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.