Best Mistake ★ Nicholas Chavez

Twenty five | group trip

present day

—••—

After spending Christmas with their families, it was finally time for the group ski trip. Amara buzzed with excitement—not just for the skiing but for the chance to see the northern lights with her friends.

The group consisted of her, Nicholas, Cooper, Madelyn, Drew, and Jordan. Unfortunately, some of their other friends couldn't make it. They had planned a Secret Santa exchange to celebrate a belated Friendsmas and New Year's Eve, combining the festivities into one trip. With a few days booked at the resort, they were ready for a perfect start to the new year.

Amara felt a flutter of nervous excitement. Although she hadn't drawn Nicholas for Secret Santa, she couldn't resist picking out a gift for him—a set of headphones she knew he'd love. She just hoped he wouldn't find it odd or question her intentions.

Upon arriving at the resort, she spotted Drew and Madelyn waiting in the lobby, the first to arrive. As Amara joined them, her nerves began to settle, knowing this trip would be special. Soon, everyone else would show up.

As Amara approached Drew and Madelyn, she couldn't help grinning. Drew looked up and smirked, "Ah, here she is, the one who's going to make us all look like beginners on the slopes."

"Oh, please. I'm just here to keep you two from breaking a leg," Amara shot back.

Madelyn laughed, pulling Amara in for a hug. "We're going to need you for moral support in the lodge with hot chocolate after every attempt."

"Just don't embarrass me too much," Amara teased, feeling her excitement grow as they joked together.

Drew nudged her, grinning. "I bet this place feels a little underwhelming after skiing in Italy, huh?"

Amara rolled her eyes with a laugh. "Oh, don't even start."

Madelyn smirked. "Yeah, Drew's been complaining the whole way here. Apparently, he's dying to 'live the Italian dream' one day."

Drew threw his hands up in mock defeat. "Well, excuse me for wanting some high-end Alps luxury. This mountain better impress! I am so jealous of you Amara, I hope you know that."

Amara chuckled. "You'll survive."

"Besides, it's nice here," She said, glancing around the lobby as Madelyn nodded in agreement.

Drew deadpanned, "If I don't end up at that Italian resort next year, I'm crashing out. Type shit" Madelyn and Amara exchanged a look before bursting into laughter.

Madelyn giggled, "Okay, Rafe, calm down."

Drew shot her a smirk. "Laugh all you want. I'm serious—Italy, here I come."

Amara shook her head, grinning. "We'll make sure to keep you humble."

The rest of the group arrived, and they greeted each other with warm hugs. Drew chatted briefly with the staff in the lobby to grab the keys and directions to their place. The resort was vast, with charming "mini houses" scattered across the property, and they'd booked one with three rooms, perfect for two people per room.

As they headed to their lodge, Amara and Nicholas fell behind the group, chatting. They'd exchanged a few friendly texts over the Christmas break, but seeing each other in person felt different.