My contract love story

“Are you sure we won’t get in trouble at work, Ashleigh?” James, the ever-present voice of doubt, asked again, hoisting himself upright in his hammock.

“You should have worried about that three days ago, James,” Fiona countered, rolling her eyes beneath the cucumber slices adorning her face.

“We’re halfway through the week; why not enjoy it?”

Ashleigh, nestled in the furthest hammock, hummed along to music filtering through her earbuds, blissfully unconcerned. James had initially balked at the idea of escaping to this secluded resort, but Ashleigh’s fervent desire for a break from the city had swayed them. Nestled two towns away amidst a lush forest, the resort catered to luxury camping enthusiasts. Fiona, with a well-placed “favor” owed by the owner, secured them a discounted rate, while Ashleigh discreetly transferred a substantial sum into Fiona’s account on the eve of their departure.

Work and, more importantly, the mansion, were far from Ashleigh’s mind. She’d informed her aunt of a week-long mental health retreat at Fiona’s place, securing time off for herself and her friends under this pretense. The truth – a week-long escape – remained a secret. Here, amidst the tranquility of nature, her sole focus was finding peace. Witnessing their blatant disregard, James resigned himself to his hammock, forced relaxation replacing his initial anxiety. The afternoon melted away, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, they retreated to their rooms for the night.

Back in the lobby, flyers advertising an upcoming cocktail party caught their attention.

“Fancy going out again, or should we call it a night?” Fiona inquired.

“I’d love to attend,” Ashleigh replied.

With a plan in mind, they scattered to their rooms to prepare. Ashleigh indulged in a luxurious rose bath, followed by a deep-conditioning hair treatment. She then donned a newly purchased outfit a pair of stylish shorts and a matching top before curling her hair in a half-up, half-down style secured with a whimsical bow. Light makeup accentuated her sun-kissed glow, with a touch of blush, eyeliner, and a rosy lip tint completing the look. A final touch flower earrings and a necklace from the resort’s gift shop finished the ensemble. Slippers completed the image as she glanced at the clock, thirty minutes past the party’s scheduled start time.

Fiona and James stood at Ashleigh’s door, rapping impatiently. She scrambled to retrieve her phone from the nightstand, its twin glowing beside it.

“Sorry I’m late,” she apologized, hurriedly smoothing her shirt without making eye contact. When she finally looked up, she met their stunned faces. Fiona gaped openly, while James’ eyes widened in pleasant surprise. Ashleigh, despite the casual shorts and shirt, radiated beauty.

“Ashleigh, you’re gorgeous even in casual wear! It’s not fair!” Fiona exclaimed, a mixture of awe and playful indignation in her voice. James offered a silent nod of agreement, momentarily speechless.

“Don’t be silly, Fiona, you look stunning too,” Ashleigh complimented, eliciting a smile.

Fiona sported a lovely blue short dress with strappy sandals. Her jewelry, a touch more refined than Ashleigh’s, featured silver earrings and a delicate necklace. Her hair flowed down her back, held back only by a pair of sunglasses perched on her head. Flawless makeup completed the picture, giving her a sophisticated air. James, mirroring Ashleigh’s attire in shorts and a shirt, had gone the extra mile by styling his hair with a touch of curl.

“Let’s grab a photo before we head out,” James suggested, raising his phone for a selfie. A flurry of pictures later, both group shots and individual takes, they set off for the resort bar where the cocktail party was taking place. The venue was an outdoor lounge nestled behind the resort, facing the vast expanse of the sea. Upon arrival, their group garnered immediate attention. While Fiona and James seemed unfazed, Ashleigh felt a flicker of nervousness. A waiter approached them and ushered them to a table, a comfortable-looking six-seater.

“Would it be possible to have a table for three?” Ashleigh inquired politely, a slight frown creasing her brow when she saw the setting.

The waiter offered a courteous apology. “I’m afraid the smaller tables are occupied, ma’am. This would be the only available option.”

Ashleigh opened her mouth to protest, but Fiona interjected smoothly.

“This will be perfectly fine, thank you very much,” she said, pulling Ashleigh gently towards a chair.

“Fiona, why did you interrupt me?” Ashleigh murmured in frustration as they settled down. “I could have persuaded him.”

“There’s no need for that, Ashleigh. This table is just as comfortable.”

“But it’s not! We’ll have to share it with three complete strangers.”

James let out a snort. “Worst-case scenario, you make new friends. How tragic,” he teased, earning a playful glare from Ashleigh while Fiona chuckled in amusement.

The waiter who had attended them earlier returned, presenting a menu offering a selection of drinks and appetizers. Fiona and James opted for alcoholic beverages, while Ashleigh, with her lower alcohol tolerance, chose a refreshing mocktail. As the waiter disappeared to prepare their orders, Fiona resumed their earlier conversation.

“The whole point of coming to this event is to socialize, Ashleigh,” she declared, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

“Your social butterfly skills seem to have flown the coop.” Fiona’s blunt remark sparked a protest from Ashleigh. “That’s not true! I have good social skills.”

Her friends exchanged incredulous looks. “Says the girl who practically walked in with her head down,” Fiona countered.

“When was the last time you interacted with a guy outside of work, someone other than James?”

Ashleigh fell silent under Fiona’s scrutiny. Memories of her secret wedding surfaced, a silent weight on her chest. Dating was off-limits, a truth she couldn’t reveal.

“See my point? Your social life is non-existent, Ashleigh. That’s why tonight, you’re not leaving without snagging a guy’s number!” Fiona declared triumphantly.

“I’m not here for the dating scene, Fiona,” she stammered, desperately trying to deflect. “Just a relaxing getaway.”

But before she could elaborate, Fiona’s sharp eyes caught sight of people approaching their table.

“Well, looks like relaxing will have to wait,” Fiona declared, her gaze fixed on the newcomers.

A wave of panic washed over Ashleigh. The urge to flee back to her room intensified. But before she could act, the men arrived, accompanied by the waiter carrying their drinks and food. As Fiona warmly greeted the man in the center of the group, introducing him as the resort owner, Jerry, Ashleigh mumbled her own quiet hellos, focusing primarily on her food and drink.

“Everyone, this is Jerry,” Fiona announced, gesturing towards the man beside her. “He’s the owner of the resort and a good friend of mine.” Jerry offered them a friendly smile.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you both,” Jerry said. “Fiona’s told me quite a bit about you.”

“Hopefully, all good things,” James quipped with a wink. Jerry chuckled in response.

He then shifted his attention to Ashleigh. “I hope you’re enjoying your short stay here, Ashleigh,” he said gently.

Ashleigh forced herself to look up from her plate and manage a polite smile.

“Thank you, Mr. Jerry. It’s a beautiful resort you have here. Thank you for hosting us.”

Jerry waved his hand dismissively. “Please, call me Jerry. We’re all friends here.”

“and there’s no need to thank me!” Jerry boomed, his voice tinged with amusement, “it was Fiona’s first time calling in a favor, so I was happy to oblige.” He cast a tender glance at Fiona, who blushed and averted her eyes.

James couldn’t resist a teasing remark. “Sounds like more than just a ‘favor’ being called in here,” he said with a wink.

Laughter rippled around the table, but Ashleigh remained withdrawn, focusing intently on her food.

“You haven’t introduced us to your companions, Jerry,” James said, gesturing towards the two men flanking the resort owner.

“My apologies,” Jerry said, a touch of formality returning to his voice. “This is Matthew,” he said, pointing to the man beside him, “and Reese,” he continued, indicating the other. Both men offered friendly waves.

Matthew was an imposing figure, his broad chest straining against his thin shirt. Emerald eyes glinted mischievously beneath a neatly trimmed beard, and a dangerous smile lurked on his lips. Sitting beside him, Reese presented a stark contrast. His blonde hair shimmered under the soft lighting, while freckles danced across his cheeks. A gentle smile softened his features, giving him an ethereal air.

“Nice to meet you guys,” James greeted, his gaze lingering a bit too long on the broad Australian.

“What’s the plan for tonight?” He asked.

“Well,” Matthew drawled in a thick Australian accent, sending a shiver down James’s spine, “initially, I was hoping for good drinks and a good time. But now…” he trailed off, his eyes locking with James in a way that made him feel inexplicably unsettled.

Amused glances passed between Ashleigh and Fiona as James let out an audible gasp.

“Let’s shake things up a bit, shall we?” Ashleigh interjected, her voice surprisingly steady. Before anyone could protest, she stood and gestured to the empty seat beside James. With a nod, Matthew took his place, immediately launching into conversation with James. This left Ashleigh with Reese, and seeing that she wanted nothing of that sort with him she maintained her silence, not willing to engage in conversation with him.

Reese observed with a gentle smile. “I noticed your hesitation.”

“Apologies,” Ashleigh replied, her smile apologetic. “I’m not interested in anything romantic, and I wouldn’t want to mislead you.”

Reese’s smile widened. “The feeling is mutual. Friends?” he offered, extending his hand. Relief washed over Ashleigh as she clasped it, grateful for his understanding.

With the awkwardness settled between Ashleigh and Reese, Jerry piped up with a suggestion.

“Perhaps we should start with some shots to break the ice?” Jerry suggested, lifting his glass in a toast. Everyone except Ashleigh readily agreed.

“Actually,” she began, “I’m not much of a drinker. I’d prefer to sit this one out.”

A chorus of groans arose from James and Fiona. “Ash, come on!” Fiona whined.

“Don’t be a spoilsport! But if that’s what makes you happy, then don’t worry, I’ll be more than happy to help you back to your room later.”

James chimed in, his voice tinged with worry. “Ash, you came on this trip to relax, right? Let loose a little. It’s just for one night.” He clasped his hands together in a pleading gesture.

Caught between her initial resolve and the urging of her friends, Ashleigh wavered. She had come here to unwind, and refusing to participate now would seem contradictory. Besides, it had been a while since she’d indulged in a drink. The colorful cocktails had been tempting her for a while now.

With a resigned sigh, she mumbled, “Alright, fine. But just one.”

Jerry, sensing the shift in mood, immediately summoned the waiter for another round of drinks. Ashleigh downed the first shot in one go, a fiery warmth spreading through her chest. Encouraged by her friends’ cheers, she continued drinking cocktails , the initial reluctance quickly fading.

The alcohol loosened Ashleigh’s inhibitions. She interacted freely, her smile outshining the sun as she agreed to Fiona’s silly photo ideas. Fiona, watching her friend’s carefree spirit resurface, felt a twinge of amusement – it had been a long time.

But Ashleigh’s newfound boldness took a reckless turn. Later, with James and Matthew mysteriously disappearing together, Fiona found Ashleigh in the restroom, giggling uncontrollably as she attempted a slurred video call while squatting on the floor.

“Party’s over,” Fiona declared, confiscating and switching off the phone. Unaware of the looming drama, Fiona led a tipsy Ashleigh out of the restroom. Little did she know, those stolen seconds in the bathroom would change the course of Ashleigh’s trip.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .