Part 1:
Salzburg is quite the city. It isn't surprising why it gets millions of visitors each year and is one of the top winter, as well as summer, destinations in the world. Clear blue skies, mountains covered in snow in the winter, the city is surely magical to young and old alike. Something always happens in Salzburg that allows people to find an adventure each time they visit. Of course this time wasn't any different as eight friends found themselves choosing Salzburg for their meeting one winter.
Being in an online book club would seem boring for some but not for Summer, Elisabeth, Andrea, Pierre, Antonio, Jia, Ace and May, the eight friends who had just arrived in the beautiful city on a beautiful morning. After checking into the same hotel, the popular Bristol Hotel, their first time meeting was only a few, short hours away. Each of their rooms was fascinating and they couldn't take their eyes off the decorations as they unpacked their suitcases.
Although being the only American out of the bunch, Summer, a nineteen year old NYU student, spoke different languages and had studied about European culture that would come in handy now that she is in Europe. Summer is the smart blonde with glasses, who may love to shop but doesn't necessarily fit the whole "shop-now-study-later" type of girl. Her good looks may have helped her get into a bar once in a while but her brains got her so much further than that. She is one of the best students in her field, which is Literature, and will surely graduate with many honors once that time comes.
Then we have a lovely English girl named Elisabeth who isn't as "lovely" as some label her to be. Sure she's English and therefore many expect her to have manners but let's just say that many people have pushed the wrong buttons with her. Oddly she gets along the best with her Internet buddies and is always there for them. This English rose looks sweet on the outside but can get quite sour on the inside. Elisabeth may only be twenty-two years old but she already owns a bookshop in London that has gotten an impressive number of customers in the past few years. She is just your typical bookworm even if that's not the impression people get when they first meet her.
As Summer and Elisabeth were both in their rooms and getting ready for the dinner that the group is having, Andrea was already done getting herself ready. The German girl, who wasn't always as smart as she looks, was looking out her window at all the lights on the street just outside. Her eyes looked up to notice the sky getting darker and the nightlife just starting to take form. Austria seems to be quiet during the day but it has its fair share of parties at night. Sighing softly to herself, she glanced at her watch on her left wrist just to make sure she wouldn't be late to the dinner. It was funny how they all met in an online book club and three years later they decide to meet up. That thought, of finally meeting her best friends in person, brought a smile to the blonde's face.
Pierre is one of three guys in the group of friends who is also one of the most successful ones. Most of them are students but Pierre's student days are over and he is now a proud artist, living his dream of creating inspiring works of art such as paintings and various sculptures. Pierre has that irresistible French accent that can get him any girl he would want but because he isn't just like the rest, he doesn't use his accent or looks to get women. He actually has a brain and a great personality that seems to be working just as well for him.
Antonio is another one of the men in the group. He is an Italian who owns his own café in Rome that attracts many tourists which is very good for business. He is one of the guys who is more sensitive than he looks. Despite being the muscular type of the bunch, he isn't afraid to show his sensitive side at all. Just like Andrea, Antonio had already gotten himself ready for the dinner. Fixing his shirt and applying some cologne, he waited a few more minutes before stepping out into the hallway. He made sure to take his room key and wallet with him before walking over to the elevators. It would only be a matter of time before he'd meet everyone and he couldn't deny the nerves.
The Chinese girl named Jia, who was still a student at college, decided to wear a traditional Chinese dress to the dinner that evening. She was quite an outspoken, smart and attractive girl who was way too excited for this meeting. Looking into the mirror, she brushed her long, dark hair one more time. Everything seemed to be going according to plan and the dinner was getting closer and closer. Taking one last look in the mirror, she took a deep breath and went out into the hall, making sure to lock her room. As she walked towards the elevator, she noticed a handsome man standing there and waiting as well. Could that be one of the guys? They all had already swapped pictures online and as she got closer to him, a smile appeared on her face.
"Antonio?" she called out, waving to him, as her pace quickened now.
The restaurant of the hotel was nearly packed but thankfully the group had reserved a table and planned ahead. Imagine finally meeting and showing up with nowhere to sit and talk. Their table was ready for them and the first two to arrive were Ace and May. Ace, the Australian guy with the gorgeous eyes, and May, the geeky girl from New Zealand. Ace had walked into the restaurant and was the first to be seated at the table, followed by May. Being as quiet and shy at a first meeting, she approached the table with a shy smile and wasn't really sure what to say at first.
"Uh…hey…Ace, right?" she said, her voice already sounding a little shaky. With a dreamy smile, he stood and nodded as he extended his hand to her, "Yes, that would be me, love. Don't act like you don't know me," he teased and instead of that handshake, wrapped his arms around her. May was taken aback by the hug but hugged right back before they both sat down. The rest of the gang slowly but surely began to show up and the evening could finally begin.