Black card

Her heart beat a little faster than it should have. He wasn't just looking at her; he was staring at her, and it wasn't a casual one. Apart from that, she could tell he had been staring for some time.

She smiled lightly, thinking maybe he actually likes her. But immediately she remembered he was her best friend's father, the smile faded away, and she told herself she was just imagining things.

Slowly and carefully, she looked up again, and this time, he was busy eating. She stared at him for some seconds and looked over at Sandra to know if she was looking at her. Her body relaxed when she saw she was busy with her own food.

She stared at Vincent for some moments again and continued her food. Soon, Vincent finished his meal. He set his cutlery down and stood up.

“Thank you, Emily,” he said. “I enjoyed your meal. You guys did a great job."

"Thank you, sir." Emily said.

"You are welcome. Keep it up. I'm sure going to enjoy this holiday."

He stood up and left the room. Emily stared at the space he had just occupied, still processing the simple fact that he had thanked her.

Sandra noticed it halfway through her second piece of chicken. Emily was smiling to herself. That small quiet smile people wear when their mind is somewhere else.

Sandra narrowed her eyes slightly and leaned back in her chair. “Emily,” she called her name, and Emily quickly looked up at her like someone pulled out of a deep thought.

"Why are you smiling like that?” Sandra asked, and Emily blinked. "What? Am I smiling?"

"You don't know?" Sandra asked. "Who are you thinking about?"

Emily hesitated for half a second, then laughed softly. “Oh. Nothing. I guess I'm just happy."

Sandra didn’t buy it. “Emily.”

Emily took another bite of food and shrugged. “I’m just happy. That’s all.”

“Happy about what?” Sandra pressed on.

Emily's mind ran wild, thinking of what to answer. She can't tell her the truth. She can't tell her that her dad, Mr. Vincent, was the reason behind her smile. She can't tell Sandra that he has been staring at her and she likes it. She can't tell her she finds her dad attractive, and she loves him.

“I'm happy to be here." She managed to say. "With you. And... the hope you gave me about my dad if Desmond fires him. I couldn't help it."

Sandra studied her face as if she wasn't saying the truth. And yes, she didn't say what she was expecting. “Is that why you are smiling like that?”

“Yes,” Emily said quickly. “Why? Is that strange?”

Sandra sighed. “No. I just thought you were thinking about something else. You are smiling like someone thinking about a man. Is there something you are not telling me?”

Emily shook her head. “No. And... I'm not thinking about any man.”

"Alright, if you say so." Sandra shrugged and went back to eating. “Well, I’m glad you’re happy.”

“I really am,” Emily said and let out a faint smile.

Without saying any other thing, Sandra stood up and stretched. “Alright. Cleanup time.”

Emily stood up and gathered the dishes along with her, then headed to the kitchen to wash them. Emily washed and rinsed the plates while Sandra stacked them. They laughed when Sandra nearly dropped a plate.

As Emily was wiping the wet counter with a dry towel, her thoughts drifted back to Sandra's dad again. She shook her head lightly, trying to clear him out of her mind, knowing how ridiculous it was.

He was a fucking grown man that is almost her father's age. And she hasn't even settled her dispute with Desmond. She told herself she shouldn’t be thinking like that.

“Earth to Emily,” Sandra said suddenly, and Emily looked up. “Sorry.”

“You okay?” Sandra asked.

“Yes,” Emily said quickly. “Just a little bit tired.”

When they finished clearing the sink and wiping the counter, the kitchen looked spotless again. They turned off the lights and headed out of the kitchen together.

Sandra recommended a movie and switched the television on. It was a Korean romance movie. As they were watching, Mr. Vincent showed up. He was dressed up like someone going out.

"Where are you going, Dad?" Sandra asked and reduced the volume of the television.

"I have a business meeting with a client. I will be coming back by evening time." He said, checking his watch.

"Tomorrow, I will be taking both of you to a private beach." He said and they quickly turned their full attention to him.

"I can't let you guys be at home all day watching movies. We will always have somewhere to visit, and tomorrow, we will be going to Skylar Beach."

Skylar Beach is one of the most expensive beaches in the country, and Sandra has only visited once. She was happy she would be visiting again. This time, she will be going with her best friend.

"Wow, that's great." Sandra exclaimed in excitement and rushed to hug him. "I love you so much, Dad."

She hugged her dad and turned to Emily, who was clearly happy. She was already thinking of what to wear.

"I hope you can still swim." Sandra asked, and Emily laughed. "I have improved. I can swim better than you now." She replied.

Mr. Vincent smiled. "I will know who is better tomorrow. You guys should get prepared."

"We will, Dad. We are going shopping right now. We need to buy new dresses and swimming kits." Sandra said. "And... I think Emily will need some money."

"Alright. That won't be a problem." He took out one of his black cards. "Emily, this is for you."