... but they don't quite make it outside yet

They made their way to first entrance door where Abbie had half-heartedly played hostess for a bit earlier that day (until they got overly distracted by too much of the party). As they passed through and entered the hallway that would eventually lead back outside to the parking lot, they saw a few people gathered.

"The last few stragglers?" said Abbie, gesturing to the group ahead.

Jake peered at them, trying to make out who was there. "I think that's Staci and Phil, and ... some other people I don't recognize."

They walked along the hallway, visually confirming that yes, it was Staci and Phil. They seemed to be just lingering by the door bidding farewell to departing guests. As Abbie and Jake approached, Staci met them halfway down the hall.

"Oh good, you two are still here!" Staci said, clearly pleased to see them.

"We were just heading out. It was a great party. What a stunning place!" Jake's enthusiasm was a bit ****, but it didn't seem like Staci noticed.

"Well, I'm glad I caught you." Staci looked back to Phil, who smiled. "Look, this is a little awkward, but ... well, we'd like to extend an invite to you both for some additional party stuff this afternoon."

"What sort of stuff?" asked Jake, also wondering why it was awkward to Staci.

"Some of our friends and family are joining me and Phil on a cruise this afternoon!"

"Wow, you guys have a boat?" said Abbie.

Staci shrugged at first, her eyes darting around coyly. Then she couldn't resist a smile, and her expression turned to one of excitement as she elaborated. "Well, yes. It's my father's pride and joy, actually. You won't believe how incredible it is. Picture this: a 70-foot yacht, a floating palace of celebration on the water. It's spacious, with plenty of room for everyone to spread out and revel in the joy of the moment."

Her hands animatedly traced the contours of the boat in the air, and it seemed that Staci was falling more in love with the boat as she described it. Jake's eyes widened as the story went on, torn between two disbeliefs -- either the reality of the boat, or the fact that he and Abbie were being invited to attend.

"And then there's the deck! It's like a glamorous stage for sunbathing and immersing yourself in the beauty of the water. The wind in your hair, the views, and it's a perfect day for sailing, don't you agree?"

Abbie giggled. "I do!" She looked at Jake. "I don't know anything about boats or sailing, but I'm sure it's a perfect day."

"And you are correct!" Staci sang, her enthusiasm growing. "Now, let me tell you about the inside. There are cozy rooms if you need a break from deck life. You can find a quiet corner to relax ... or have a quiet chat with Phil or me. And the kitchen is fully stocked, food, beer, wine, whatever you want, I know it's there."

She looked back and forth between Jake and Abbie, a wide smile beaming across her face.

"Um," stammered Jake.

"Come on, I know it's last minute. Look, originally, it was a small group, just the wedding parties, but then some folks opted out. And just now, Phil's friend Aguri and his girlfriend -- did you meet them? -- anyway, they decided they need some private time." Staci took Abbie's hands. "Listen, Abbie, I have loved getting to know you a little bit, and I know that you specifically are going to love this party." She turned to Jake. "And if Jake is into you, then I'm quite sure that he will like the party too."

Abbie smiled curiously. Staci was implying something about Abbie and this party, and yet Abbie couldn't imagine what, since they'd only just met. Still she was eager to go.

Staci put her hand on Abbie's arm in a surprising but not necessarily inappropriate display of friendly intimacy. Both women looked down at Staci's hand, but quickly made eye contact again. "So what do you say? You guys want to join us?"

Abbie looked at Jake, and then quickly back to Staci. "Of course! We'd love to join you. Thank you so much for including us!"

Staci clapped her hands. "Excellent. Oh, this is excellent." She gave Abbie and Jake a quick look up and down, which only added to the sense of mystery she had been painting. "I don't suppose you brought swimming stuff, did you?"

"Ooh, no, we didn't." Jake looked at Abbie, his brow furrowed. "Do we have time to go back to the hotel to change?"

Staci made a face suggesting that they probably didn't. "I don't think so. We're actually leaving from here -- we got a stretch limo!"

"Whoa!" exclaimed Abbie. "I've never been in a limousine before."

Staci got excited again. "You're going to love it. It seats, like, fifteen people, and it's got a bar, and I think it's decked out with lights and who knows what." She confided with Abbie. "Truth be told, I've never been in a limo either!" She turned back to Jake. "So ... no, there's not time to go back and get stuff, I'm sorry."

"Is there a pool on the boat?" asked Abbie. "Sorry if that's a silly question, but I've never been on a fancy boat before."

Staci giggled. "No, not a pool. Just the cove that we'll be sailing in. The water is a little chilly, but if the sun is beating down, you might want to leap overboard to cool off." She looked toward Phil. "You know, I think Phil has an extra suit in the car, believe it or not." Glancing back toward Abbie, she continued. "But I don't. Sorry, Abbie. Do you ... still want to go?"

"Absolutely!" said Abbie. "And if I need to swim, I'll jump in the water like this. It's just clothes and it's just water."

Staci laughed. "Amazing. You're so right -- it's just clothes and it's just water. I love it." She looked down the hallway toward the main entrance to the club. "I think the limo is probably here. People are gathering outside. You ready?"

Abbie grinned. "I'm always ready. Let's go."

Staci walked up ahead, exiting the country club to catch up with the crowd that had filed outside, and Abbie and Jake followed close behind. Jake held the door for both women, and then stepped out into the sun.