THE SUN started rising from the ground, and the orange light gently covered the indigo and purple sky.
I observed some tourists who woke up early to go jogging and even some who were already submerged in water to take a swim. I drew a deep breath and slowly paint a smile.
"Hey, are you ready?"
I looked up at Devon, who was wearing complete jogging attire. He was ready to run after stretching.
I stood up and slightly stretched my arms and hips.
"Ready!" I assuredly said.
I prepared myself to run and straightened my gaze to the east.
"We do the basic running for now," he said before I ran with him.
As he said, we were just slow. I knew he could speed up the run if he wants to, but he didn't.
We ran along the beach, a few meters away from the seashore. This is because the road was flatter than right by the sea.
I feel like my blood was flowing well in my body. My sweat also dripped after we went back to the front of the hotel a few times.
"I thought you couldn't keep up with me. I'm so impressed!" He gasped as we both sat on the sand.
I didn't answer first. I filled my lungs with air and breathe out heavily.
"I-I thought I wouldn't," I answered while catching my breath.
"Water?"
He handed me the bottled water, which I accepted and immediately opened. I took a few gulps before I poured it on my face.
"Haah! I feel refreshed!" I smiled.
"You have the most beautiful smile," he said, so I glanced at him. His two hands were behind his back as he turned his gaze to me. The sweat was dripping over his face down to his masculine body. I wanted to admire his beautiful physique, but I firmly restrained myself.
"Thanks." I accepted his compliment because I had no choice.
"Let's have breakfast together!" He came to me, and I started to stand up.
My smile faded, and I looked up at him as if the sun was freely shining on my body.
"You don't have a job now,' no?" I giggled.
"Yes!" Then he presented his palm to me.
I reached for it to stand up, but he never let go of my hand as we both headed back to the hotel.
"What do you prefer to eat?" he asked. I was about to answer when I noticed Jeff's group on the beach umbrella.
Jeff squeezed his eyes shut and gritted while Skye and Zach waved at me. Rexon was also there, sitting at the lounge comfortably while wearing his dark sunglasses. I avoided paying attention to them. Instead, I pulled Devon inside the hotel.
"Is it okay for them to see us together?" he asked.
It doesn't matter if they see me with another man. After all, I'm not doing anything wrong. Another thing was that I don't work for Rexon anymore, so I don't have to worry.
"It's okay. I'm already hungry." I pulled him into the hotel.
Now I realized that it was really nice to talk to Devon. He was full of humor. My first impression of him as he's serious because of his work. I get comfortable with him quickly because he doesn't run out of jokes.
"Thanks for bringing me home!" I opened the car door wide. I ride along with the service van of the staff.
"No problem." He smiled at me.
"Just thank you!" I even patted his arm and smiled. "Ah, you want to come in first?"
"No, maybe next time. It's a little late," he uttered.
"All right. Just be careful on the road." I smiled at him and waved, waiting for him to disappear from my sight before I closed the door.
My smile faded when my back hit the closed door. It was as if reality had forced me back into the fact that I no longer had a job. I bit my lips hard and held back the tears.
"Oh, Cherry, you're already home. Have you eaten yet?" It was Dad's voice, so I opened my eyes and gave him a wide smile.
"Yes, Dad. I have something for you, as well as Aunt Melva and Andrew." I quickly handed him the paper bags I was carrying.
"You shouldn't have bothered anymore." He seemed to feel embarrassed.
I picked up a paper bag that contained the polo shirt I had bought for him before we left earlier. "Dad, that's for you. Go, try it now! I'm sure you'll be more handsome when you wear that," I exclaimed.
"I don't need new clothes, Cherry." He smiled at me, and that smile caressed my heart.
"Dad, if you're thinking about money, don't worry because I bought that at a 'buy one take one' sale." I laughed a little and lifted another polo that looked like he was wearing but a different color.
"Thank you for being a hard working daughter." He pulled my arm and hugged me tightly.
I could do nothing but leaned on his chest and closed my eyes. At that point, I felt tears want to peek into my eyes.
"Is there a problem?" He rubbed my back as if he felt the emotion I was suppressing.
"No, I just missed you." I hugged him tightly while holding back my tears.
If only I could tell him all my problems. I knew he could give me good advice, but I would rather not tell him. I don't want him to worry about me because I don't want him to stress and overthink, especially in his current condition.
Maybe, I won't just say that I was fired because tomorrow I will also fix my resume immediately to find a new job.