Love in the Maldives (2023)

[bunniefuu]

Dear Reader:

Travel teaches you

to trust your intuition.

That applies

to sketchy street food,

getting directions,

and even trying new languages.

And when you travel

the world solo,

your instincts

are all you've got.

Every trip I've taken has taught

me something about myself,

and this time, on my trip

to the Sapo Rainforest

in Liberia,

I learned that when

I'm face-to-face

with a deadly green mamba snake,

my brain tells me to run

but my instinct tells me

to stand my ground

because the danger you can see

is rarely as deadly as the...

Rae Parker, you're back.

- Got in a couple of hours ago.

- And you came straight here.

You didn't go home first?

No, I wanted to get

this draft done

while it's still fresh.

I'm gonna clean those up.

Since you're here,

come up to my office.

I want to catch you up

on a few things.

What do you think when you hear

the words, "Icon Magazine"?

Magazine for the modern woman,

fabulous, uh, intrepid...

International.

Oh yeah, no,

that was gonna be my next one.

Icon Magazine's going online.

We're finalizing a merger

with the publishers

of Lady Dame London to become...

Lady Icon.

Wow, okay!

Congrats, Shelley.

Lady Icon needs

to come out strong.

We need to show that,

while we're good on our own,

we're better together.

I have the perfect story.

Okay, imagine this:

A 27-day solo trip

down the Zambezi River...

Didn't you do that already?

Oh, uh, no, I think...

I think you're thinking

of the Saya River,

that one's in Russia.

This one is in East Africa...

Rae, you need to do

something different.

Okay, I can climb up the Denali

and then ski

back down the face...

You've already summited

more mountains

than I even knew existed.

Okay, uh, well...

where do you want me to go?

- I want you to go here.

- Oh.

An underwater resort

in the Maldives.

Oh...

No, it's... it's gorgeous.

It's just, I think

that trips like this

are more suited for honeymooners

rather than

solo adventure seekers.

Frankly, we're not sure

where "Reservation for One"

fits in the new magazine.

Your readership is dedicated

but it's small.

You need to draw in

the Lady Dames demographics.

Older, more sophisticated,

more luxe.

Okay, so...

what are you suggesting?

Extreme pool lounging?

We need to cut through the noise

and find a more personal angle.

Readers want to get to know

Rae Parker better,

not some bigger,

grander adventure.

I don't know, this is just...

This is really not me.

Think of it

as a luxury adventure.

Find the personal angle.

We need this

and the Liberia article

by the end of the week,

so I need daily updates.

I'll have my assistant sign us

into a shared cloud drive.

Smile, Rae, you're packing

your bags for paradise!

You might want to take a look.

It really is a great view.

I've been looking at it

on my vision board

for the past...

well, several years.

Turns out it's real.

Rae Parker.

I'm here on assignment.

Oh, Debra Hoffman.

Assignment? Huh.

I am too.

Sort of.

That's her plane.

Ready, Jared?

I'll catch up with you.

This could be your chance

to get your course out there.

She can let the whole world

know about it.

I just wanna do a good job

for the resort.

Shirt would be

a good place to start.

- Welcome to the Maldives.

- Thank you.

Rae Parker with Icon Magazine?

That's me, and, um,

that one's mine.

Oh.

Oh, we'll bring that

to your room for you.

- Oh.

- Is that all you have?

Yeah, that's all I need.

Um, mosquito nets,

iodine tablets, flashlights...

- Fresh coconut?

- Oh, yeah.

- Thank you.

- Well, I can assure you,

you won't be needing

any of that at the Marata.

I'm Jules,

Public Relations Manager.

Nice to meet you, Jules.

You and up to nine guests

will find everything

you could need right here.

Oh, it's just me.

I travel alone.

It's kind of my thing.

Uh, right there is fine, thanks.

Well, then you'll have

plenty of space.

Can I show you around?

Actually, I kind of have

a deadline

and I need to check in

with my editor.

Do you guys have Wi-Fi?

Of course.

The password is "paradise."

Anything else

I can help you with?

No, thanks,

I'm pretty self-sufficient.

Well, I do hope you find

some time to relax.

It's kind of our thing.

Totally.

Oh, I almost forgot.

Our Experience Director,

Jared Joseph,

he's on his way, should I just...

Yeah, just send him in.

- Enjoy your stay.

- Yeah, you too.

The Maldives, a beautiful chain

of coral atolls

in the Indian Ocean, is home

to hundreds of shipwrecks.

The story of one vessel

lost to time has captivated...

- Rae Parker?

- The Wandering Shipwreck

is a national legend

that just may be...

- Hello?

- A national fact

- just waiting to be discovered.

- Rae Parker?

The story begins

almost a thousand years ago

when the island nation

was first...

- Hello.

- Ahh!

- Hi.

- Hi.

That's quite the arm you got.

I am so sorry.

No, I'm sorry.

I'm... I'm Jared.

I'm the Resort Experience

Director.

Rae from Icon Magazine.

I write "Reservation for One."

Here.

- Thank you.

- Well, I'll be here to help you

with any experience you might

need for your magazine.

What can you tell me

about the Wandering Shipwreck?

- What about it?

- I write an adventure column,

and that seems like a great fit.

It does. Unfortunately,

it's more legend than fact.

What's the legend?

Well, the legend is

that there was a ship

called the Vakkankurun that sank

almost a hundred years ago.

It was carrying plundered

treasure back to England.

Every few years,

someone claims to have found it.

We actually call it

the Wandering Shipwreck

because every monsoon season,

supposedly it moves.

I love it.

So there's no sunken shipwreck?

No.

But have you seen the downstairs

part of your suite yet?

There's a downstairs?

You ready?

How is this even real?

A decade of engineering.

But what we're most proud of

is what you can't really see.

The structure was built

to be part of the reef

and give sanctuary

to a thousand species

that call these waters home.

That's a lot of fish.

Fish, mollusks, crustaceans...

Sharks?

Absolutely.

Hope that won't keep you

out of the water.

Oh, not at all.

That has column potential.

- Can I swim with them?

- Yeah, sure.

Nurse sharks and whale sharks

are harmless.

We do it all the time.

Actually recommend it.

There's a powerful peace

being in the ocean,

surrounded by life

but in tune with yourself.

It's a green sea turtle.

It's a good omen.

No matter how long I've lived

here, that never gets old.

- How long have you lived here?

- Almost ten years.

- Wow.

- Yeah, I know.

The Maldives isn't just where

I work, it's my home now.

Since there's no shipwreck

for me to find,

I need another angle

for my article.

Where should I start?

Well, I've actually put together

a list of activities

for you here at the resort,

and I personally recommend

the Clarity and Connection

yoga and meditation program.

Thanks, I'm... I'm good.

Meditation's not really

my thing.

It's a lot more

than just meditation.

You know, we help people

discover their inner self.

My inner self and my self-self

are in complete agreement,

and we were looking

for something

more like cave diving

or mountain climbing.

Okay, um...

We have, uh,

a hike to the jungle

that goes from one side

of the island to the other.

I can set you up on a tour,

or you can just...

go by yourself at your leisure.

And this time I'll be on

the lookout for the green mamba.

- The green what?

- The green mamba.

I almost got bit by one

a month ago,

and I heard its hiss

just in time.

You can read all about it

in next month's article.

Uh, I don't think

we have those here.

Well, I'll be ready

for whatever you do have.

Yeah, that's good.

Where do I find this jungle?

I'll leave you instructions

in the morning.

- Okay?

- Yeah.

Good evening.

Here's your drink.

Rae! Just checkin' in.

You sent me to sleep

with the fishes, Shelley.

Show me the view.

Oh, I'm jealous!

I could use a vacation

like that.

I'm not on vacation, remember?

I'm working.

I'm gonna send you

the Liberia article tonight.

I look forward to reading it.

- Aren't you tired?

- No, I'm powering through.

- Made some good connections.

- Oh?

Yeah, the hotel

Experience Director

seems like a good person

to know, in more ways than one.

But unfortunately,

he said there's no sunken ship,

so I'm gonna go get lost

in the jungle tomorrow.

Shipwrecks? Lost in the jungle?

Rae, sultans stay in the Marata.

Just write about that.

Great view. Five stars.

I'm serious, Rae.

Try to connect

to the actual place,

not just a thrill

you create there.

What if I don't have

anything interesting to say?

Just write about how it feels.

That's why you're there.

I'll come up with something,

don't worry.

I will leave no stone unturned.

Thanks, man.

You know, it's only

a matter of time.

Yeah, I know.

It's just so peaceful right now.

I don't want to see that

get ruined.

- Who else knows?

- Just us.

I never even told Jules.

How are you doing

since she left?

I'm coming to peace

with it, you know?

Well, I'm here for you, buddy.

We only have to keep it secret

a little longer,

and Zara's working

to get this corrected.

Or until monsoon season

washes it away again.

Yeah.

The ending's a little clich,

don't you think?

No, it's great.

I know it's similar

to the Nahanni article,

but it's not identical.

Plus, that was four years ago.

You're losing your touch, Rae.

Am not.

Okay, fine.

I'll come up

with something better.

Won't be needing this today.

I need to find a water source.

I'm ready for you, green mamba.

- Rae?

- Hmm?

What are you doing here?

Getting lost in the jungle.

What are you doing here?

Pranayama.

Prana-what?

- Breath work.

- Great!

I'm sorry, just...

keep breathing.

You guys are doing great.

Are you okay?

You look exhausted and sweaty.

I'm fine.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Is that, uh...

Clarity and Connection, yeah.

You teach that?

I do.

Oh.

Sorry for what I said...

It's fine.

Can I help you

get back on the trail?

I'll just show you on the map.

Oh no, I... I...

I like getting lost.

It, um, gives me

something to do.

You know,

ever since I was a kid,

I always liked finding

my way home.

So...

Head back.

I can get you a golf cart.

Okay, never mind.

Hey, do you wanna have

dinner tonight?

I know this amazing restaurant.

It's the most incredible

experience.

For you, that is.

Um, a reservation for one.

You... you see what I did there?

Yes. No, I see.

Uh, yeah.

Dinner, that's, uh, that's good.

Thank you.

I don't think I can...

Debra!

Are you eating here?

What? I...

No, no, no, no.

It looks very nice though.

- But you're all dressed up.

- What, this?

It's old.

You know, I would love

a date for dinner.

That's very... I wouldn't want

to impose, I really wouldn't.

Not at all. Let's go!

I...

I've never seen so many.

Tuna tartare.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

- Enjoy.

- Look at that!

You know, I'm starting to feel

a little guilty

about eating fish out here.

Why? It's what they're eating.

Have you noticed

that every other table here

is a couple?

I don't think I would've had

very much fun eating alone.

Is that why you were

hesitating before?

Don't! I'm so embarrassed.

Oh, don't be.

You remember I said I was

on a kind of assignment?

Let's just say it's not as easy

as I thought it would be.

What's the assignment?

My husband d*ed.

- I'm sorry.

- No, don't be.

Uh...

It was the best 30 years

I could've hoped for.

And as I say,

it was five years ago.

So, I just thought I'd be

a little bit more...

So, I set myself a list

of adventures, my Live It List.

And, um, here I am, so far away.

I've come all this way

for Jared's course, and...

I think it might be

a little bit too soon.

It must be really hard.

You are so brave

for coming all of this way

and taking the first step.

Thank you.

And take it from someone

that does this a lot,

like, a lot:

There is nothing wrong

with traveling alone.

Hmm.

Good evening, ladies.

Are you enjoying your dinner?

Yes, it's delicious.

And beautiful.

Was there anything else

I can get you two?

I hear the oysters

are really good.

Oh, and I imagine fresh.

The freshest you've had.

Okay, well, if that's a promise,

then yes,

I would love some fresh oysters.

It's a promise.

Well, if you don't mind,

I think I'm gonna call it

a night.

All that traveling.

But I would like to thank you

for a very lovely evening.

It was a pleasure,

and don't worry,

I have a bunch of work to do.

Okay.

Look over there!

Your oysters.

Bravo, sir!

Where'd you learn

how to dive like that?

I learned from a good friend.

- Mm, yum.

- His family's been pearl diving

here for generations.

Sounds like my kind of fun.

Where do I sign up?

It takes a long time to learn,

and a lot of practice,

all right?

I swim every morning.

How long?

I have a column to write.

Well, the first step

is breath work

which, as you know, is part

of the Clarity

and Connection program.

I know you're not interested,

but maybe it's worth asking

yourself why you're so resistant

to being introspective.

I am not resistant!

Right.

You know, I might understand

where you're coming from

better than you think.

What do you mean?

Well, before I came here,

I thought that I always had

to be pushing forward

or I'd fall behind.

Well, in the publishing world,

that's literally true.

Yeah, but sometimes

it's valuable

to... to slow down

and look and see

if the path you're on

is truly what you want.

I thought being a doctor

would make me happy.

I worked relentlessly

until I actually stopped

and listened to my thoughts,

then I realized that that's not

what I wanted in my life.

No matter how hard I worked on

it, it wouldn't make me happy.

You know, I needed

a different path.

- Wait, you went to med school?

- Yeah, why?

Is that hard to believe?

No, it's just...

it's just so not you.

No, it wasn't.

So you just gave it all up

to come out here and...

pearl dive and teach yoga?

It was a little less

straightforward than that,

but I guess it's the gist.

You know, and now

I get to help people

make discoveries

about themselves.

I like that.

It's kind of what I'm trying

to do with my column,

help people face their fears.

Okay, how about we meet

in the middle then?

Come with me tomorrow

and I'll give you

your first free diving lesson.

Do you have any experience

in the water?

Scuba certified.

That's perfect.

Let's say, uh,

we'll meet at the activity beach

at 10:00 a.m.

Good night, Jared.

Good night, Rae.

Hey.

Workin' late?

Bookings are pouring in.

Need anything?

Really, you too?

It sells rooms.

They're gonna look

for it anyway.

So how are things going

with the reporter?

You got her signed up

for Clarity and Connection yet?

She's a classic case of,

"I'm too busy

to work on myself."

Hmm.

Sounds like she needs it

more than most, then.

Well, whatever she needs,

it sure isn't what she wants.

She's just one guest, Jared.

There'll be others.

She's interesting though.

Don't give me that look.

Good night, Jared.

- You goin' in?

- Hmm? Oh, me?

No! Although it is on my list.

But no, I'm working

my way up to it.

I can feel it.

Are you sure?

I'll be right here.

Oh, thank you, Rae.

But no.

Today is about relaxing

with a good book.

I've been meaning to read that.

I actually think

I preordered that.

This one? You know,

I think this came out

about three years ago.

What are you waiting for, Rae?

Really?

Tell you what,

I've almost finished it.

Um, when I have, it's all yours.

Good morning, ma'am.

- Your coconut.

- Oh, you legend!

Enjoy.

All right, I'm ready!

- Good morning, Rae.

- Morning.

- Excited, can you tell?

- I can.

- Where we goin'?

- All right, look,

if we're gonna count this

as a formal lesson,

then there's a few things

we gotta go over first.

First step is breathing.

We use box breaths,

so we're gonna inhale

for four seconds,

hold for four seconds,

exhale for four seconds,

then... you guessed it...

Hold for four seconds.

Okay, let's try it.

So, in...

two, three, four.

Hold, two, three, four.

Exhale, two, three, four.

Hold, two...

three, four.

That was yoga, wasn't it?

Just a little bit.

All right,

let's get you some gear.

Say cheese!

- You ready?

- Yeah.

The water's so clear!

The best ocean in the world.

Come on.

You're doing great.

Now, the real reason

we came here?

Follow me.

- Whoo!

- That was so cool!

Rae, you look like

you got some sun.

Oh, I did.

Thinking of finding something

to do around here tonight.

Oh, well, there's Sunset Samba

at the beach pavilion.

- It's my night to lead.

- Dancing? I don't know.

We're having an underwater disco

at the end of the week.

- I'm in.

- Good.

Do you think you can

find yourself a partner?

Yes, I think I know

the perfect person.

Great, yes, I'll put you down.

And you, what do you...

What do you do

when you're not working?

I like to sneak away to surf,

but it's been ages

since I've done that.

Yeah.

You know, if you think about it,

we both do for work

what other people do for fun.

Hm. Doesn't mean

it's not work, though.

That's true.

- What's this?

- That is

the Wandering Shipwreck Hunt.

It's a dive tour that searches

for the sunken treasure

of the Vakkankurun.

- Why is Jared on this?

- Jared didn't tell you?

He was with the divers

when they found the gold.

- They found gold?

- Yeah! Isn't it exciting?

It was just one piece,

so they can't prove

it's from the Vakkankurun,

but it looks right.

- Can I take this?

- Of course.

Oh, um, and I just realized

that I've been meaning

to read the same book

for the last three years,

so you should take some time.

Go surf.

- Oh, hi, Rae.

- Hi.

What do you know about samba?

Oh, I know absolutely nothing

about the samba.

- Why?

- It sounds

like it's time for a lesson.

Five, six, seven, eight.

- Five.

- Ooh.

I'm so sorry.

One and two, three and four.

- Five and six, and seven...

- Right and then...

and eight.

Great! Excellent, nicely done.

Let's grab our partner.

We're gonna pair up.

I think we're ready to add

that spin we practiced.

Five, six, seven, eight.

One and two, three and four,

- five and six...

- Oh, dear.

Disaster, disaster.

That's okay, we're having fun!

Fun.

Fun, fun, fun, fun.

I don't think this is fun,

you know?

I think it's embarrassing,

I think people are laughing.

Nobody is laughing at us

except maybe ourselves.

Oh, gee, I... I, um,

it was a great try, Rae,

but I don't think I can do this.

- Totally understand.

- I really appreciate

the invitation, I do, I just...

- Great! Nicely done.

- I just can't.

All right, don't worry.

I'm adding the music now.

Five, six, seven, eight.

Five and six, seven and eight.

Sunset Samba partner, stat.

Go.

Oh, hi.

Is this meeting you halfway?

Yeah, something like that.

Wow!

Nicely done, everyone.

Give yourselves

a round of applause.

So, do you make a habit

of coming out of the ocean

like a mermaid?

I was coming back from a dive.

Ah.

Searching for serenity?

No. But I did find this.

It's gorgeous.

So, the Vakkankurun...

Ah, yes.

You didn't tell me

they found gold,

that you found gold.

That's because I don't want you

wasting your time here

on some tourist nonsense.

What did you find?

On a dive a lot like today's,

one of the divers found

a small piece of gold.

Yes, it could be

from the Vakkankurun,

or it could be from anything.

Doesn't mean that it's close.

But it could be.

Yeah.

It could.

But now every tourist

with a scuba t*nk

wants to go searching for it.

Sounds like an adventure to me.

No. The hunts are traps, okay?

They... they throw garbage

in the ocean

and let the divers find it.

Jared, this is the story

I've been searching for.

I have done a lot of things,

but a sunken treasure?

This would put my column

on the front page.

Did you hear anything

I just said?

Oh, just a fake pirate thing.

I want you to help me.

You know this area.

Look, Rae,

what's beneath all this

is worth exploring,

but not because of

some mythical ship, okay?

Here.

Keep this as a reminder

of what's real.

No, I couldn't.

No, I want you to have it.

And I'll think about it, okay?

Good night, Rae.

I wanted to apologize

for earlier.

I just, uh, oh, I don't know.

I panicked.

It's okay, really.

I'm sorry that I pushed you

to be my partner.

No, it was good.

I tried something new.

It didn't work out perfectly,

but the world didn't end.

So, I want you to tell me

about your assignment.

Oh, well,

I'm a magazine columnist.

Really? What do you write?

I write a column called

Reservation for One.

It's all about

all the adventures you can have

while traveling alone.

- You're kidding.

- No.

When I say I eat alone

all the time, I mean it.

Well, clearly,

I need to read your column.

Ooh, speaking of reading,

it's all yours.

- Any good?

- You're gonna love it.

Couldn't put it down.

I just need to find the time

to read it.

Jared, you made it.

Thanks for having me.

What's wrong?

I can't hide anything from you.

Welcome to my world.

Who is she?

No, it's strictly professional.

Strictly professional with who?

Spill the beans.

There's a writer,

and I'm trying to help her

find a topic for her article.

It's been tough,

I really want to help,

but she's just not interested.

You mean in you or your course?

Both.

This is the week

Monica is returning.

Have you seen her

since she left?

No.

It's not just that.

Sometimes I wonder

if trying to bring

Clarity and Connection

international

is just a waste of time.

Don't be silly.

People love your course.

The big-sh*t writer doesn't.

She will.

You have to keep the faith.

What's that?

This is my story.

Is that a personal story

about staying

- at a luxury resort?

- No, this is...

This is gonna be

so much better than that.

Are you sure? There's a lot

riding on this, Rae.

Yes.

Tick-tock.

Debra!

Oh!

Is Jared here yet?

Uh, I haven't seen him.

Um...

Yoga.

- Wait, are you doing yoga?

- Uh...

Please do yoga.

If you will, I will.

It's on your list, isn't it?

Possibly.

Then I can do yoga for you.

That counts as exercise, right?

Absolutely.

- Morning, ladies.

- Morning.

Um, do you have a minute

to talk?

Well, class is about to start,

but we can speak after.

That's why you're here, right?

Of course.

Right, let's get started.

Thank you.

- Morning, everyone.

- Morning!

Hope everyone is ready

for some fun,

a little bit of a challenge.

Right, so I'm gonna lead you

through a series of poses

that allow us to be

fully present in each moment.

So, I'll have everyone stand.

Coming to the front of your mat,

feet together.

All right, so we're

really just finding

our balance here.

Pushing our weight

down into the floor.

And we're gonna reach up,

both hands nice and high.

Feeling a deep stretch,

looking up.

Put our hands together

and come to our heart's center.

We're gonna forward fold,

reaching down into the ground.

We're gonna step back

into a deep lunge...

raising our arms up

into Warrior One.

Arms up high.

Gonna flip our arms sideways

into Warrior Two.

We're gonna reach forward

with one arm

and reach back with the other.

Keep that deep lunge

in the front leg.

Very good.

A little deeper in the leg here.

Perfect.

Very good,

get this a little higher.

Very good.

Just gonna sink our hips down,

relax the shoulders here,

and looking forward.

Perfect.

Great, we're gonna come

to the front of our mat.

Feet together.

Wow, I actually enjoyed

a yoga class.

Something is definitely wrong.

- You were awesome, Debra.

- I was...

I was awesome.

You know, I was wondering

if maybe there was room for me

in that group

meditation class later.

Absolutely. I'll save you a spot

at the beach.

Thank you.

Both of you.

Ooh, Rae, if you fancy a bite,

just drop by later.

Yeah, I'll be there.

So you helped Debra

come to yoga?

Why are you saying it like that?

I just thought

that maybe it'd be you

that needed the convincing.

I decided to meet you halfway.

Remember when you said that?

Well, now I need you

to meet me halfway.

The Vakkankurun.

Ah, the truth comes out.

I'm not expecting to find it,

but maybe the search itself

is enough.

Sounds like something

I would say.

Will you help me?

Rae...

I would love your help,

but, um, I'm gonna look for it

either way.

I need this article

to save my career,

and my career is my life.

So...

- Morning.

- Good morning.

Is this where I sign up

for this?

Yes, we have dives tomorrow

at 9:00, 1:00, and 5:00.

Great, put me down

for all of them.

Our first dive this morning

will be in

a shallow atoll lagoon

where you should be able

to see...

You are fully booked

for the next six weeks.

- Wow.

- Keep it up,

you'll be able to bring

Clarity and Connection

wherever you want.

Yeah, I don't think

it's ready for that.

Yes, it is. What's not ready?

I'm not ready.

I have to focus on the people

that are here right now.

I saw that Rae showed up

for a few activities yesterday.

- That's a good sign, right?

- No.

She's just searching

for information

about the Vakkankurun.

I think she's off

doing that right now.

So... help her.

Is that what you want

her article to be about,

searching for

some mythical treasure?

Are you just thinking

about her article,

or are you thinking about her?

This isn't like Monica, Jared.

Whatever it is

Rae is searching for,

this is your opportunity

to help her find

what she really needs.

Yeah, I just... I don't want

to lead her

in the wrong direction.

Struggling students

need extra attention.

If you can't help her, who can?

Jared, hi!

I want to show you something.

Welcome back.

Hi, look at this.

Wait.

What do you think?

Rae, I'm sorry,

this isn't real gold.

It's probably left over

from one of those

treasure hunts.

Listen, I thought

about what you said.

If the search is enough,

I think I can help you.

- You can?

- Yeah.

My friend, Zara, lives in Mal.

She's a cultural historian.

She knows everything

about the Maldives,

including the Vakkankurun.

So you're gonna help me find

the shipwreck?

I didn't say that,

but I'm off the next two days

and we can go visit her.

You can see the capital city,

and she can teach you

all about it.

Yes! That sounds great.

Oh, thank you.

What is that?

What's what?

That melody.

Is that the Give Me Fridays?

- You know that band?

- Yeah!

They were only the soundtrack

to my first Arctic expedition.

I had their album on repeat

during college finals.

Fridays aren't as good

as my Saturdays

- It's a great song.

- Great song.

Yeah.

Well, I'll get a boat ready

and we'll leave

tomorrow morning?

Sounds great.

So Jared gave you this recipe?

He said it's the key

to his relaxation.

Ah, but what is the key

to his abs?

- Debra!

- What?

I might be grieving,

but I'm not blind.

Are you reading my column?

And loving every word.

It's inspiring.

So, does that mean

you'll be my date

- to the underwater dancing?

- Absolutely.

- Good.

- One hundred percent.

- Great!

- Unless I chicken out.

One step at a time.

You're an amazing writer, Rae.

I can't wait to hear your take

on Clarity and Connection.

Yeah, I don't know.

All this inner world stuff

isn't really my thing.

An assignment like this

would have to be a challenge...

particularly with a distraction?

What distraction?

Anyone who knows

what to look for

can tell that fate

is pulling you two together.

Mm-mm, ew.

I do not believe in fate, okay?

I... I...

I choose my own path.

And what a path.

Have you always been

such an adventurer?

Since I was a kid,

um, I wanted to be

either an explorer or a pilot,

you know, control my destiny.

I think no matter who you are,

a little clarity and connection,

it's got to be

a good thing, right?

Maybe you could think of it

as scaling inner mountains.

I mean, I know

I hope I get up there,

get a good look around.

No, I... I respect your journey,

but mine is not about finding

what's in here.

It's about finding

what's out there.

This is Mal.

It's a small island

but a big city,

one of the most densely

populated in the world.

It's so different

than the resort.

There are over 1,200 islands

in the Maldives

and they're all different.

The king used to be called

the Sultan of 12,000 Islands.

Wait, 1,200 or 12,000?

Kings tend to exaggerate.

And believe it or not,

Mal used to be a walled city.

On an island?

I've never seen

so much scooter traffic.

Somehow, it all works.

Oh, thank you.

Hi.

Look how tiny.

Have you ever tried stone apple?

What is this,

like a tiny little apple?

- Yeah, kind of.

- What is it?

Apple's weird cousin

that no one likes to talk about?

Well, maybe it's gonna be

all you want to talk about.

Mm, yeah, this is nothing

like an apple.

- Jared!

- Hey!

I'm so glad you could

join us tonight.

- I'm making garudhiya.

- Zara, this is Rae.

Rae, this is my friend, Zara.

Hi! Nice to meet you.

I'm so excited to learn

about the Vakkankurun.

We're going to see Shakhir

before we stop by.

Oh, does he have a release

tonight?

- What kind of release?

- You'll see.

We'll see you in a little bit.

Like an album release?

So this is my favorite spot

in the Maldives.

- Why is that?

- Jared.

Shakhir.

Shakhir, this is Rae.

Shakhir taught me to pearl dive.

- I owe it all to him.

- It's good to see you.

- How are you holding up?

- I'm good.

And, Rae, it's nice to meet you.

You're just in time.

Yeah, thanks

for letting us come.

Do you want to see them?

They're so cute and tiny!

We can't touch.

They hatched earlier,

but we collect them

and release them all together

so that they have

a better chance of survival.

Right now is a perfect time

to set them

on their new big adventure.

Now, we don't put them

right in the water.

We put them in the sand

because this beach will be

important in their future.

Years later,

when it's their turn to nest,

they're gonna come back

to the same spot.

Jared will show you.

Come on.

Thanks, Shak.

Wait, how will they know

how to come back home?

It's imprinted on them forever.

Well, I say this guy

is ready to go.

Okay.

So we're gonna gently

put this on the sand

and tilt it up slowly.

Ooh, sorry, little guy.

Let the adventure begin.

Good luck out there, kiddo.

Thanks, Shakhir,

that was amazing.

Before you leave,

I have a gift for both of you.

Show me your hand.

Black pearls are

a symbol of hope

for wounded hearts.

That's too much, Shakhir.

- You too.

- Oh!

When the string breaks,

return the pearls to the ocean.

True love has been found.

Thank you.

- Tell Zara I said hi.

- I will.

Please, make yourself at home.

Your house is so beautiful.

Thank you.

So, tell me,

why do you want to know

about the Vakkankurun?

From what I know

about the story already,

it sounds so unique.

The Wandering Shipwreck.

The story begins

with the treasure.

The Koimala treasure,

named after the first king

of the Maldives,

was stolen in the 12th century.

- Wasn't it cursed?

- Yes,

until it was returned

to our people.

How did it end up on the ship?

For hundreds of years, it was

just missing in the Maldives.

Until the British came.

Ah, somehow,

it's always the British.

They tried to take

the treasure to India

on a ship, the...

- Vakkankurun.

- Yes.

Its name means "burglary,

theft, and robbery."

- Appropriate.

- The ship sank,

but no one knew where.

Now it just drifts

from place to place,

wandering the sea.

That's a great story.

But how much of this

is actually true?

- All of it.

- Really?

Yes. Zara's grandfather

was actually part of a plan

to sabotage the ship

before it left the port.

They didn't want to leave it

to the curse alone.

See why I don't want

tourists going

and looking for the ship?

Yes, I do.

- That smells great!

- They're back.

Let's eat.

Rae, this is my brother,

Nishan...

- Hi.

- And my husband, Jai.

Hi! Nice to meet you.

Thank you all

for welcoming me here.

- Welcome.

- It's our pleasure

to have a new guest in our home.

Especially when Jared

brings us someone

who already feels

like part of the family.

Smells so good.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you.

Five stars.

- I'm on dish duty.

- You absolutely are not.

That's for the boys.

So you're having a good time

in the Maldives?

Oh, yeah. Today with Jared

just opened my eyes to so much.

You two seem good together.

I haven't seen Jared this happy

in a long time.

He's always running away

underwater.

And when Monica broke his heart,

I wasn't sure

if he'd ever come back up.

Tell me about Monica.

She worked with Jared

at the resort,

even made plans to take

his course around the world,

but it wasn't meant to be.

And since then,

he's been a bit...

adrift.

Like the Wandering Shipwreck.

Yes, and just like it,

Jared has a heart of gold.

When I first got here,

that story was the only one

I cared about,

but he's so passionate.

He makes me feel like

I can find something

to write about.

Rae? We should probably go,

it's getting late.

It's too late to get on a boat.

I'll make up the guest room.

Jared, you can have the couch.

I don't mind the couch,

but are you sure

you want to trade five stars

for a twin bed?

There's no place I'd rather be.

Thank you, Jared, for today.

You've seen why I moved here

and now you see why I stay.

I'm really happy

I got to share that with you.

Come on in, you two!

She's a good one.

How's the article going, Rae?

It's gonna be fine.

Remember,

it needs to be personal!

It needs to appeal...

The Maldives is working

its magic on you.

It's not just the place.

I'm really glad I came.

Me too.

So do you think

you found something

worth writing about?

There's so much I want to say.

There's one more thing

I want to share with you,

but it can't be in any article.

Is that...

What?

Don't let me forget this.

There's a south-moving current

and a light tailwind,

so we should probably...

Let's jump in!

Hey!

Look what I found.

It was on the deck of the boat.

This is definitely valuable.

Yeah.

How has no one ever found this?

Well, it's not near anything.

And when someone found

a piece of gold,

I might have put down

the wrong spot on the map.

I'm gonna throw it back.

It belongs to the Maldives.

We could take a picture first.

So you can remember.

It's not like

I'm gonna forget this moment.

It's a big secret to keep.

It's safer that way.

I've only shown this

to my closest circle.

I'm in your close circle?

I would say so.

I'm really glad

you got to see it.

So what do you got planned

the rest of the day?

Well, beach is calling me,

but I think I'm gonna write.

I need to come up with

a new angle for my article.

Not a shipwreck angle.

But I think

there's a story here.

I just need to give it time,

let it reveal itself.

Well, as you know,

the resort does offer

a lot of nice solitary areas.

Might actually help you find

what you're looking for.

Yes, you're right.

I think I know

just where to start.

Well, see ya.

Rae.

Yes.

I'll see ya tonight.

Good morning!

Welcome to Spa Retreat!

Just follow me, please!

Debra!

Rae, hi!

You're back!

You look different!

What is it?

Brighter somehow.

Thank you!

You look different too.

Look at me

having a meal on my own.

Ah.

It's been good to be here.

Clear my mind.

You know, I see now

I can move forward,

I can be a part of the world,

have adventures,

and I can take Donny with me

every step of the way.

That's just beautiful.

So, will I see you

at the dance tonight?

Will I see you

at the dance tonight?

You will!

And I may even dance!

Oh!

Well, I'd better go get ready.

Ladies?

It's a silent disco,

so while we all

listen to music and party,

it is Do Not Disturb

for the fish.

This is so much fun!

I hear the music

This is my song!

DJ, turn it up now

I'm gonna dance till I drop

Rockin' to the b*at,

got my hands in the air

All eyes on me

They can't help but stare

Wow.

Hi.

Hi. You wanna dance?

See how I shine,

I'm at the stop sign

When I walk your way

You want to beg

See how I shine,

I'm at the stop sign

I'm on the big screen

I'm in a movie scene

I am a catwalk queen

And I'm livin' the dream

Rockin' to the b*at

Got my hands in the air

All eyes on me

They can't help but stare

This is our time

You are all mine

See how I shine,

I'm at the stop sign

Hey, look who it is!

Um, sorry, I have to go.

Okay.

You ready?

Does he ever take a day off?

It's hard to tell.

Wonder who that was

who was talking to him.

Oh, I met her in the Koto Grill.

Her name is, um... Monica.

Hey!

There you are!

I came back to the dance,

but you were gone.

Um, I wanted to apologize

for leaving so suddenly.

It's okay.

You didn't really miss much.

Except the Samba.

And me doing the Worm.

Well, I really hope

I get another chance

to see that sometime.

Look, um...

I don't want to complicate

anything in my life,

or yours, or Monica's?

Right, of course.

I should've

said something sooner.

My ex-girlfriend Monica

flew in today

for her honeymoon,

and she wanted to introduce

her new husband

to all of her old work friends,

so I had to be there

for her sake.

You know, for a long time

I believed Monica and I

were heading in

the same direction in life,

and it turns out

she was pursuing another path

with someone else.

Oh.

- Sorry.

- No, it's okay.

I'm happy for her.

Really.

Especially now.

- Jared...

- Hey, are you hungry?

I know the perfect spot.

Of course you do.

Come on.

I've only ever seen

this kind of thing on TV.

It's a Maldivian tradition.

I know this probably happens

all the time around here,

but for me, this week

has been very special.

Yeah, this most definitely

doesn't happen

for me all the time.

It's been a special week.

Plus, I'm sure guys

are taking you out

for candlelight dinners

all the time in New York.

Not like this.

Not at all, really.

People come and...

People go?

You kind of just get used to...

- Saying goodbye.

- Saying goodbye.

I know what you mean.

Living here, almost everyone

you meet is temporary.

You know, resort guests

are flying out

just as soon as

you've gotten to know them.

But for those of us

that live here,

we're like a family.

If you could go

anywhere in the world,

where would it be?

Somewhere cold.

I'm serious.

I really miss seasons.

Just like a snowy day

where you don't feel guilty

staying in.

Oh, yeah,

I used to love snow days.

Just listening to the snow

fall off the trees.

It's kind of like

its own meditation.

Wait, you just gave me an idea.

I've been trying to develop

Clarity and Connection

into something that

I can bring around the world,

but I've been missing a hook.

What if I used unique elements

from each location?

Like here,

we can dive the reefs.

Himalayan salt cave sound bath,

thermal hot springs in Iceland.

Yeah, you get it!

Mhm.

I just think

that would be so special

to connect to each place

in a unique way.

Is this...

Give Me Fridays.

I don't know this song.

Is this a...

Samba.

Just slower.

Did you plan this?

Well, we missed it at the dance.

And we practiced.

Oh, wow!

Sparkly.

So cool!

It's the bioluminescence.

The water reaches

the right temperature

and all the algae glows.

It's awesome, so cool!

Just when I thought

you had quit on me!

Hi, Shelley, sorry,

I went on this crazy expedition

yesterday

and I was away from my computer,

but I had a revelation.

Now, hear me out.

It's still me in the column,

but what if there's also...

A sunken shipwreck.

What shipwreck?

The one you were diving on

with Captain Owns No Shirts.

I was worried, Rae,

but then I opened

our shared drive

and you really delivered!

I can't wait to see

the column about it.

But what about the column

you wanted?

Something personal?

No one even knows

about the sunken ship, so...

You're telling me

you discovered it?

That's unbelievable!

I asked for

a luxe vacation story

and you found gold!

Literally!

Shelley, I can't write about it.

I... I promised I would

keep it a secret until...

Don't be ridiculous, Rae,

you're a journalist!

I asked you to write

something special,

and this is special.

I can't.

This will save your column,

guaranteed!

And frankly,

if you don't write about it,

- someone else will.

- Shelley, I...

Get it done by tomorrow.

Clock starts now.

Maruhabaa, how may I assist you?

Have you seen Jared?

Jared.

I need to tell you something.

Whatever it is, I'm not sure

I'm gonna believe you.

What do you mean?

Your editor just booked out

a block of bungalows

for the camera crew

she's sending over.

To film the exploration

of a sunken ship

newly discovered by Rae Parker.

She has the exact location

of the Vakkankurun, Rae.

How?

There's only a few people

that know about that,

and you're the only one

that works for Icon Magazine.

- Jared, I can explain.

- I have to go.

I really trusted you, Rae.

I can't come up with anything.

He's never going to talk to me

ever again.

It can't be that bad.

Oh, it's that bad.

Jared wants something from me

that will make me lose my job,

and my job wants

something from me

that will make me lose Jared,

so either way, I lose.

Talk to him.

It's a big solo adventure again.

My thing is solo adventures.

I don't think I want

to be alone anymore.

Admitting that is brave.

Of all the places I've been

and all of the adventures

I've had,

I think this is

the scariest of all of them.

Journey of the heart.

Sounds like something

worth writing about.

My column is about being single

and seeing the world.

Since reading

Reservation For One,

I've grown and changed,

and I think it's only fair

that Rae Parker should get

to grow and change, too.

And I think your readers

would agree.

You teach people it's okay

to go out in the world

and do things on your own.

It's a good message.

But take it from someone

who knows.

When love reaches out,

reach back.

How'd you get so wise?

Mm, I read a lot.

Jules!

Oh, Rae!

I hope you enjoyed your stay.

I look forward

to reading more of your work.

No, I can't check out yet.

I have to talk to Jared.

Jared's left, Rae.

I'm so sorry, he took off

on the resort boat.

But he'll be back

before I leave, right?

He, uh... he asked me

to give you this.

Take as much time as you need.

The last flight's

this afternoon.

A pearl.

I can make things right.

This is Shelley Stevens

with Lady Icon.

Leave a message!

Hey, Shelley, it's Rae.

I can't give you

the Reservation For One column

that you asked for.

I'm just not the same writer.

Actually, I'm not

the same person

that I was when I arrived.

But, um, I think this could be

some of my best work yet,

and, uh...

I hope you agree.

Any word from Jared?

Sorry, Rae.

Thank you, Jules.

This week was truly special.

Well, I hope

we see you again soon!

You'll always have a room here.

You knew where to find me.

This beach is imprinted on me

forever.

I'm sorry, Jared,

that Shelley found the location

of Vakkankurun.

I did not mean

for that to happen.

The truth is...

I think I'm falling for you

and it scares me.

I handed in my column.

I'm calling it Table For Two.

It's about the time

I went to go find a shipwreck

and ended up

discovering something

way more meaningful.

I'm falling for you, too.

I don't know what happens next,

but I know that

I want you to be a part of it.

I realized that the only thing

holding me back

from taking my course

to the world was me.

I'm ready to take a chance,

I want to travel the world

with you.

I think I'd better take this.

Rae Parker, I can't even.

You read what I sent?

Read it? I devoured it!

It has everything!

Romance, drama, self-discovery.

And you're okay

with not publishing

- the location of the wreck?

- Okay with it?

What publisher wouldn't want

a serialized adventure

that already has a good ending?

We could publish the wreck

once it's more protected

or wanders off again.

Is that

your new column companion?

Rae, I love it.

Thank you.

Okay, I'd better go!

Bye.

So, you'll be my partner,

in person and in print?

As long as you do the writing.

Dear Reader:

They say,

"No matter where you go,

there you are."

But sometimes

it's precisely where we go

that changes who we are.

Travel opens our eyes,

and when we're really lucky,

it opens up our hearts.

It has been an honor to be

entrusted with your hearts

for all these years.

These days, I've made

a little more room in mine

and I hope you will, too.

Looking forward to growing

and changing as always,

together.

Hot off the press.

"Getting Lost, Finding Myself,

and Falling in Love."

Table For Two's feature debut.

Wow.

Well, your work's gone to print.

My international course

starts in a month.

Where do we go next?

We can go wherever we want.

But for now, I'm going in.