Shay's POV
I softly knocked on the door and tried to balance the huge pizza box in my hand with the bottle of rosé in the other.
Ever since that night during our company dinner, I've developed a strange liking for rosé, which is so not part of the list of wines I usually like. A minute later, the door finally opened, revealing Sylvia in her sweats with her hair in a messy bun on top of her head.
There were also flour prints on her cheeks.
"I thought you went home already." I smiled and quickly nodded my head happily.
"I was about to, but then something amazing happened, which is why I'm here to celebrate!"
She eyed the things in my hands, and then her mouth slowly curved into a smile.
"Well, you're in luck; I just finished making some goodies."
She stepped to the side for me to go in, and I quickly did, making my way straight to her kitchen, super curious to find out what she was making before I came. A loud gasp escaped my lips when I saw the delicious, warm chocolate cupcakes displayed on her counter.
"You didn't!" She smirked at me and grabbed the pizza box from my hand.
"Yes, I did. The plan was to bring them to you tomorrow, but since you're here now, help yourself."
Sylvia knows I have a crazy addiction to chocolate cupcakes ever since I was a teen, but since I can't involve them in my diet, I had to force myself to stop. But it's not helping when she made them look so yummy with thick chocolate icing on top and freshly taken out of the oven.
So, maybe it wouldn't hurt just a little bit to try them out tonight.
"So, what's the good news?" Sylvia asked curiously.
I walked toward the counter and sat down on the barstool while placing my handbag on top. I waited for Sylvia to finish getting the plates and the wine glasses, and after we'd had a few bites of pizza and a few sips of wine, I started to tell her what happened a few hours ago. Her mouth formed a perfect "O" after I finished telling her everything, with a surprised look on her face.
"No way!"
I nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes I know."
"I can't believe he just easily turned everything around like that. Like damn... he's actually good."
I smiled and sipped my wine slowly, but when a sudden reminder popped into my mind, I groaned out loud and ran my fingers through my hair.
"What's wrong?"
"The thing is, we have to put that date on hold because I'm leaving tomorrow, remember? With Shawn?"
Her eyes slowly widened in realization, and she leaned back away from the counter.
"Oh right. But what's all this about again?"
I sighed and leaned my head on my hand propped on the counter.
"He's going to Hawaii for a vacation, but Dad just wants him to be away for a while until everything cools down at the company. So he asked me to go with him, and I can't say no because he's still my brother after all, and I would do anything for him. The problem is, I already said yes a few weeks ago."
She made a noise with her tongue and slowly shook her head.
"How long will you be there for?" I shrugged and sat up straight.
"After a week, because I already applied for leave from work, and that's what it says on the slip."
Her eyes lit up, and she suddenly sat up straight and picked up her wine glass.
"Well, that's great. While you're away, I'll make sure that Jason will only be occupied with work, and if any of his girly friends start showing up, then they'll have to go through me first."
I chuckled and grabbed my wine glass, clinking ours together. I know she means well when she says that, so I repeatedly told myself that nothing is going to happen while I'm away for a week. I can trust Sylvia because, after all, she was the one who told me to go after my feelings for Jason, and she'll respectfully push aside her own because Jason likes me back.
I just hope everything remains the same when I get back. Including Jason's feelings for me.
OoO
I happily sat in my seat and glanced out the window.
The SUVs that brought us to the runway had finally left, and Shawn walked down the aisle and sat in the seat in front of me. He quickly thanked the air hostess who finished pouring champagne in our glasses before walking away. He turned his attention back to me and grinned broadly.
"I'm happy that you're coming with me. I know I'll die of boredom if I go alone."
I mustered up the energy to smile and heavily leaned back in my seat.
"Well, that's why you have me."
I looked out the window and forced the smile on my face to remain intact.
It's not that I don't want to go with my brother to Hawaii, it's just that the timing feels so wrong. I know I'll always be thinking about Jason when I'm there, but I also want to show my brother that I'm excited to be on this vacation with him, not just for his sake.
But how am I supposed to do that when Jason is constantly on my mind, wondering what we could've been doing if I didn't go on this trip?
Shawn suddenly sighed heavily, and my eyes snapped back to him.
"Okay, that's it. I know you don't want to go with me, so just spit it out."
I frowned and quickly sat up straight.
"What? No! I do want to go with you to Hawaii."
He gave me a look, and I quickly glanced down at my entwined hands resting on my lap.
"It's okay, I know you, Shay, and I can read you like a book. So if there's something else you were supposed to do today, then go. I'll be fine on my own, and I don't want you to feel troubled or anxious if you come with me. Go and do whatever you were supposed to do with that guy you like. Just be careful, okay?"
I wanted to feel happy, but I kind of feel bad for my brother for going on a vacation alone. I grabbed my coat, stood up, and gave him a hug.
"Thank you, I love you, Shawn! I promise I'll make it up to you when you get back."
He chuckled and motioned for me to go out.
"Just go already before the jet takes off."
I plastered a huge kiss on his cheek and waved him 'goodbye' while making my way out of the plane.
"Don't have too much fun without me!"