Just A Breath Away

“Finally!” I said softly as I yawned and stretched my arms. It's quarter to twelve and my shift is over.

Actually, I should have gone home by ten o'clock but because Cathy took a long time to come in, I was left with no choice but to work overtime.

“You're going home?” Cathy asked me who was just putting on make-up.

“Yes. Hurry up there! Some customers might come.”

She blew out air. “I'm really sorry, Mel, huh? I just needed to put my kids to sleep before going here.”

“It's okay, Cath! I understand that.”

“Hmm! I was afraid because you might had a date and you didn't get to go because of me!” she said jokingly.

I laughed softly. "Silly! I don't have a date. I'm single!”

“Really? My husband has a cousin. He's seaman, handsome, kind, single, and looking for a partner. Are you interested? Just tell me, I have his number.”

I really laughed because of what she said. I'm single but I'm still not available. I haven't thought about having a boyfriend yet. Right now, my priorities are treating my mother and planning to study.

I shook my head. “Don't do it! I might not be able to give him my time either.”

“Gosh! Is that you? Multi-tasking is the key.”

I just shook my head while laughing. I left the reception area. I said goodbye to Cathy. I went to the locker area first for my things and I was going straight out of the hotel to go home.

But before I got far, I heard someone calling my name.

“Melissa! Melissa, wait!”

I turned to the source of the voice and saw that it was Ate Cherry— our kitchen manager.

“Oh, Ate Cherry why?”

She ran between us and immediately grabbed my left shoulder while her other hand also touched her chest while catching her breath.

“Fortunately . . . I caught up with you,” she said.

“Why? I should be going home.”

“Because... There are a lot of guests today. And unfortunately, it's time for the midnight snack of one of our guests. Remember the guest that live in one of our presidential suites?"

I nodded my head while waiting for what Ate Cherry said next.

“That's right... No one will deliver his food,” she added.

“And?” I asked even though I already know what comes next. I will be ordered to do room service again!

Oh gosh! I wanna go home and sleep badly!

Ate Cherry snorted. My eyes narrowed immediately while waiting for her favor.

“Maybe you can . . . You know . . . Deliver his food?”

The one side of my lips lifted. See?

“Aren't there too many of us here? Ate Cherry, the presidential suite is so far away!” I grumbled.

“There's an elevator, Mel!” she insisted.

“Ugh!” I scratched my forehead violently. It's not part of my job anymore but because I don't want to let them suffer, I'll just do it. As if I have a choice.

"Okay, fine!"

Ate Cherry immediately jumped for joy while hugging me.

“You're really a good kid! Plus you're so beautiful!”

“Gosh! You're flattering me again.”

I put my arm around Ate Cherry, and one of her arms wrapped around my back as we walked to the kitchen. I am taller than Ate Cherry. She's a bit short and fat.

“By the way, Mel. Jon, my nephew. The one that I am telling you that work as a bartender at a bar. He's asking for your number. I showed him your picture. He says you're pretty.”

I scratched my head. I don't understand why almost all my coworkers here want me to have a boyfriend. As if I will make money from having a boyfriend!

“But of course I didn't give him your number. I told him that I will ask you first.”

I shook my head and yawned. Damn! I'm really sleepy.

“Don't give it to him. I'm not interested in a boyfriend.”

“Melissa, come on!”

Ate Cherry teased me as we entered the kitchen. I was immediately greeted by smoke as soon as we entered.

“Isn't the party over yet?” I asked. There's an engagement party going on here at the hotel right now, so maybe that's why everyone in the kitchen is busy.

“Hey, Mel . . . Have you heard? They say the bride to be is different!” Shyrah, one of the waitresses of the Bluestone Hotel said to me.

“Oh my, Shyrah! You're so nosy!” Ate Cherry complained.

“Why?” I am also interested in the question.

“They say, someone else showed up!”

“Shyrah! Please serve this,” our sous chef called her.

Shyrah immediately left me and immediately threw her work. Ate Cherry came right back to me while pushing the food cart.

“Is that it?” I asked.

She nodded and smiled at me.

I also let out a small smile.

“Go ahead.”

I grabbed the handle of the cart and then pushed it out of the kitchen. I went straight to the elevator and then pressed the 20th floor. Because that's where the presidential suites are. The one on the 21st floor is the penthouse that, as far as I know, is occupied by the twin of the hotel owner. But I've been here for several years at my job, but until now I haven't seen him. Maybe he is not here in the Philippines.

I stopped at a door. I checked several times if it was the one before I knocked.

I knocked on the door a few times before I decided to just open the door. I'll just put the cart in and I'll leave right away.

When I opened it, my eyes immediately widened and I covered my mouth.

“Ohhh! Ohh! Fuck!”

“Ahh . . . Faster! It's almost there! I'm almost there . . .”

“Shit! Ahh . . . Ahh . . . Zoren . . . Go on . . .”

Moans and deafening growls filled my ears. Oh my! Why did Ate Cherry chose me to do this? Damn! Someone is obviously having sex here. Also, is the guest here already asking for his midnight snack?

I slowly entered the food cart. My hand was shaking while trying not to make any noise. I don't want to be a bother!

I was about to leave but I immediately turned behind me when someone at my back cleared a throat. I was instantly greeted by blue eyes and a grin.

I swallowed.

When I lowered my eyes even more, I saw his pet standing and it looks like it's talking to me!

“My goodness! W-what a size!” I said while spacing out!