Chapter 9

We all went to the lobby together. I smiled at Lanie when she approached us and sent us off. 

I looked around secretly hoping that I'll see Mark once again but I failed. 

"Tyler, what's with you and Lanie?" I curiously asked. Kieffer chuckled in the front seat. 

"Curiosity killed the cat, Kathy," Kieffer said. I just rolled my eyes at them and sat silently at the back while looking outside. 

They dropped me off at our house because I promised that I would go home on weekends. It's Saturday and I know my parents still have work but they are at home. 

Kieffer also has his own condo but he is staying here more often because he said he doesn't want the house to feel empty. 

"Is mom and dad in their office?" I asked Nancy while I was eating the snacks she prepared for me. 

"Yes, Ma'am. You'll be here for dinner?" 

"Hmm, yes. Until Monday morning, I guess. I promised them that I'll be home every weekend."

After I ate, I decided to go to my parent's office. I knocked three times before opening the door. They both looked at me. Dad put down his eyeglasses and Mom closed her laptop. They both looked tired but as soon as they saw me, their faces brightened up like their tiredness faded away.

"I'm home," I said. They both smiled warmly at me. I went inside to give them hugs and kisses.

"How's your condo? How's living alone?" Mom asked. I smiled at her.

"It's fine. It's fun. I like it. You can visit me anytime you want there, Mom, and Dad. My place has a nice environment." I told them. They nodded. Mom smiled at me while staring at me. Her stare made me feel that she is so proud and happy for me.

"Nikki already told us the location and safety of your place. That's enough for us to know that you are okay there living alone. Just don't hesitate to message or call us if you need help, okay?" Dad said.

After that, I left them two alone since I noticed that there were a lot of papers on their desks. I went to my room to take some rest.

I spent the amazing two days in our house joyfully and thankful. After a long time, this house felt like home. It was warm and comforting.

Monday morning, Kieffer went to work first while I was having my breakfast. It is only six thirty. He said he needed to go to the Hossler Resort to do some work for Tyler.

Then around seven, I decided to leave since I remembered that I needed to buy some groceries.

She immediately saw Nikki get out of the car after she parked car. Jaime was not with him because he was with Kieffer.

Nikki was holding a basket for me. I got bread, pasta, and vegetables. Actually, I don't have that much need to buy.

"That's all for now," I said. Nikki nodded and went to the cashier first. I got two packs of milk lollipops when I passed the candy station before I went to the cashier.

I saw some people looking at us and whispering to each other. I sighed and ignored them. I am used to this. People were gossiping when they saw Nikki and us together, thinking that we are a couple because we both look good together especially now that Nikki was not wearing his uniform but just his normal clothes. Nikki also noticed it but he just ignored it like me since that was ridiculous. 

I gave my card to the cashier's lady while Nikki got the bags of groceries.

"If people know me as the daughter of Andres, you'll be famous, Nikki." I joked with him.

"At least people were aware that I am this handsome to be paired with you." He joked back that made me totally cringe that I punched him on his back.

He put the groceries in my car. "Thanks!" I said to him before I started the engine of my car.

Nikki helped me again carry the bags of groceries even though that were only three bags. This was the first time that Nikki went to enter the building not wearing his uniform. Ah, I forgot, Lily was the only person that saw Nikki.

"Are you going to stay outside again?" I asked when we were on the elevator.

"Yes, Ma'am," he answered. I tilted my head and slightly pouted my mouth.

"But I don't have any business later so I won't go out," I told him. I went out to the elevator first since I am going to unlock the door.

"You can stay here for a while," I told him while I was opening the door. We both looked to the left side when we heard a loud bang on the door. My eyebrows furrowed when I saw Mark, in his usual uniform attire. I looked at my watch to check the time. It is already ten and as far as I know, morning duty is at eight in the morning. Did he wake up late? 

I was going to greet him but he just passed by us his sharp gaze at me didn't escape my sight and for sure, and Nikki also saw that.