One Big Mistake

Olivia Cooper, the 21-year-old embodiment of silent fortitude and relentless endurance, twisted the cold metal key in the lock. Her muscles ached from her lengthy shift manning the front desk of a high-profile hotel in her bustling town downtown. As she stepped inside, her gaze was magnetically drawn to the pile of untouched envelopes cluttering their kitchen table. Each red "PAST DUE" stamp seemed to scream at her beneath their pristine white shells.

"Is that you, Oli?" A voice as brittle as autumn leaves echoed from the living room, laced with anticipation. Worry etching lines into her youthful face, Olivia moved swiftly towards the source of the voice. "I'm home, Grandma," she replied, fatigue and fondness woven seamlessly into her tone.

Elizabeth, Olivia's grandmother, and a spry 59-year-old woman sat in her favorite recliner. Her hands danced over knitting needles with practiced ease as they breathed new life into an aging blanket. The television's flickering light painted ghostly silhouettes around their snug yet cramped living room.

"Did you hear back about that job application?" Elizabeth queried without lifting her eyes from her handiwork. A pang of disappointment pierced Olivia's heart, but she concealed it behind a strained smile. "No word yet, Grandma," she admitted softly. "But I won't lose hope." Having recently earned her bachelor's degree in business administration, she yearned for more than just answering a reception desk phone.

Elizabeth paused momentarily from knitting to look up at Olivia with stern eyes filled with belief. "You're destined for more than just being someone's gatekeeper." A ripple of laughter escaped Olivia. "Grams, I do more than just that, though," she said between chuckles. Elizabeth shot her a sidelong glance, shaking her head in mild disbelief.

As Olivia sifted through bills with methodical precision, one envelope made her hesitate before tucking it out of sight under the phone - some worries were better left unspoken. She turned back to see Elizabeth struggling to rise from her chair due to a knee crying out for surgery they couldn't afford.

"Wait, Grandma," Olivia said quickly, rushing to offer her arm. Elizabeth took it gratefully, a soft "thank you" escaping her lips. "What would I do without you?" Elizabeth whispered as Olivia helped her navigate towards the kitchen table where their dinner awaited them.

"I will always be here for you, grams," Olivia reassured her softly, conviction warming her words. Over bowls of homemade carrot soup and fresh bread, they shared stories and laughter within the red-brick walls of their three-bedroom house. It was no mansion, but it paid off and was filled with precious memories.

Once dinner was over, Olivia busied herself, cleaning the dishes and tidying the dining area. With gentle hands, she helped Elizabeth get comfortably settled into bed. A sigh of exhaustion escaped Olivia's lips as she retreated to her room. The warm cascade of water from the shower washed away the fatigue of the day, and only then did she surrender herself to sleep.

The setting sun draped the bustling Seattle streets in a warm, tangerine glow. Nestled within the heart of this urban jungle was a grand hotel, where Olivia manned the gleaming marble reception desk with practiced efficiency. She handled guest check-ins and inquiries with professional ease, but her mind often strayed to loftier ambitions-ascending the corporate ladder within the hotel industry seemed an enticing yet distant dream.

"Liv," a voice sliced through her daydreams. Olivia raised her gaze to find Emily King, her friend since the awkward days of middle school, standing across from her. Emily's presence was like an uncontained wildfire, wild and daring. Her brunette hair cascaded into a disheveled bun, contrasting sharply with Olivia's pristine look.

Emily's face was an intriguing mix of sharp angles and soft curves. High cheekbones gave way to a determined jawline that hinted at stubbornness. Her eyes were almond-shaped, sparkling with mischief under thick lashes that matched the color of her hair. The bridge of her nose was straight and narrow, leading down to full lips that were often pulled into smirks or grins.

Emily is slim with curves, hinting at hours spent in physical activities rather than behind a desk. She carried herself with an easy confidence that drew attention even when she wasn't trying. Her head was slightly oval-shaped, giving her an elegant look despite the disarray of her hair. It tilted slightly as she spoke, as if always ready for laughter or argument – whichever came first.

"Hey, Em," Olivia greeted, leaning casually against the counter. "Didn't expect you here today. Aren't you swamped with your art exhibit preparations?" "All taken care of," Emily replied with an indifferent shrug. "But I'm not here about that. You know I'm heading to Italy with my dad for two weeks?"

"Ah, yes, I remember you mentioning something about a graduation gift," Olivia replied, her smile radiating genuine joy for her friend. Emily hesitated momentarily before continuing, "So... my father proposed this idea-and I'm quite taken with it," she said, placing her hand on her chest, taking credit for it. "He suggested that you accompany us on our trip. I understand that your financial situation is a bit strained at the moment, but I can cover half of your costs," Emily blurted out in quick succession, punctuating it with a heavy sigh as though she had just finished a marathon.

Olivia's eyes danced with surprise and anticipation, but the monetary implications seemed overwhelming, even considering Emily's generous proposition. "Em...you don't know how much this means to me," Olivia began, her voice thick with emotion. "But every dollar I make has its purpose. Grandma's medical expenses, the bills... I can't afford to splurge."

Emily's body tilted towards Olivia, her eyes shimmering with a persuasive intensity. "I hear your worries, Liv," she began, her voice soft yet insistent. "But won't you at least think it over? This isn't some run-of-the-mill holiday-it's a chance that comes once in a blue moon. And considering you've never set foot outside the country... just think about." Olivia sighed, "I'll think about it, Em. But I can't promise anything."

"Emily leaned in towards Olivia, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she fluttered her lashes with a playful air. "Listen up, Liv," she began. "What if I let you in on a little secret? My dad is footing the bill for the whole trip. It's an all-expense-paid trip." Emily's excitement was palpable as she squealed with glee, unable to contain the joy of her revelation.

Conscious of their surroundings, Olivia responded with a noncommittal hum, her head bobbing slightly and one immaculately arched eyebrow raised in a clear display of skepticism. "Is that so?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued but her doubt evident, her voice laced with a hint of disbelief.

Emily laughed, rolling her eyes playfully. "Oh, don't give me that look! I know how your mind works. You'd feel much more at ease if I told you we split the expenses instead of my dad bankrolling everything. But honestly, we both need this after the rough couple of years we've had."

Before Olivia could respond, a figure appeared beside them - Tony King, Emily's father. He was an impressive man with hair that was more black than gray and a warm smile that hinted at years of wisdom gained.

"Olivia," he greeted warmly, offering his hand for a shake. Caught off guard by his sudden appearance, Olivia rose hastily from her seat to return the gesture with a respectful nod. "It's been quite some time," he said cordially as he shook her hand firmly yet gently. "How have you been holding up?" "Everything is going well, thank you, Mr. King," Olivia replied, feeling a warm flush creeping up her cheeks.

"Please, call me Tony," he said, his smile warm and inviting. I hope Emily mentioned my invitation for you to join us on our trip to Italy. It's all on me; you won't have to worry about anything," he added, leaning in closer to Olivia, his eyes crinkling with a friendly smile. "For her, it's fun. For me, it's business if you catch my drift," he concluded.

"Mr. King-ah, Tony, that's an overwhelming offer, but I..." Olivia faltered, her thoughts tangled in a whirlwind of clashing sentiments. The prospect of traveling to Italy was appealing, yet accepting such generosity felt daunting.

"Liv, please," Emily interrupted, her eyes wide and shimmering with unshed tears that echoed a desperate plea. She gave Olivia the most soulful look she could muster, reminiscent of a forlorn puppy. Her hands were clasped tightly together, knuckles white from the intensity of her hope.

"This would mean the world to me. You've always talked about wanting to travel, and now, here's your chance." Olivia took a deep breath, allowing herself to entertain the idea. "Alright," she finally relented, her voice quivering with excitement and trepidation. "Alright, I'll go."

"That's wonderful!" Tony exclaimed, clapping his hands together in delight. "Now, I must attend a meeting. Could you direct me to the boardroom, Olivia?" "Certainly, Mr. King. It's on the 6th floor. There's a lobby with a receptionist who can sign you in and guide you to the boardroom," Olivia explained, her professional demeanor resurfacing.

"Bye, Dad," Emily said. Tony had a warm smile on his face and gave a quick kiss on Emily's cheek. Tony thanked Olivia and walked away towards the elevator. "Swing by my place post-shift, alright? We need to hash out details for our adventure," Emily proposed. "Absolutely, I'm in," Olivia responded, a buoyant feeling lifting her spirits. "Splendid!" Emily chirped. "Catch you on the flip side, Liv." With that, Emily dashed towards the exit, her arms flailing joyfully in farewell.

As Emily left, Olivia felt a new sense of hope. For the first time, she believed that her dreams and ambitions could become reality. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of lavender and gold, symbolizing the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her life.

After her shift, Olivia slid into her car and drove to Emily's house, her mind buzzing with anticipation. She pressed the intercom, and the gate slowly swung open, welcoming her into a world that felt both familiar and surreal. The Georgian-style mansion exuded a timeless charm with its pristine white walls and elegant gray roof. Flanked by lush green trees, a graceful fountain adorned the driveway, creating a tranquil, almost ethereal ambiance.

The grand entrance swung wide as Olivia's heels clicked on the gravel driveway, revealing the figure of Mrs. King. The mansion, a showpiece of extravagance, stood majestically in her backdrop. "Olivia, dear," Mrs. King's voice rang out, her elegance undiminished by time - vivid scarlet lips and brunette curls testament to her timeless beauty.

Olivia was struck by Emily's uncanny likeness to her mother. The identical cascade of brunette hair that fell to their shoulders, the mesmerizing depth of their chocolate-brown eyes, and the sculpted elegance of their cheekbones were impossible to ignore. "Hello, Mrs. King. Your beauty is truly breathtaking as always," Olivia expressed sincerely, her compliment born from genuine admiration.

Mrs. King's graceful and poised laughter filled the air, adding to the house's welcoming atmosphere. Emily rolled her eyes playfully at the exchange. "Mom, Olivia, and I have plans to discuss." "Of course, honey," Mrs. King said, her voice warm. "Olivia, are you joining us for dinner tonight?" Olivia shook her head, a tinge of regret in her voice. "I can't tonight, Mrs. King. I have plans with my grandmother. But thank you for the offer."

"You're always welcome here, Olivia. Anytime," Mrs. King replied with a smile before gracefully retreating towards the kitchen. Seizing the moment, Emily grabbed Olivia's arm and led her up the grand spiral staircase with marble tiles. They reached Emily's bedroom, a sanctuary of creativity hidden behind a heavy wooden door.

The room was a vibrant tapestry of colors and imagination. The walls were adorned with Emily's art – a kaleidoscope of paintings and sketches that spoke volumes of her passion. A large easel by the window held an unfinished painting that seemed to pulse with potential. "I can never get used to all of this; your room is like stepping into another world, Em," Olivia said, her eyes wide with admiration. Emily's face lit up. "Thanks, Oli. This is my world. My art is my voice when words just aren't enough."

They sank into the plush turquoise couch, a comfortable and familiar spot where they had shared countless conversations. Olivia leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Okay, spill the details about Italy. What's the itinerary? Where are we staying? I want to hear everything!"

Emily's laughter filled the room, her excitement palpable as she bounced on her toes. "Patience, Oli! I'm piecing it together. Dad's handling the details, but I hope we start in Rome. Imagine us exploring the ancient ruins, immersing ourselves in history. Then, off to Florence, strolling through streets lined with art, seeing works by Michelangelo and Botticelli. And ideally, we'll end in Venice, gliding on gondolas through the Grand Canal, getting lost in its magical allure."

Both sighed in unison; a dreamy state enveloped them. Olivia's eyes lit up with excitement as she imagined herself in these iconic places-standing in awe before the majestic Colosseum, wandering through the enchanting alleys of Venice. The thought seemed almost surreal, too good to be true. "That sounds absolutely incredible, Em," she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy and disbelief.

"But that's not all," Emily added, a mischievous glint in her eye. "We can't visit Italy without experiencing the nightlife. While my dad's busy with his meetings, we'll have my cousin Michele show us around." Olivia nodded. "I'm thrilled about the food and sights, but the nightlife in a foreign country? That's a bit outside my comfort zone."

Emily playfully batted her eyelashes. "You should see Michele. He's single and, frankly, pretty hot. If he weren't my cousin, I would do him." "Em, that's...a little weird," Olivia let out an awkward giggle, clearly caught off guard. Emily's laughter rang out. "I'm just saying, he's a catch. And if you were to hook up with anyone in Italy, it wouldn't be the worst choice."

"Hook up with your cousin? Not happening, Em," Olivia retorted with a smile, playfully dismissing the idea. "Though, I haven't ruled out a little Italian romance." Emily's eyes widened with surprise and delight. "Oh? Do I hear Olivia Cooper considering a holiday fling?"

"La la la, I can't hear you," Olivia sang, plugging her ears with her fingers, both dissolving into giggles. Emily reached over, giving Olivia's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Okay, okay, no more matchmaking. But seriously, I just want this trip to be unforgettable for you. We're going to make memories that'll last a lifetime."

Olivia smiled softly, her heart full. "I can't wait, Em. It's going to be incredible." As the clock ticked on, Olivia realized it was time to head home. "I should go, Em. Grandma must be wondering where I am." "Of course," Emily said with a smile. "Say hi to your grandma for me." Standing up, Olivia wrapped Emily in a warm hug, and Emily returned the hug.