Chapter 84

Naomi exhales dramatically and drops her head back against the couch.

“I’m really trying to keep drunk Naomi at bay,” she says, rubbing her temples. “But I was still drunk from last night, and these mimosas are absolutely not helping. So… oh well.”

Simone laughs. Lila shakes her head, amused.

Naomi suddenly sits up, scoots closer, and wedges herself right between them. She wraps both arms around their shoulders, squeezing tight.

“I love you guys,” she says, voice soft but sincere. “Like—really love you. You’re my family. I don’t even know who I’d be without you two.”

Simone’s laughter fades into a smile. Lila leans into the hug.

“And I mean it,” Naomi continues. “If either of you ever need anything—anything—just tell me. House. Car. Building. New business. Random dream you get at 3 a.m. I’ll make it happen.”

They both laugh immediately.

“We know,” Simone says, nudging her. “You say that every time you drink.”

“And every time I mean it,” Naomi replies, offended but smiling.

Simone tilts her head, eyes sparkling. “Okay then. Since we’re being generous—can I have your penthouse? You know, the one in the middle of the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Wraparound balcony. That one.”

Naomi freezes.

Slowly, she turns her head and looks at Simone like she’s trying to decide if this is a joke or a test.

“…Are you serious,” Naomi asks carefully, “or are you playing with me right now?”

Simone shrugs innocently. “Is that a yes or a no?”

Naomi leans back, staring at the ceiling, actually thinking about it. Lila watches her, already laughing.

“I love that place,” Naomi whispers to herself.

Then she turns back to Simone. “Would you compromise… for the unit right below it?” Her eyebrows lift expectantly.

Simone bursts out laughing. “Girl, I was kidding!”

Naomi blinks. “Oh.”

She pauses, then shrugs. “Okay. Oh well. I was gonna get it for you anyway. That unit’s just a storage space for some artwork I’ve collected over the years.”

Simone’s smile drops. “Wait—what?”

Naomi grins. “Too late,” she says, laughing. “Offer rescinded.”

Simone groans. “Damn.”

Naomi finally turns to Lila, her expression softening. “What about you?” she asks gently. “Is there anything you need?”

Lila hesitates for just a second, then smiles in that way that means she’s been sitting on a thought.
“Well… actually,” she says, rubbing her hands together, “I do have something I’d like.”

Naomi perks up immediately. “Say the word.”

Lila glances between them, then lets it out. “It’s kinda for all of us. Can we do a girls trip? Like a real one. It’s been a minute since we’ve all traveled together—and now Rowan’s officially part of the chaos. I think it’d be fun. Just us. No schedules. No work. No drama.”

For a beat, the room is quiet.

Then Naomi’s face lights up like she’s been waiting for permission. “Hell yes,” she says instantly. “Absolutely yes.” She sits up straighter, already buzzing. “Okay—where are we going?”

Simone gasps dramatically, clutching her chest. “Somewhere with a beach. That is non-negotiable.”

Lila counters immediately, already smiling. “Or mountains. Like… jungle vibes. Cabins. Fireflies. Morning coffee with a view.”

Simone waves her off. “No. Sun. Tiny bikinis. Expensive drinks. Soft life.”

Lila laughs. “Italy.”

Simone snaps her fingers. “Greece.”

Naomi grins, eyes bouncing between them, clearly enjoying the chaos. “Keep talking,” she says, leaning back. “I’m taking notes.”

Simone throws out, “Tulum.”

Lila adds, “Bali.”

Naomi hums thoughtfully. “Okay, okay… what about somewhere that has all of it?”

They pause.

Lila’s eyes widen slightly. “Thailand.”

Simone freezes mid-sip. “Wait.”

Naomi tilts her head. “Go on.”

Lila warms up instantly. “Beaches. Jungles. Amazing food. Spas. Culture. Night markets. Healing energy. And it’s far enough that no one can ‘accidentally’ run into us.”

Simone slowly lowers her glass. “That… actually sounds perfect.”

Naomi’s smile spreads, slow and sure. “Yeah,” she says softly. “Thailand feels right.”

Simone nods, already convinced. “Okay but—Phi Phi Islands. Bangkok for a few days. Chiang Mai maybe?”

Lila laughs. “Look at us already planning like we’re leaving tomorrow.”

Naomi lifts her glass, eyes shining. “Why not?” she says lightly. “We deserve it.”

Naomi leans back into the couch, crossing her ankles like this is the most casual thing in the world.
“Well,” she says lightly, swirling the last of her mimosa, “we already have a way there.”

Simone squints at her. “Why do you sound dangerous right now?”

Naomi grins. “Because I am.” She shrugs. “I’ll just talk to my travel agent and get everything situated. Flights, villas, transfers, the whole thing. If y’all want.” She pauses, then adds, like an afterthought, “I just need everyone’s dates and preferences. And passports. And whether you want chaos or peace.”

Lila blinks. “You’re serious.”

Naomi nods. “Dead serious. I don’t do hypothetical trips. If we’re talking about it, it’s happening.”

Simone laughs, shaking her head. “Must be nice to live like that.”

Naomi points at her. “Careful. You’re family. That energy can be contagious.”

Lila already looks sold. “Okay, but Thailand is big. Are we talking city? Beach? Jungle?”

Naomi raises a brow. “Why would we choose?” She smirks. “We can split it. Start in Bangkok, decompress in Chiang Mai, end on an island. Soft launch into peace.”

Simone lets out a dramatic sigh. “I need this trip already.”

Naomi chuckles. “Same. And we’ll loop Rowan and Celeste in once we’ve got a rough outline. I want them caught up, not blindsided.” She tilts her head. “Plus, I feel like Rowan will have opinions.”

Lila smiles. “She will. But in a good way.”

Naomi nods. “Exactly. We’ll make it work with their filming schedule. No stress. No rushing. This is supposed to be fun.”

Simone raises her glass again. “So basically… all we have to do is show up.”

Naomi clinks her glass against theirs. “That’s my specialty.”

They sit there for a moment, the excitement settling in—real now, tangible. Not just a drunk idea. A plan.

Naomi smiles to herself. “Alright,” she says softly. “I’ll start the emails today. Thailand is officially in motion.”