The evening stars

Shopping

Alex was signing yet another set of applications and contracts. His face showed no emotions when suddenly the phone rang. It was Nigel.

— Hi, Nigel, — replied Alex, surprised by the call. — Did something happen?

— Yes, it happened, — replied Nigel. — Sophie.

— What's wrong with her? — Alex asked anxiously.

— Well, aside from the fact that her thoughts are eating her up from the inside, she's doing just fine, — Nigel chattered.

— I know that everything is difficult. I don't know how to help her, — Alex said, sounding tired.

— But I can help you, — Nigel declared enthusiastically.

— What are you talking about? — Alex asked, feeling a bit confused.

— How do you like Miami? — Nigel began with a mysterious tone in his voice. — A lovely place, don't you think?

— Nigel, I don't understand your riddles. "Speak plainly," Alex insisted, impatiently awaiting clarification.

— Alright, alright, — Nigel quickly replied. — I suggested to Sophie to unwind next weekend in Miami. But, since I am a noble friend, I will suddenly fall ill and stay home. But you will take my place. What do you think of the idea?

— She will be angry, — said Alex, hesitating.

— Her anger will last until you smile at her. Make up your mind, or she will go with me and watch the sunset in solitude with sadness, Nigel concluded.

Alex, holding the phone, fell silent for a moment, contemplating Nigel's proposal. His gaze wandered over the documents on the table, but his thoughts were far from work.

— Are you sure this is a good idea? — he finally asked, restrained, but there was a clear interest in his voice.

— Listen, Alex, — Nigel continued, sensing his doubts, — sometimes people need to break free from their usual surroundings to see everything from a different perspective." Miami is not just a resort; it's a place where you can forget your worries, feel the wind in your hair, and simply be yourself. Sophie needs this, and you are the person who can make this vacation unforgettable for her.

Alex fell silent again, but this time his heart was beating faster. Deep down, he understood that he would like to spend time alone with Sophie, far away from all the problems and obligations.

— You're right, — he finally said, confidence resonating in his voice. — But how will you present this to her? She will figure out that everything was staged.

— Let me take care of that, — Nigel smirked. — I will do everything in such a way that she won't suspect a thing. Moreover, she really needs a change of scenery. And you... just do everything you can to make her feel happy.

— Alright, I agree, — Alex decided, although questions were still swirling in his mind. — If it will help her, then I'm willing to give it a try.

— Excellent! — Nigel exclaimed with joy. — Be ready for an unexpected vacation. I will take care of the details.

— Thank you, Nige, — Alex said seriously. — I know you're doing this for her, but I'm grateful to you too.

— You won't believe it, but I'm doing this for both of you, — Nigel replied. — See you next week. And yes, don't forget to bring something bright with you; it's always appropriate in Miami.

Alex smiled, although Nigel couldn't see it. This adventure might have been just what was needed to dot the i's and cross the t's in their complicated situation.

Sophie was walking around the shopping mall, browsing the store windows. She was picking out a swimsuit for her upcoming vacation in Miami and wanted it to be not only stylish but also comfortable. In one of the stores, she noticed a white swimsuit that immediately caught her attention.

It was simple and concise and fit perfectly on the figure. In the mirror, the swimsuit looked simply stunning — its white color contrasted beautifully with her tanned skin, making her appear especially fresh and attractive. Sophie, smiling at her reflection, decided that this swimsuit was exactly what she needed.

She put it on again to make sure everything fit perfectly, and after twirling a bit in front of the mirror, she took a photo for memory's sake. At that moment, her phone vibrated. Sophie glanced at the screen and saw a message from Nigel: "I hope you manage to update your wardrobe by next week?" "Miami is waiting!" With a smile on her face, she walked to the checkout, thinking about how well everything was turning out.

Sophie stopped by a few more stores, buying things for her vacation, mostly made of linen and cotton, to feel comfortable. Already with bags in hand, preparing to go home, she got caught up in composing a message for Nigel and didn't notice when she bumped into someone's back. The bags fell from my hands, and everything scattered on the floor.

— Oh God, I'm so sorry, I'm such a klutz,— she blurted out immediately, rushing after the bags.

The young man she collided with turned around, and his face expressed shock.

— Sophie, it can't be!

— Oliver, what an unexpected meeting, — she said in surprise, looking up at him.

— Yes, let me help you pack your things, — he sat down next to her and smiled.

— It's not necessary, — she said, flustered, but he had already started gathering her things into bags.

— Did you decide to update your wardrobe? — Oliver looked at her purchases with interest.

— I miss summer. I'm going to Miami for the weekend. — Sophie looked at him, trying to hide her awkwardness.

— Apparently, the trip is going to be interesting, — he said, as his hand brushed against a set of black lace lingerie. He held his gaze on it before handing it back.

Sophie blushed and quickly snatched the laundry from his hands, hiding it back in the bag.

— Yes, the sun, the beach... that's quite interesting, — she mumbled, trying to hide her embarrassment.

— Sounds great. Listen, I'm here on business, but maybe we could meet for coffee or dinner?

— This is quite unexpected. — Sophie hesitated for a moment. — I don't know...

— Or we could join Rachel and Ray.

— What does it mean to join? — Do they often spend time together? — Sophie asked in surprise.

— Yes, it seems they see each other quite often. I thought you were aware.

— No, I'm not aware. — Sophie frowned. — This is news to me. Thank you for the offer, Oliver. I need to go.

— Good luck with your shopping and enjoy your vacation. — Oliver watched her leave with his gaze.

— Thank you. And good luck to you. Sophie turned around and headed for the exit, pondering the unexpected information.