After hours of intense self-care, they picked up their souvenirs from the reception and walked out. On their way, Rene pulled Eliana into a tight hug. "Thank you, really Eliana. I don't take this, or you for granted," She said as Eliana wrapped her arms around her waist. "I love you, happy birthday my sweet girl," She replied. Just then the moment was ruined by Rene's phone vibration, and Eliana reached into her waist pouch for it. "It's Henry, just answer it!" She exclaimed as they walked to the car, so she did.
"Hey... I've been calling. Are you okay? I was worried," Henry's voice was heard, confusing Rene, who frowned. She chuckled, "Yes, I'm okay. Why did you call more than twelve times?" He laughed, "I just wanted to hear your voice, and the way you hung up yesterday made me think something was wrong." It clicked, "Right, sorry about that, I was talking to my mom!" She explained. "That's okay. How about we meet today?" He asked. She pursed her lips, getting into the car. "Um, I have an outing with my best friend, so we could do it during the week. Would that be okay?" She asked politely. He agreed, "That works. See you then." "See you then. Goodbye, Henry." "Goodbye, my lady," He responded, and she quickly ended the call, bursting into laughter.
"Why did you decline? You know the art gallery isn't your thing. Or should I cancel on Ryan so we can do something else?" Eliana asked, but she quickly shook her head, "God, no! I'd rather be a third wheel than stay home." "Stay home? You have a guy asking you out... Wait... you don't want to go because you're not attracted to him, right?" Eliana said, starting the car with a smile. Looking down, Rene said, "Well...!" "Renata Dubois! I thought you were better than some of us!" Eliana exclaimed, and they both laughed. "Hey, hey, maybe I just want to spend time with my best friend and her boyfriend, how's that a problem?" She lied, and Eliana nodded, "Right... I'll believe that!" She said sarcastically, driving out of the compound. "Next, Acapulco beach resort!" Rene yelled, turning up Wiggle by Jason Derulo.
About forty minutes after arriving at the resort, they were greeted by women in long, white chiffon dresses with high front slits. "Welcome to Acapulco, follow me," One said, leading them to their tables. After about ten minutes, the appetizer, Lobster Bisque—a creamy soup with chunks of lobster—was served. The main course followed: Grilled Filet Mignon with mashed potatoes and asparagus. Before dessert, they had Chocolate Lava Cake: a warm chocolate cake with a molten chocolate center, served with vanilla ice cream.
Soon, the day was ending as they sat on the beach, watching the waves with Rene's head on Eliana's shoulder. She sighed, "I hope I find my person like you have with Ryan someday," She said, as Eliana smiled, resting her head on hers. "You will, my love. He'll be the right one for you," Eliana replied. Just then, Eliana's phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, she smiled and put the call on speaker. "Hey, babe." "Babe, where are you? I'm already here!" His words made them sit up abruptly. Eliana checked the time on her phone, her mouth dropping open, "God, it's almost eight. Babe? We'll be there soon. Wait for us," She yelled. "I'll be waiting, just call me when you get here," Ryan said, and she hung up. "We'll be there soon? That's a freaking white lie!" Rene exclaimed, and Eliana replied, "It's never killed anyone." They burst into laughter, practically running out of the resort. Driving as fast as she could, they got home a little after eight, to get changed.
As they entered, they ignored Eunice's presence and ran upstairs, but as they walked into Rene's room she frowned. "Wait, what are you wearing?" She asked, and Eliana laughed, running to her wardrobe. She slipped out a black chantilly laced dress with excess fringes underneath and squatted for Gold stilettos where Rene kept some of her laundry. Placing them on the bed she smiled, "I never come unprepared!" She exclaimed as Rene laughed, untying her ropes and slipping her dress off. They quickly got dressed, touched up their makeup, and dashed out, even forgetting to say hi to Mimi, who was buried in homework with headsets on in her room.
Just as they ran out, Eunice followed and locked the door behind them. "They can't even say a simple hi. Let's see how she'd get in now! Absolute rubbish!" She said, evidently annoyed. Then she yelled, "Michelle, come down for your dinner; I won't shout for you again!" Not knowing Mimi really couldn't hear her.
As they exited the car, they smiled at the sight of Ryan, who walked towards Eliana. They kissed and smiled at Rene, "Happy birthday Rene!" He exclaimed, and she smiled, replying, "Thank you, Ryan!" Eliana locked the car with a button on her key. "Are there a lot of people?" Eliana asked, pursing her lips as he shook his head, "Not really. By the way, you girls look absolutely stunning this evening!" Eliana replied, "Thank you, baby!" Rene added, "Thanks, Ryan! Heading into the gallery."
"So, what makes this so entertaining?" Rene asked, genuinely curious. Eliana turned, replying with a smile, "I used to think it was boring, but seeing the art and the effort people put into their work is kind of nerve-calming, to me at least." Rene nodded. "Besides that, you can see him greeting others, right? This is his base, and I love to see him happy!" She added. Rene smiled, "I know you do. Thank God that's reciprocal." They giggled. Suddenly, Ryan grabbed Eliana's arms, and she turned abruptly. "Hey, love. Can I steal you for a bit? I'd love to introduce you to a few of my colleagues at work if that's not a problem." "Of course, it's not a problem. Carry her away!" Rene exclaimed, pushing Eliana closer to him. She laughed, "I'll be right back, just glance through the art; they are really good," Eliana said before locking her fingers with Ryan's and going along.
"Okay... let's see what we have here!" Rene said to herself, walking to the far corner where not many people. She stood in front of a painting she strangely related to. She tilted her head and stared for a few minutes before being interrupted by a young man's voice. "That's a beautiful painting I must say." Just when she turned, they both crinkled their face, trying to remember each other. "I know you!" Rene said discreetly, pretending not to be excited at his sight. "Renata right?" The young man said as a smile crept up across her lips, "You remember my name?" She asked, genuinely shocked, but he giggled, stretching his hand for a handshake, "I bet you don't remember mine. Cyril Carter." He said as she shook his hand with a smile and a gentle head nod.
"I do remember you, and our conversation at the theatre?" "You remember that? It's been like…what, more than five years?" His question immediately made her coil as she started to feel she was doing a lot. She cleared her throat and abruptly turned to the painting. "This is such a unique painting, I don't know anything about painting, but for some reason, this feels relatable." She said as he smiled, taking his face from her to the painting. "Art is always relatable, you just need to know how to interpret it."
Just then, their attention drifted to Eliana's voice. Turning, he said, "I know you. You were the subtle best friend envy in school among all the girls." Eliana dramatically flipped her hair and turned, "Yep, that's us!" Rene rolled her eyes, shaking her head in disbelief. "Cyril Carter," he said, stretching his hand for a handshake. "You don't have to be official with me. I am Eliana, and this is my boyfriend, Ryan." They both shook hands as the gentlemen said, "Nice to meet you," to each other. "So, we'll be there, far...far away from you two. Don't need us; even if there's a fire, don't save us, okay? I love you, my girl," she said, pulling Rene in for a hug before pulling Ryan along. Rene then laughed as they separated. "She's a lot, but I love her dearly," she said as he smiled, staring at her. "What?" she asked, a mask of confusion over her face. "You're beautiful!" he exclaimed softly, and she chuckled shyly, "Thank you!" She exclaimed and then quickly turned to the painting.