into my seat.
“Fine. Just don’t ruin this trip for me.”
Julian smirked. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
I turned toward the window, ignoring him.
This was going to be a long flight.
