I called Courtney and asked her to meet us here in an hour after Lory enthusiastically nodded. The three of us opted against going shopping again and instead chose to unwind by the pool. While Lory was still experiencing jet lag, I needed a break from all the shopping.

A few hours later, Lory was holding a chilly beverage in her hand and floating around the pool in a tube. "This is the life," she sighed.

Courtney and I were laughing as we dried off in the sun after our swim. Sunscreen, bikinis, girl talk, and sunshine made for the ideal day.

"Willow, you're a lucky girl," Courtney said.

I...