Page 2 of Tequila Lime and Sunshine

“As tempting as that sounds, I’ll probably just have some food delivered while I unpack and repack.” I’m flying to Atlanta tomorrow for my family’s two-week trip to Mexico. My mom’s best friend and her husband are renewing their vows for their thirtieth anniversary at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun. My mom said I have to be there because Mr. and Mrs. Wilson think of me as a daughter.

The Wilsons have lived three houses down from my parents for as long as I can remember and have known me my whole life. I grew up with their boys, Hawke and Holden. Holden was my first everything: first kiss, first boyfriend, first love, and first time having sex. Everything. I thought we were going to be together forever.

But I wasn’t willing to give up my dreams of traveling, and Holden wanted a stereotypical suburban housewife. So, we reluctantly ended things after college. I still talk to him occasionally, but it isn’t like it used to be. Not only did I lose my boyfriend when we broke up, but I also lost my best friend. I spent so much time with Holden and Hawke that when they weren’t there anymore, I had trouble figuring out who I was on my own.

But I managed. And despite my Debbie Downer attitude today, I’m thriving. This trip will be the first time I’ll be around Holden since we ended things three years ago. I hate that I’m dreading it. My mom also might have mentioned that he’s bringing his girlfriend, and now I’ll be showing up alone and explaining why I’m single. Again. Ugh.

Too bad it’s too late for me to find someone to take Brady’s place.

“I wish I could go to Mexico with you,” Asher says. “But our first ultrasound is scheduled for next week.”

“Oh, hey. Don’t worry about it. I’ll drown my sorrows in margaritas, and you better send me a picture of the sonogram. Is Landon excited?”

“Oh my gosh, yes. He even bought a little baby outfit the other day. It’s so cute how excited he is.”

“You guys are going to be the best parents,” I tell her. While this pregnancy was unexpected, Asher and Landon have a strong relationship. He dotes on her, and she supports all of his dreams without question. It’s beautiful to see them together, and I’m thrilled for my friends.

“I hope so. But back to you, is there anything you need?”

I run my hand through my curls. “Did you read through the RV tour contract I sent you?”

“Working on it. So far, it looks pretty good, but there are a few items I’d suggest pushing back on. I’ll send my comments to you as soon as I’m done.”

“Ok, sounds good.” We go over a few more things for work, and when she asks again if I need anything, I assure her I’ll be fine. She reminds me that girls rule and boys drool, which honestly doesn’t have the same effect coming from a pregnant woman in a committed relationship with the world’s nicest guy, but I’ll take whatever I can get.

“Have a good trip to Atlanta tomorrow and have so much fun in Mexico. Tell Mom and Dad Leonard I said hi.”

“I will,” I tell her, laughing at her calling my parents Mom and Dad Leonard. She met my parents when they visited, and they fell in love with her. I’m pretty sure my mom cried when I told her Asher was pregnant.

I lie on my bed for another minute in my little pity party before forcing myself to unpack my suitcase. I swap my carry-on for my larger suitcase and repack everything I’ll need for two weeks in Mexico.

CHAPTER 2

Hawke

I don’t necessarily consider myself a lucky person, but I can’t deny the way things magically line up in my favor sometimes. Like now, for instance. I was booked to photograph an exclusive fall line when my parents decided to renew their vows in Mexico. Fortunately for me, there was a last-minute issue with a key piece for the line. Something about the wrong fabric being ordered? I don’t know the details; I just take the pictures. The shoot got pushed back three weeks, and now my calendar has completely cleared for the two-week celebration in Mexico.

Now I’m running through LAX to make my red-eye flight to Atlanta to surprise my parents. I could’ve told them I was coming, or I could’ve met them in Mexico. But I thought it’d be more fun to knock on their front door and see their faces. It’s been. . . a while since I’ve been home.

The doors are about to shut as I skid to a stop at the gate. Everyone else has already boarded, and the women at the front don’t look impressed that I’m out of breath from running.

“Wait, wait, wait!” I yell.

“Boarding pass?” The woman sounds bored, which doesn’t bother me. I’m used to that kind of attitude in my line of work.

I hold up my phone and scan my boarding pass.

“Have a good flight.” I can tell she couldn’t care less if I have a good flight, but I still smile before running down the jetway.

Unsurprisingly, my ticket is for a middle seat since I booked it four hours ago while throwing clothes into my suitcase. The two people on either side of me don’t look happy when I stop next to their row. I’m sure they thought they got lucky.

“I’m right here.” I point to the empty seat between them, and the guy on the aisle sighs and stands so I can take my seat. The woman on my other side is already into a movie with headphones on.

I listen to the safety spiel as I tuck my backpack under the seat in front of me, and by the time we take off, I’ve already dozed off. With back-to-back photoshoots and editing and reviewing all the photos, sleep hasn’t been a priority for me this week, so I’m not surprised when I pass out.

The next thing I know, something is poking my forehead. Or rather, someone.

“Mmm,” I groan.