❇ Rachel's POV ❇

After that awkward encounter with Zachary, I have never completed my shopping as fast as I did. Without double-checking the things on my basket and the table cloth Zachary took for me, I ran to the cashier as calmly as I could.

My nerves were jumping like wild horses and my breathing was erratic. I quickly find a seat before my legs give up on me.

I counted to ten as an attempt to cool myself down. Why am I so nervous about bumping into Zachary? He's just my ex-boyfriend, nothing else.

Oh God, that hug at the end. Zachary still had the familiar aftershave scent on him. Zachary did not change much in terms of his appearance. The cheeky smirk that he used to do, was now a lazy and tired smirk. I could see the tiredness in his eyes. He looked broken when he admitted about the rough relationship with his girlfriend. Yet, he was putting on a strong front.

I nearly shrieked out loud when my phone rang in my bag.

"Hello?" I answered without checking who's the caller.

"Sweetie? Are you done with your shopping?" My mum asked and the sound of her closing a cupboard was at the other end of the call.

"Yeah. Mum, guess who I've just met."

"Who? Your high school friend?"

"Yup, he's a high school friend."

"Zachary?"

I squinted my eyes in suspicion.

"How did you know it was him?"

My mum was laughing as I finally began to relax.

"Natalie told me before that Zachary has a newspaper company here. So, I took a wild guess."

"Oh, I see. Why didn't you tell me before?"

"Tell you Zachary is living here? Would that make any difference?"

"Um... No."

"That's it, honey. Are you on the way home now?

"Yes." I grabbed my things and stood up.

"Alright, lunch is almost ready."
*~*~*~*~*

Nothing beats wearing a comfy sweatshirt and sweatpants. I was lying down on my stomach, scrolling through the website for job seekers. Earlier on for dinner, my mother and I went out to tour around Los Angeles.

I absolutely did not want to depend on Gavin to support me financially. A woman needs to be independent and strong. Even if our hearts are not as strong when it comes to heartbreaks. We have to learn to stand up with our heads up high.

I do not want to be in a state where I could not support myself financially. Therefore, Gavin could not use that as my weakness to threaten me when necessary.

I deserve a pat on my shoulder, am I right?

"Rachel, do you want some ice cream for dessert?" My mother appeared from the kitchen.

"Sounds good! I want the cookies and cream flavour!"

My mother's laughter could be heard while she took out the tub of cookies and cream.

"Sweetheart, how's job hunting so far?" My mother tickled the bottom of my foot to get my attention.

I cast my eyes downwards and fell silent.

"Is it that bad?"

"Yup, zero vacancies for kindergarten teachers," I replied with a soft sigh and sat up straight.

"Hey, don't be dejected. I'm sure everyone will want to employ my daughter!" My mum nudged me by the elbow.

I let out a small laugh and rolled my eyes.

"Apparently, not everyone, mum."

"You can try to work in another different industry."

"It won't be that easy when I have neither the relevant degree nor experience."

"You wouldn't know if you don't try." My mum shot me a wink for encouragement.

I nodded my head in acknowledgement and started to search for jobs which interests me.
*~*~*~*~*

It was already my third week in Los Angeles and I still could not find a job. My mother flew back to New York two nights ago, which saddened me.

I applied for the position of an assistant. I was interviewed by several companies but they all told me to go back and wait for their reply.

Honestly, that would usually mean that I have no chance of getting that job. I even submitted an application to a few kindergartens who are finding an assistant too.

But, there has not been any news from them either.

* ding dong *

I lifted my head from the laptop to stare at the door. After a few more rings of the bell and a few more blinks of my eyes. I finally snapped back to reality and dragged my feet to the door. My brain was too tired to think logically.

"Hey, babe." Gavin hid his face behind a bouquet of flowers.

"Hey there, flowers." I teased back as Gavin lowered the flowers down to give me a cheeky grin.

Gavin leant forward to kiss on my cheek before coming into the house.

"You don't have to be in the office now?" I gave the wall clock a sideway glance and noted that it was 2pm.

"Technically, I should be. But, I really needed a break from the case." Gavin shrugged out his blazer and placed it on the sofa.

"Is it that challenging?" I moved towards the kitchen to get Gavin a drink.

"Yeah, big bosses handed me an important case."

"So fast? You've just joined the firm not long ago." I passed Gavin his drink and seated myself beside him.

"Well, that means your fiancé is smart and capable. Isn't it?" Gavin shot me a playful wink as he drank the fruit juice.

I laughed in reply and once I started it, I could not stop it. Gavin flickered his eyes to mine and squinted suspiciously.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Self-praising doesn't seem like your style." I stifled another laugh that was about to escape my mouth.

"Well, I'm pretty sure you will agree with what I just said." Gavin scooted nearer to me as he placed his elbow on the sofa and rest his head on the back of his hand. He was looking at me with an unreadable facial expression.

"What?" Now, it was my turn to give Gavin a sideways glance.

"You look tired and.. Sad." Gavin traced the side of my face and stroked my cheek with his thumb when I turn to face him.

I cracked a small smile and reached up to stop a strand of hair from falling into his eyes.

"I beg to differ. You are the one who needs tons of rest."

Gavin's mouth lifted into a heart-melting smile as he placed his head on my thighs.

"How's the job hunting?"

"Um, currently waiting for their replies," I responded while stroking his hair.

"Babe, you don't have to rush yourself in finding a job."

"It's boring to stay at home."

I patted Gavin's back and waited for a response. However, the only sound that came from Gavin was his snore.

I giggled softly in order not to wake Gavin up. I could not help but wonder what kind of important case he was handling.

My smartphone vibrated on the table, I stretched my neck to peep whether it was a call or text or an email. After confirming it was not a call, I gently lifted Gavin's head to lay on the sofa.

With quiet steps, I get my smartphone and checked who messaged or emailed me. I froze when my eyes landed on the email.

I nearly jumped on the sofa out of joy. But, I held back my excitement as Gavin was snoring peacefully.

One of the companies I interviewed for, informed me to head down to their office tomorrow morning. High chance was that they actually accepted me for the job.

The corners of my mouth slightly lifted at that possibility. Finally, something good is happening. Ever since my move to Los Angeles, I feel like I'm always running out of luck. Before Gavin came, I was searching for wedding dresses. Since he was in deep sleep, I continued searching for the things we have to do for our wedding.

Gavin stirred from his sleep. He laid on his stomach and gave me a sleepy yet charming grin.

"Did you have a good rest?" I asked while giving Gavin a brief glance.

"Yeap. What are you finding?"

Gavin sat down next to me while I scroll through the website.

"Oh honey, I'm sorry you have to handle these by yourself lately." Gavin slung an arm over my shoulders.

I squeezed Gavin's hand as a smile reached my lips.

"Hey, it's not like you're doing this on purpose. I have nothing to do anyways. But, I might be busier starting from tomorrow."

"You've found a job already?" Gavin looked at me with wide eyes.

"Well, don't look so surprise. I'm not that bad." I nudged him in the sides playfully.

Gavin kept quiet as he pulled me towards him and place his lips on my forehead.

Author's note :
Thank you guys for over 500 reads! 😋 Wanna guess which company Rachel is going to work? The person who guesses correctly will get a dedication for the next chapter! 😄 If no one wants to guess, it's okay too 😊 Vote, comment or share the story, if you want to! ♥