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Chapter 5

  • Today I will jog early in the morning. I feel like I’ve been eating and slouching too much that my fats are about to show up anytime soon.
  • I wore a mid-riff racerback and leggings. I tied my hair in a high ponytail as I faced myself in the mirror. My eyes went back to my body. I’m not curvy. I’m not slim either. I look average. There’s nothing I can flaunt to guys other than my legs. But why would I flaunt my legs anyway?
  • I shook my head and decided to clear my mind for this. I needed to run to clear my mind.
  • I tied my iPod Nano on my right upper arm and plugged my earphones on. I put on my Nikes and went out of the room.
  • For my first week in this place, I’ve noticed people biking and jogging by the shoreline. I heard from Tim, the security guard of the hotel, that when I bike for about fifteen minutes, I’d be able to reach Manhattan Beach. Maybe I can reach there if I ran for about an hour.
  • I went out of the room and held onto my keys. I don’t have a pocket so I’ll just leave them on the reception.
  • My heart fell when I was alone in front of the elevator door. I looked around. Where is he? Is he out early?
  • I took a deep breath.
  • Kinsella, you have to let go of him inside your mind.
  • I tried to shake all of my thoughts away. I have to tear them off of him because I’m not feeling so well about this. I’ve known from last night that he’s taken. He’s dating Lucy and they suit each other. I just want to enjoy this vacation of mine.
  • The elevator opened and I went inside. I immediately clicked the G button for the door to close right away. I don’t want someone to barge in all of a sudden.
  • But then, I wouldn’t be able to escape his presence all the damn time. He lives here. He’s been here all his life. The only consolation I can give is for me to stay civil. I don’t even know why this has to be awkward for me. I’m leaving anyway. I can do anything now and forget about the repercussions because I’m not staying here.
  • I walked towards the reception and was relieved to see Heart there. I don’t know how I will react if Lucy was here. I bet she’s still asleep because they all stayed out late last night. But then, I don’t see how that’s my problem. If she’s dating Nero, then I’d even fucking sponsor their damn wedding.
  • Damn! This thing is really getting to me.
  • I smiled at Heart and she smiled widely.
  • “Good morning, Miss Sloane. Are you going for a run?” She asked brightly.
  • I smiled and nodded. I showed my keys. “Can I leave my keys here? I don’t have a pocket and I don’t want to hold it while running.” I explained.
  • She smiled and took the keys from me. “Sure, Miss Sloane. We’ll keep it for you.”
  • I nodded. “Thank you.”
  • “Have a good run, Miss Sloane!”
  • I walked towards the entrance and was almost frozen when I saw Nero coming inside the hotel. He’s wearing a black sleeveless and board shorts. His biceps are accentuated as he pushed the glass door to get inside.
  • I gulped and looked away. Hell, Kinsella! He’s going to think you’re weird!
  • I took a deep breath and bit my lip. I have to act like I don’t care at all. Or shall I act like I didn’t see him? Damn. That’s stupid. How could a Greek God come inside a room without being noticed? That’s hard.
  • I got the courage to walk towards the other glass door. If he goes inside one, I can go outside with another one. How hard did that sound for me?
  • I didn’t glance his way again. I just heard Heart greet him with the same brightness, “Good morning, Nero!”
  • I didn’t know what he did and honestly, I shouldn’t care. I shook my head and just walked towards the shore line. The sand is firm and the smell of the morning ocean is soothing. I need this all the time.
  • I can see other people running too. Only that they have someone to run with them. I don’t because I’m alone.
  • It’s fine, though. I can manage being alone. And besides, the smell of the sea makes me feel alright. I don’t need someone to share this scent with. I’m good with this.
  • Ellie Goulding’s voice is playing through my ears as I reached a signage about arriving at Manhattan Beach.
  • There’s a small café that caters all the people who jogged. It was also near the beach and I think they have great foods because all of the people who jogged before me were there.
  • I walked towards a single table and sat there. Not long after the waiter came to me. His name is Pat, according to the embroidered name tag on his white polo shirt.
  • “What do you want to order, beautiful Miss?” He asked in a flirty manner.
  • I looked at him and narrowed my eyes. Maybe they’re all like this in the sea? They need to flirt around to get more tips from the tourists. Hmmm…marketing strategy.
  • “I’d like some sparkling water, please.” I told him.
  • He nodded and winked before leaving me alone. I looked at the beach of Manhattan and smiled. There’s really something about beaches that makes me want to smile. It’s as if the smell of it makes me feel at peace and contented.
  • I wonder if the people who lived here all their lives feel the same. If I lived here all my life, I probably not want to leave. I’d spend all my days in the sea. I’d spend all of my life savoring the soothing breeze.
  • I leaned my cheek on my palm as I adoringly stared at the blue waters. The sparkles of the sun’s reflection make it look like it’s shining with diamonds in it. Tomorrow, I’ll go and do water sports. I can have life jacket, anyway. I won’t drown.
  • “Here’s your sparkling water, Miss Beautiful.”
  • I heard the waiter’s flirty voice once again. I looked at him and smiled. Even if flirty men turn me off, I still don’t have the reason to be rude. He’s just doing his job and maybe he’s thinking he could get some tips from me.
  • I opened the bottle and gulped the water down. I stayed there for a while, just staring at the beauty of the sea. I can do this forever.
  • And besides, looking at it makes me forget every single thing that’s bothering me.
  • When I thought I’ve been staying for too long, I left a twenty dollar bill and left. I decided to walk back to The Strand to explore the surrounding better. I will get my Ultimate Wrap in the spa when I get back.
  • “Hey, you alone?”
  • I looked at the person who was suddenly beside me. He’s topless and his body is something most women swoon over. But then, it’s nothing compared to Nero’s…no. Stop thinking about the taken guy and just focus on this hot guy beside you.
  • He looked sweaty. He must have jogged a while ago, too.
  • I nodded. “Yes. Why?”
  • He grinned and I almost got lost in his perfect set of white teeth. He looked so warm and welcoming. He also looked like he’s been here all his life. His tan and his blonde hair scream it all.
  • “Nothing. I mean, can I walk with you?” He asked. “Where are you headed to?”
  • “The Strand.”
  • His eyes widened. “Really? I’m headed there too. You staying in the Beach House?”
  • I nodded.
  • He chuckled. “Great! My cousin is the owner of the hotel chains. He’s been here this summer that’s why I’m always staying in the Beach House too.”
  • I nodded. Okay…so what should be my answer to that?
  • “I’m Stan.” He held out his hand.
  • I stared at his hand, contemplated for a moment before I took it briefly. “Kinsella.”
  • He smiled wider. “Your name’s unique.” He said.
  • “It sounds like a name of virus or bacteria for me.”
  • He laughed. “Where are you from?” he asked as we started walking again.
  • “Illinois.”
  • “Oh! Chicago?”
  • I nodded.
  • “I’ve been there once.” He spoke. “I watched a game of Derrick Rose.”
  • I grinned. “He’s in Knicks now.” I said.
  • I don’t know about basketball but my cousin was so devastated when he said Derrick Rose transferred to New York Knicks.
  • “So you know Derrick Rose?”
  • “His face is plastered everywhere in Chicago. How would I not know?” I laughed.
  • He grinned and started to talk about everything under the sun. He also asked me if we could ride the jetski tomorrow. I agreed because I wanted to play water sports the whole day tomorrow. He’s also been busy with his phone as we spoke. He said his cousin is just bothering him.
  • I smiled. My cousin also bothers me all the time. We must have the same fate when it comes to annoying cousins.
  • When we arrived at the entrance of the hotel, he faced me.
  • “I would want to walk you to your door but my Dad wants to see me now.” His voice sounded disappointed. “I’m guessing I’ll see you tomorrow then?” He asked.
  • I nodded and smiled.
  • “I’ll meet you in the lobby first thing in the morning?”
  • I nodded. “Sure. See you in the morning.” I waved my hand at him.
  • Stan smiled and waved back before running towards the office of his Dad.