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Chapter 1
Six months ago
Callie moved through the airport efficiently, pulling her chic, rolling suitcase, her oversized tote bag neatly attached to the handle. Dressed in black yoga pants, a white cotton tee shirt, and fashionable sneakers, she passed by some slower tourists lugging overflowing bags. She brushed back a strand of blonde hair and adjusted the small fanny pack slung across her chest. The look was trendy these days but also quite practical for the airport. Her passport and money were close to her person, easily accessible, and safe from pick-pockets. She made a beeline toward the coffee counter twenty yards away. After the overnight flight from LAX to Manila, she was exhausted. Between the screaming babies, turbulence, and irritated passengers, she’d gotten little sleep. There were only a few small tables at the coffee shop, most people grabbing their food and hurrying off to their respective gates. Callie had a layover before the last leg of her flight, but she needed caffeine and sugar, stat.
Ten minutes later, she was breezily on her way once again. She smiled as she took a sip of her latte. Perfection. And the chocolate croissant in the little pastry bag was calling her name.
She walked briskly through the airport and then unceremoniously sank down into a chair at the gate, pulling her carryon suitcase close. She crossed her legs beneath her, and then Callie’s gaze landed on a trendy Asian woman around her age seated across from her.
“You traveling for business or pleasure?” Callie asked.
“Both actually. I’ve got business meetings in Seoul but hope to catch up with a childhood friend of mine.”
“Nice. I’m Callie, by the way.”
“Olivia. So how about you? Work trip?”
Callie pulled her long, blonde waves back into a messy bun. “Yep. I’m a travel writer, so I just head wherever I want. Honestly, I do a lot more videos than strictly writing or blogging these days—livestreams and reels on Instagram and TikTok. It’s crazy but fun.”
“That’s cool. I’ll have to look you up. One of my friends is a fashion blogger.”
“Oh yeah? I’m not sure I could handle that, but trying new foods, seeing new places, and traveling the world is the best job I could ask for,” Callie admitted.
“It sounds pretty sweet,” Olivia said, taking a sip of her coffee. “I’m in marketing. So where are you from?” Olivia asked.
“California.”
“Huh. Same here. Were you just on the flight from LAX? I live in San Diego but flew out of LA.”
“Small world,” Callie said with a chuckle. “I’m right outside San Diego and was on that same flight. That turbulence was brutal, right?”
“Tell me about it. I ordered the biggest coffee they had and will probably need more. Combine that with the screaming babies, and I’ll probably crash as soon as I check into my hotel in Seoul.”
“Well, I know you’re there for business, but let me know if you want someone to sightsee with. I’m used to traveling alone, but sometimes it’s nice to have a friend when you’re in a new city.”
“I hear ya. Let’s exchange contact info. Oh, and tell me your name on social. I want to follow you.”
Callie followed Olivia’s gaze as two Middle Eastern men walked up to the counter and spoke with a woman at the gate. One of the men was arguing about something in a low voice. The second folded his arms, not speaking as he stood there with a frown. “Not those guys again,” Olivia muttered. “Damn. They’ve been arguing since we were in LA.”
“They’re probably whining about how tiny their dicks are,” Callie said with a smirk.
Olivia nearly choked on her coffee. She shifted, clearly trying to listen in. “It sounds like they want an upgrade but paid for business class. What makes them think they should move to first class for free? Assholes.”
“Entitled pricks,” Callie agreed, swinging her long legs down. “I hope they’re not bitching and moaning the entire flight.”
“So where else have you traveled recently?” Olivia asked. “I’m basically always in San Diego.”
Callie launched into some stories as Olivia settled back into her seat. They’d be boarding in an hour or so, and then she’d be on her way once again. Callie was looking forward to exploring Seoul. Her travels had gotten more exotic over the years, and she was always on the go. Maybe after this trip she’d enjoy relaxing somewhere tropical for a bit—an actual vacation rather than a work gig. She got bored if she stayed in one place for too long, but she wouldn’t mind a week or two in a tropical paradise just soaking up the sun. Bali would be nice. Tahiti maybe. She had enough frequent flyer miles to go anywhere. She had hotel perks, too, but sometimes Callie liked a little Airbnb just to have some quiet time and make some homecooked meals. She’d only be cooking for herself though. Living out of a suitcase was fun but could be lonely at times.
Olivia was texting someone on her phone, and Callie pulled out hers as well to check her social media channels. She took a bite of her chocolate croissant as she scrolled through her feed. Setting the pastry down for a moment, she stood up and took a picture of her sneakered feet beside her sleek suitcase, posting the photo beside the caption: Where am I off to now?
Her followers loved guessing where she’d show up next. By this afternoon, they’d have their answer. She’d post photos of her hotel room and the city skyline, then spend the next week exploring and documenting her adventure in Seoul.
Callie scrolled through some of her emails while she waited at the gate. She had a few sponsorship opportunities—brands wanting her to use their clothing or gear and share them online. Callie had a huge social media following and plenty of companies who wanted to work with her. Like everything that made money, it was actual work. She had to document her travels, plan the next trip, and sign contracts with the companies she teamed up with. Callie loved visiting new places, taking photos, and making videos to showcase her activities. Every day was an adventure, although sometimes, she did wonder if she was missing out on something more.
“Are you married?” Callie asked Olivia.
Dark eyes met hers. “Me? No. No boyfriend either, although I’ve been dancing around dating this one guy forever. We’re friends and hang out together all the time with our larger group. He’s interested and totally hot but also a complete flirt. I can’t take him seriously.”
