Rhea and I have only been in Stonewick for two days, but I already want to go back to the city. I’m afraid Kevin might come back and cause trouble at the hotel. I worry that Samer might find out about the commotion that happened here. Ugh, what Kevin did was really embarrassing. But Brent might be right that it’s been a long time, and it might be better for me to forgive Kevin.
“Rhea, what do you think about what Kevin did earlier?” I asked Rhea while we were having lunch.
“He’s cute,” Rhea replied.
“What? I didn’t ask if he’s cute or not, you’re so vague!” I scolded Rhea because her answer was far from what I asked. “Wait, do you like Kevin? Are you attracted to him?”
“Hmmm, kind of, Miss. He has beautiful eyes, like they’re speaking, and the veins on his hands, oh my! I feel like I might get pregnant just by looking at him,” Rhea said.
I was really surprised by Rhea’s words because we’ve been together for years, but I had no idea she was not only emotional but also flirty! Well, she doesn’t have a boyfriend yet.
“Kevin is really kind, Rhea,” I told her.
“But if that’s the case, why won’t you forgive him? Poor guy, Miss,” Rhea said, fully taking Kevin Park’s side.
I sighed at Rhea’s words. Maybe it’s time for me to forgive Kevin like I did with Brent. “Do you want us to visit him at his place?” What? Is that even right? Are we going to Kevin’s house? Hmmm, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to do that since Kevin’s family is really nice.
“Really?” Rhea almost couldn’t believe my suggestion.
For countless times, I sighed again while contemplating my next action. Of course, I don’t want to be seen as flirty, especially when Brent is in Stonewick.
“Get ready,” I said after checking the time on my watch.
Actually, Kevin’s house wasn’t that far from the hotel. We could walk, but we might reach Kevin’s place at night, so it’s better to be prepared.
“Yayyy… thank you,” Rhea said excitedly and immediately rummaged through her bag to pick out the clothes she’ll wear.
I was amazed when I saw her choice. “Hey, think twice, Rhea! Is that really what you’re going to wear?” I reprimanded Rhea because I know she’ll look like a spring roll once she wears that outfit.
“Yes, so Kevin will be more captivated by my beauty,” Rhea replied.
I had to restrain myself from laughing at what she said.
“You’re already beautiful, but that outfit doesn’t suit you. Kevin doesn’t like women who dress too provocatively, those who almost reveal everything.” I convinced Rhea to change her chosen outfit.
“What should I wear then?” She asked, confused.
“Just keep it simple, like me. Something like what I’m wearing,” I said, twirling in front of her to show that shorts and t-shirts are perfectly fine in Stonewick.
“Hmmm, okay,” Rhea agreed and put back the previous outfit she picked.
I was happy that I finally convinced her because I don’t want her to be labeled as too vain by our nosy neighbors.
“In thirty minutes, we’ll leave, but drop by the restaurant first, I’ll have something cooked as a gift for Kevin’s family.” I told her before leaving Rhea.
As I walked to the lobby, I thought about how I would talk to Kevin. I tried to feel myself to know if there’s still anger in my heart. Hmmm, it seems like there isn’t. I think I’ve been prolonging things unnecessarily.
“Leaving again?”
“Brent, you’re impossible! Didn’t I tell you not to startle me!” I scolded him because he’s so stubborn. Can’t he understand what I said?
“I didn’t mean to startle you! I just happened to be in the area and saw you,” he tried to explain.
“What are you doing in this area when you know there are no guests yet? Are you kidding me?” I asked him.
“I promise I didn’t mean to see you here. Or maybe it’s just fate that we meet here today,” Brent said.
Ha? Fate? I just shook my head at what Brent said and raised an eyebrow at him. “Stop it, I might give you a memo. Did you forget that I’m the HR Officer here?” I challenged him to continue disturbing my peace of mind.
“A memo right away? On what ground?” The man asked.
Hayys, if I really entertain him, I might end up hurting him. “Insubordination,” I answered.
“You’re too much, Jamie. For old times’ sake, can’t we just be friends?” Brent’s tone became serious.
“Can ex-lovers or ex-spouses really be friends?” I also sounded serious because, if it were up to me, there should be no connection after a break-up.
“Why not? Before two people become a couple, they start as friends first. Like us, right?” Brent insisted that two people who used to love each other can still be friends.
“I just can’t accept that Kate and Samer can still be friends,” I admitted the truth to Brent.
“Why don’t you stay with me?” Brent tried again, so I looked at him disapprovingly.
“What’s the difference between you and Samer? Besides, you still have Michelle, right? Plus, I already love Samer, and that won’t change,” I asserted.
“Do I really have no chance in your heart?” The man asked.
“No,” I said.
“Hmm, well, I’ll still try.” The man declared, trying to win me over again.
“Try what?” I got curious about what he said.
“I’ll try to make you fall in love with me again,” Brent said.
“Maybe we should just accept the truth that we were brought together but not destined to be,” I told him because it’s useless for him to try, as he said. I already love Samer, and that won’t change.
“You loved me before too, so there’s a chance you’ll love me again.” The man insisted.
I was really annoyed with what Brent said to me, so I decided that after talking to Kevin, I would go back to the city. I already miss my dogs, but most of all, I miss Samer. I feel like we’re so far apart from each other while I’m staying in Stonewick.
I left Brent in the hallway because our conversation was going nowhere. He kept insisting that I should come back to him. Of course, I won’t do that because I believe that trash should be recycled. We’re done, and comebacks are out of style!
But as I was going downstairs, I suddenly remembered what happened on my high school graduation day. That was the beginning of my hardships, and Kevin was the reason it happened to me.
Actually, I shouldn’t just blame Kevin. Brent is equally at fault. He got me pregnant and left me, but Kevin played a significant part in my suffering! I wiped the tears from my eyes as I walked towards the restaurant. Every time I remember that scene, it still hurts. There’s still a pang in my heart that I can’t get rid of.
I sat in a corner while waiting for the food I ordered when a man suddenly appeared in front of me, the same man I’ve been fantasizing about seeing again. I blinked my eyes several times to make sure I wasn’t just imagining him. I was afraid he might be a product of my imagination and would disappear when I blinked.
“Hello, baby,” he said as he took my hand and kissed it.