My Beloved Boss (The Short Story)

14

Kyra Lewis:

After a day full of joy with my family, I woke up in the morning with my heart pounding with anticipation. I ran to the bathroom, took care of my hygiene, and put on an outfit I considered appropriate. Before leaving the room, I looked once more at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting a few details and smiling at myself.

I eagerly entered the living room and quickly found my family gathered together.

— Good morning! — I said with a smile.

— Good morning! — they responded in unison.

— Are you happy, daughter? — my father asked, with a look full of affection.

— I am very happy, but also a little nervous — I confessed.

— Everything will be fine! — my mother encouraged, patting my shoulder.

I sat at the table and started to enjoy my favorite cake: carrot with chocolate. As I savored the treat, I excitedly talked about what awaited me during the day, which was the long-awaited photo shoot.

— I’m leaving now — I said. — Bye, family!

— Bye, daughter! Everything will be fine — my mother said, while my father agreed and gave me a loving kiss on the forehead.

— Bye, sister! — my brothers said in chorus.

After saying goodbye, I picked up my phone and ordered a taxi. I waited anxiously until it arrived, and soon I was on my way to the agency.

Upon arrival, I went up the stairs to Matteo’s office. My anxiety was at its peak; after the night we had together, we hadn’t exchanged any words.

I knocked on the door, and I immediately heard his voice granting my entry.

— Hi! — I said as I entered. He was seated in the chair, partially reclined, with his legs spread apart and the top three buttons of his shirt open.

— Hi — he replied, getting up and walking toward me, where he gave me a tender, unexpected kiss.

— I’ve been dying to do that — he admitted, and I felt my face flush.

— Me too — I smiled, nervous.

— I have something for you — he said, walking to the desk and opening a drawer. He took a small box and handed it to me.

— What is this? — I asked, intrigued.

— You left it in my room when you stayed over — he explained, and I opened the little box.

— My earring! Thank you! With all this rush, I didn’t even notice I’d forgotten it. This earring belonged to my grandmother, and my father made me promise never to take it off.

— You made a promise never to take off an earring? — he asked, surprised.

— Yes, it’s the only keepsake I have of my grandmother. My dad said it could save my life someday. I didn’t quite understand that last part, but since it was hers, I accepted. And it’s also beautiful.

— Truly, it’s beautiful — he commented, but we were interrupted by Nate, who entered the room.

— Sorry to interrupt the couple, but we have photos to take — he said with a playful smile.

— Let’s go — Matteo responded, nodding.

We left the room heading toward the beach, where we would take the photos, as well as some at the agency’s pool. I was completely nervous. Suddenly, I felt someone hold my hand. Looking to the side, I realized it was Matteo, who offered me a smile that could dispel all my nerves.

[…]

Matteo Rossi:

Now, Nate and I were at the beach, alongside the photographers, waiting for Kyra to come out of the bathroom so we could start the photo session.

— Matteo — someone called me. It was my cousin, Felipe.

— Hey, man! — I hugged him, and he greeted the others.

We heard the bathroom door open, and all of us turned around. Kyra came out wearing a sky blue bikini, and I couldn’t help but let out a swear word that escaped my lips.

— Felipe! — she shouted, running to hug him. I felt a pang of jealousy; I knew he was my cousin and trusted him, but I couldn’t help feeling possessive about every person who got close to her.

— How did you know we’d be taking photos at this beach? — I asked, curious.

— It was me who told her. He helped me when I needed him most, and it’s only fair that he’s with me in my successes — Kyra explained, looking at Felipe fondly.

— Alright — I responded, trying to hide my discomfort.

— Can we start? — the photographer suggested.

— Let’s go! — Kyra said enthusiastically.

She walked toward the water; once she was in, her smile was like that of a child experiencing something new for the first time. I could tell she probably hadn’t been to the beach since the accident.

While she smiled, I couldn’t help but smile too. There was a connection between us; her happiness was contagious, and I found myself completely lost in her charms.

— You’re drooling — Nate commented, while Felipe chuckled.

— I am. She’s so beautiful — I admitted, shamelessly.

— Your eyes are sparkling — Felipe observed. — And, man, I already see how you look at her. Just promise me one thing.

— What? — I asked.

— That you’ll take care of her and make her happy. She deserves it — he confirmed sincerely.

— I will do just that! — I promised, determined. — Can I ask you something? — I asked him.

— Shoot! — he replied.

— Do you like her? — I asked directly, and he looked at me intensely.

— I won’t lie. I like her, yes. But what I want most is to see her happy, no matter who she’s with — he answered honestly.

I’ve always admired Felipe for that. He’s truly an incredible person.

— I guarantee you that, if it’s up to me, she’ll be very happy — I said, giving him a friendly hug.

— How sweet! — Nate commented, with a hint of sarcasm, as our laughter echoed among us.

— You were right — I told Nate.

— About what? — he inquired, probably surprised.

— I’m completely in love with her — I confessed.

— Big news! — he responded. — I already knew. You’re just denying it.

— When will you tell her? — Felipe asked.

— Not yet. I don’t know if she feels the same about me. First, we need to get to know each other better: I’ll take her out to dinner, to the movies, and when the right moment comes, I’ll tell her.

— Look at the romantic — Nate teased.

— Just for her — I retorted, with a smile on my lips.

After that revealing conversation with the guys, the photo shoot finally ended, and I was impressed with the quality of the images.

When everything was over, Kyra approached me and hugged me.

— Let’s go! — I called her.

— Let’s go! — she responded, with a smile that lit up her face.