Chapter 7
An hour later,
I was back on a flight to Orlando.
Spencer didn’t make things difficult for me this time.
In fact, he personally arranged the ticket.
I knew it–this whole mess had his fingerprints all over it.
Now that he gave the green light, everything went smoothly.
He walked me to the gate.
Standing at the security checkpoint, Spencer hesitated.
Just as I scanned my boarding pass and stepped through, he called out to me.
“Valentina.”
“Is there really no chance left for us?”
I didn’t stop walking.
That, to him, should’ve been answer enough.
The flight from Miami to Orlando wasn’t long–just a three–hour trip.
I’d never been to Orlando before.
It was a bit cooler than I’expected.
But hey, it was still August.
Even further north, it was warm enough.
I checked into a cozy Airbnb I’d booked weeks ago.
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The Internet’s Favorite Couple Was My Marriage’s Worst Nightmare
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I didn’t want a fancy hotel–just someplace with a little warmth and charm.
And Orlando didn’t disappoint.
The woman who ran the place greeted me with a big smile.
“You’re running way later than expected–everything okay, sweetheart?”
I shook my head. “It’s all sorted now.”
“Well, that’s good to hear.”
“A young lady traveling alone–if anything comes up, you just let Auntie know, alright?”
I nodded and thanked her for being so warm and welcoming.
She asked if I’d eaten and recommended a few local diners.
Said they all served pretty great food.
Originally, I’d planned to start fresh in Orlando.
But since I’d just arrived… maybe relaxing a bit wouldn’t hurt.
I’d spent five years tiptoeing around Spencer, afraid to step out of line.
Worried I’d ruin his image.
Now, finally, I was free.
I followed the Airbnb host’s recommendation and went to a quiet little bar nearby.
It was calmest in the evenings.
They served a few snacks and light meals too.
I ordered some fried finger food and a low–alcohol drink.
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The Internet’s Favorite Couple Was My Marriage’s Worst Nightmare
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Chapter 7
Sat at the bar and listened to the live singer perform See You Again.
The bartender was polishing glasses when he handed me the barely–alcoholic drink–and
hesitated.
“You sure it’s safe drinking alone, sweetheart?”
I laughed and glanced at the drink, which was milder than pineapple beer.
“This thing’s got less than half a percent. Cut me some slack.”
He raised an eyebrow but eventually slid the glass over to me.
I took a sip.
It was super sweet, almost syrupy–zero kick whatsoever.
But after that first hit of sweetness came a sharp tang.
So sour it was almost bitter.
I frowned and asked what on earth he gave me.
He pulled up the digital menu, scrolled all the way down, and said, “You ordered the lowest–alcohol drink we’ve got. It’s called ‘Life.”
I pushed the glass away, unimpressed.
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“Wow, that’s way too artsy for a dive bar. No wonder it’s so empty in here.”
Turns out he was not just the bartender–he owned the place too.
He chuckled, a little embarrassed.
“Oof, straight to the heart.
But hey, the fried snacks were legit.
Honestly, I had a good night.
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The Internet’s Favorite Couple Was My Marriage’s Worst Nightmare
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Chapter 7
There weren’t many people around, so we ended up chatting.
I asked if there were any must–see spots in Orlando.
He said there were a few great nature trails and parks, but they’re best done with a car.
Shuttle buses were unreliable and ran on weird schedules.
I groaned. Finding a tour guide last–minute would be tough.
Plus, peak season meant rental cars were pretty much impossible.
I was frustrated, and I guess it showed.
The bartender sighed.
“Alright, fine. I’ll take you tomorrow.”
I looked up.
“Aren’t you supposed to run this place?”
“You’re the one who said no one comes in here, remember?”
www
“Gotta make that side hustle somehow.”
He shrugged, took away the glass of “Life,” and replaced it with chilled plum tea.
The singer had moved on to a Spanish ballad I didn’t recognize.
Her voice was soft, soothing.
I sat there listening for a long while.
I watched her perform…
And without me noticing, the bartender watched me.
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