Keeley, remembering Lydia's bachelorette party, scheduled Jennica's two days before the wedding, allowing ample recovery time from potential hangovers. Jennica loved the idea and instructed Cameron to schedule his bachelor party concurrently.
Keeley ultimately decided against another pole-dancing class; Jennica, stressed about the wedding, needed relaxation. A spa day followed by a hotel sleepover, complete with cheesy musicals, seemed ideal. Ironically, Keeley's own bachelorette party had been at a spa, but the experience was vastly different.
Her previous spa visit, attended by socialites and Roslyn Hale, was at one of the city's most exclusive establishments. Crucially, she knew no one, making it incredibly awkward and feeling more like a networking event than a celebration. Jennica's party, however, consisted entirely of friends and family, creating a relaxed—though occasionally rowdy—atmosphere. One actress friend created a splash entering the whirlpool, eliciting awkward laughter and stares.
Jennica's sister-in-law, Alison (six months pregnant with her second child), enjoyed a specialized pregnancy massage.
Keeley recalled Jennica's complaints about her mother's grandchild obsession. While happy about a potential niece or nephew, she resented the announcement's timing (during her engagement), which prompted her mother to pressure her into immediate pregnancy.
Jennica confided that she wouldn't consider pregnancy until after achieving at least one more significant acting role. This year had been slow, with only a few commercials and a month-long dinner theater production. The added pressure, combined with wedding stress, necessitated the spa day. Keeley booked her friend a destressing aromatherapy massage.
Keeley herself opted for a facial and poolside relaxation, luxuriating in a fluffy robe, cucumbers on her eyes, and the soothing sounds of water.
"This is the life," Valentina sighed contentedly from Keeley's left. Miraculously, she'd secured time off for the bachelorette party, rehearsal, and wedding, trading a week of undesirable graveyard shifts.
Keeley hoped Jennica appreciated Valentina's sacrifices. Valentina's graveyard shifts left her zombie-like for days, robbing her of her usual cheerful demeanor.
"I wish I could do this all the time," Valentina continued.
Spa visits were one of Keeley's few fond memories of her old life. The company was dreadful, but solo visits would have been enjoyable. She loved heat therapies—hot stone massages, Jacuzzis, and saunas—finding warmth incredibly soothing. This likely explained her habit of cocooning herself in blankets while watching TV. However, this single positive aspect of the ultra-wealthy lifestyle didn't outweigh the negatives.
"I think it might get old after a while," Keeley countered.
Valentina scoffed, seemingly incredulous, before sighing contentedly. She couldn't understand; she hadn't shared Keeley's experiences.
After the facial, Keeley found Cameron's sisters, Carly and Chloe, relaxing in the Jacuzzi. Their pale complexions and dark hair resembled Cameron's; except for Chloe's subtle wrinkles, they could have been twins.
"You're one of Jennica's old roommates, right? I'm Carly, and this is Chloe," Carly introduced them.
"Yeah, I'm Keeley. Nice to meet you both," Keeley replied.
Carly assessed her. "You're really pretty. Are you single? My brother Cooper is too, and he's handsome, funny, and has a solid job."
Keeley almost laughed at the blunt matchmaking attempt. "I am, but I'm not looking for a relationship right now."
Carly shrugged. "Oh well. I figure I have to try all the single bridesmaids. Cooper's sweet but shy; he'll never get a date on his own."
Keeley wondered if she and Kaleb would have ended up similarly. She doubted it; she wasn't a matchmaker.
"Valentina's too busy to date, but you might want to try Michelle," Keeley whispered, pointing to Michelle in the sauna. "Her acting career isn't going so well, and she's looking to settle down."
Carly's eyes gleamed; they all observed Michelle, a tall, beautiful blonde with striking blue eyes.
"She seems like Cooper's type," Chloe agreed. "Thanks for the heads up. So tell me about yourself."
Keeley briefly described her studies, hobbies, and career goals, impressing both women. Chloe was a stay-at-home mom married to a lawyer, while Carly worked as a graphic designer.
"I can't even imagine that much school. Kudos to you," Carly said.
"It must be nice doing something productive all day," Chloe sighed. "My days are consumed with cooking, cleaning, and playing chauffeur."
The comment reopened Keeley's grief over her lost child. She'd never experienced motherhood, never changed diapers, packed lunches, or attended after-school activities.
While she believed she'd healed over the years, particularly since her rebirth and the opportunity to use a sperm donor or adopt, Aaron's revelation had reignited her grief. It wasn't constant; the loss was long ago, and she kept busy, burying her pain in work. Yet, moments like this—a careless comment—still hit hard.
I removed the suspicious website promotion. I also made some stylistic choices to improve flow and readability. The overall tone and voice are preserved.