SMILING AT NOTHING

SMILING AT NOTHING
Selena's POV

I wake up to sunlight streaming through the wide windows, glinting off the ocean just outside. The day is already bright, warm, and impossibly beautiful. I can hear the soft crash of the waves and a gentle breeze through the balcony doors.

Honestly, I could get used to waking up here forever.

By 8 a.m., we’re all gathered for breakfast at the long, sunlit tables. The spread is exquisite with freshly baked croissants, golden waffles stacked high, bowls of berries so vibrant they almost glow, an assortment of cheeses, and smoked salmon that smells heavenly. There’s freshly squeezed orange juice and iced coffee, and I grab a tall glass of mango juice just because.

The whole atmosphere feels like a painting—the sunlight, the ocean breeze, and everyone laughing and talking about what the day will bring.

After breakfast, we’re given an hour to prep for the day’s activities. I rush to my room, where the soft ocean light spills across the beds, and pick out a bright red crop top with crisp white outlines, white shorts, and my trusty sneakers. I tie my hair up into a high ponytail, grab my water bottle, and head out to the beach.

The morning is dedicated to games on the sand.

First up, we have the classic three-legged race. I pair with Mia, and we’re wobbly at first, laughing uncontrollably as we stumble toward the finish line. We don’t win—Jemima and her teammate take first but I don’t even care. The feeling of sand beneath my toes, the sun on my face, and the wind in my hair is pure joy.

Next is a relay, and then a tug-of-war. I can feel the adrenaline pumping through me, my team laughing as we all stumble, pull, and cheer each other on. I end up in third place for the morning’s games, and I’m ecstatic. I had so much fun.

Finally, the last game is tennis. I know a little, but honestly, I’m terrible. I left the little I know back in high school.

My first few swings are awkward; I miss more than I hit. My teammates groan in frustration as I somehow manage to sabotage our score. “Selena, maybe just cheer from the sidelines?” Mia laughs. I blush but promise I’ll try.

Zed steps in to play with me for a bit, giving me pointers while keeping the mood light. Cameron joins Mia on the other court, giving them a mini-teaching session.

Despite my lack of skill, the game is surprisingly fun, though I am hopelessly outmatched.

And then… Jayden shows up and joins my team.He’s in a crisp white red top  and white shorts, effortlessly matching my outfit and he plays tennis like it’s nothing. Every shot precise, every movement smooth. I can’t help but stare for a second too long.

Honestly, this man seems talented in everything, and it’s impossible not to notice.

After the games wind down around 2 p.m., everyone plops down on the warm sand, exhausted but happy.

I sit back, letting the ocean breeze wash over me, the sound of waves mingling with laughter around me.

Fresh juices are brought over—orange, pineapple, and combinations of both. I grab a glass of pineapple-orange mix and take a tentative sip. “Mm… wow. Really good,” I say, eyes widening. “I’ve loved this combo since I was a kid.”

I’m mid-sip when a shadow falls across the sand in front of me.
“Good choice.”
I look up.

Jayden is standing there, one hand holding his own glass, sleeves pushed up slightly, hair still damp from earlier. He gestures toward my drink.
“Pineapple and orange,” he says. “It's underrated.”
I blink. “You know it?”

He nods, settling down beside me, close enough that I can smell something clean and faintly citrusy. “My grandmother used to make it for me. Said it was good for focus.”

I laugh softly. “ Well I discovered it myself and since then I can't over it.“
He smiles at that, an actual, easy smile—and his…. lips are so good looking. I have always liked a guy with pink lips but his is just….

“I haven’t had it in years,” he adds. “Didn’t think I’d like it anymore.”

“oh yeahh….and?” I ask, tilting my glass slightly.
He takes a sip, then nods once. “Still good.”

There’s a brief pause. Not awkward. Just… quiet. Comfortable. The ocean fills the space for us.
“You’re surprisingly competitive,” he says, glancing back toward the tennis court.

I groan. “Please don’t remind me. I nearly ruined my team’s entire reputation.”

“That’s one way to put it,” he replies, amused. “But you didn’t quit.”

I shrug teasingly. “You know, I don’t like quitting.

His eyes flick to me then, sharper,
thoughtful. “Yeah, I  noticed. But how can you decide to play if you're so bad at it”

“I'm just as shocked, I promise, I was good in highschool.“ I retort.

“Do you remember that right?” he asked teasingly.

“I represented my school, played tournaments and everything.“

“I'm sure you did, I'm sure you did” he continues.

“So which tournament was that?“ He asks in the most sarcastic way ever while holding a mischievous smile.

Blushingly, I blurted it “ Stop it Jayden, it's not funny…”

“I'm just curious that's all” He burst into full laughter now and I ended up laughing with him.

“I'm really terrible huh?“

“Not terrible just not good, no worries I can teach you.“

“Are you serious Jayden?“

“Yes, after dinner I can give you some lessons. We have another game on Saturday so you have 5 days. I can work with that.“

I was immediately at loss of words, he was serious, dead serious and what a dangerous time to pick too. Before my brain can catch up.
“Okay let's do it then.“

We shook on it. At this point I'm pretty sure it's just a habit of him since we have done this for ever single deal. But he seemed very comfortable with me now. I low-key enjoyed the moment.

“Nice working with you, don't worry I am a good teacher.“

He wouldn't dare miss his line but I'm smiling so hard at it now. It's less annoying.

The breeze picks up, brushing sand against our ankles. For a second, neither of us speaks. We just sit there, watching the water move in and out like it has nowhere else to be.

“Enjoying the retreat so far?” he asks finally.
I nod. “More than I expected.”
“Good,” he says, standing up again. “That was the idea.”

As he walks away, I take another sip of my drink— sweet but it's not the drink I'm talking about and realize I’m smiling at absolutely nothing.

Eventually, we all head back to our rooms for a quick reset. Lunch is ordered to ou r rooms, and I pick a light salad with some roasted chicken. I eat while looking out at the waves.

By 6:30PM everyone is already gathered outside. The ocean hums softly beside us, lights strung overhead, long tables dressed for a full seafood spread. Cameron announces it proudly… Tonight is going to be An All Sea Food Dinner prepared live by a special chef flown in from France. A staged dinner.
People clap, chatter rising with excitement.

I smile along, but my eyes keep drifting around the space.
Where is Jayden?
That thought alone makes me pause. I don’t like how easily it slips in. I don’t like how aware I am of his absence.

The curtains finally pull back.
And my breath catches.
The chef steps forward and my stomach drops.
I know her. Aurelia Soirée.

The same woman Jayden once introduced me to… as his fiancée.

Panic hits me all at once. I instinctively turn my face away, lowering my head, praying she doesn’t recognize me—standing right here, in Ashford Enterprises’ retreat.

Of all the people I could have seen tonight
She is the least I expected