It's Monday morning, and I'm on my way to work with my mom. One of my favourite parts of the job is that she's also my manager. A remix of Lights by Ellie Goulding is playing, and we're pumping our arms while waiting at the traffic light. Since we have to be at the hotel by 6:30 a.m., we usually start our mornings with some upbeat music.

The roads are quiet, as they usually are at this hour. The sun is still rising, casting a soft golden glow - and honestly, this is one of my favourite parts of the day. I glance over at my mom. She's laughing, completely in the moment. She loves this just as much as I do.

Car karaoke is hands-down the best part of our morning. We're lucky to love our jobs, but with a boss like ours, finding joy in the small things is essential. Silver linings? We collect them like treasure. Go ahead - rain on our parade. We've got umbrellas.

When we arrive at the hotel, we clock in and get straight to it. Mom rushes to her office to grab the keys, unlock the other offices, and collect the vehicle keys from the safe. I head straight to the restaurant to check on the guests and help out wherever I'm needed.

Our hotel caters more to corporate guests than leisure travellers, so we're usually full during the week but quieter on weekends. I stroll slowly through the restaurant, smiling and greeting guests. Everything seems to be in order, so I return to reception.

"Good morning, Thandi," I say to the nightshift receptionist.

"Good morning, Tam! Are you ready to take over? I'm exhausted," she replies.

Thandi is an older woman who loves to chat - she's quite popular with the guests, most of the time.

"Absolutely. Have you finished your cash-up?"

"Yes. By the way, I found a book I think you might like. I'm still reading it, so I can't lend it to you just yet, but you can take a photo of the title and author," she says with a smile, holding up the book.

I appreciate how she always shares her book recommendations with me. I haven't read any of them yet - we have very different tastes - but it's still a sweet gesture. I thank her and take over at reception.

The day moves along quickly, which is a blessing considering how long our shifts are. By lunchtime, I step outside to sit in the sun and get some fresh air.

Tam 😊 14:03

Hey, I hope you're having a good day x

No response. Again. I don't know why I keep texting Donovan - he hasn't replied since yesterday. I told myself I wouldn't be that girl. Why should I always be the one to text first? He's so hot and cold, I don't even know if I'm wasting my time or just imagining things. The truth is, we've only just met - so I don't understand why I care this much already. I should just leave it, block him, whatever. Move on. But of course, I won't. Not yet, anyway. I put my phone down and pick up my sandwich. Just as I'm about to take a bite, my phone pings. In true girl fashion, I pick it up immediately.

Donovan 14:14

It's okay. How's your day going?

Tam 😊 14:15

It's good, thank you. What have you been up to?

Donovan 14:27

Went for a run earlier. Now I'm just chilling - probably gonna play some video games. You?

Tam 😊 14:28

That's cool! What kind of games do you play? I've been at work all day, lol.

Donovan 14:30

...

I stare at the screen, waiting. The three dots blink, then disappear. Nothing. Again.

Why do I keep doing this? It's just a half-hearted conversation, and I'm putting in all the effort. I should know better. I do know better.

Still, I check our chat one more time. Just in case.

The dots come and go a few more times before disappearing for good.
Okay. Weird.

I told myself I wouldn't message again until he replied - and I did. That's it. I'm done. For real this time.

I put my phone down and pick up my book, determined to spend the rest of my lunch break in peace.

The day ends up dragging. I finish work later than planned and don't get home until around 8 p.m. Mom and I ended up eating at the hotel - there was no way I was going to finish on time, and we both knew it. She ended up catching up on some admin in her office while I continued with my shift. 

When we walk through the front door, my sister's already in the kitchen, arms crossed and grinning.

"What's for dinner, guys?" she says, dropping her hands on her hips.

Mom turns and gives me a look that clearly says, Seriously?

"Hello to you too. How was your day?" I say, raising an eyebrow.

"Good, thanks! And yours?" she replies, totally unbothered.

Mom's already halfway across the room, greeting the dogs. She pulls Mel into a hug, laughing.

"We already ate at the hotel," she says. "You're on your own tonight, kiddo."

"What about Ted?" she asks.
Ted is our stepdad. He and Mom have been friends since school, and years after my parents got divorced, they rekindled their friendship - which eventually lit the spark that turned into something more. They've been together ever since, and we've been a family ever since.

"There's leftover chicken in the fridge if you want to make toasties," I suggest.
She sighs and closes the fridge. "I had a toastie for lunch," she pouts.

I smile and head out, making my way to my cottage. Oakley, my dog, is already curled up on my bed, tail wagging, clearly thrilled that I'm finally home.

"Hey, you," I say, rubbing his head and sitting next to him.
He's the cutest little mixed-breed dog with the most loving personality. Honestly, Oakley is my sunshine - my constant.

After a few minutes of playtime, I head to the shower. My thoughts are all over the place again. I keep thinking about Donovan - how he still hasn't replied. I was hoping I'd misread the situation, but I guess I wasn't wrong after all.

I turn the hot water on, and soon the room is full of steam. It curls up the walls, slips out the window, and takes my spiralling thoughts with it.

The rest of the week passes quickly. Before I know it, it's Thursday - my favourite day of the week. That's wine night with my best friend.

Jay comes over after work, like clockwork, and we pour a glass (or three), vent out the week, and laugh until our cheeks hurt.

In other words, I'm in a pretty good mood.

Donovan 11:40

Fortnite, mostly.

Are you kidding? I haven't heard from him since Monday, and now he just replies like the conversation didn't completely die.
I tell myself I'm going to play it cool - let him sit in silence for a while and see how he likes it.
I fail.

Tam 😊 12:00

That's a popular one. How's your week been?

Donovan 12:11

Fine, thanks. How's yours going?

Tam 😊 12:13

Good, thank you. I love Thursdays.

Donovan 12:26

Thursdays? Why not Fridays?

Tam 😊 12:30

My best friend and I always have wine nights on Thursdays. It's my favourite part of the week.

Donovan 12:40

Oh no, that sounds like a bad combination.

Tam 😊 12:42

It's not! We just hang out at my flat, drink wine, and talk shit.
We might go support my sister tonight though - she's selling shooters at Pascal's. But we'll see.

Donovan 13:06

Enjoy

Tam 😊 13:07

What are you doing tonight? You could join.

Okay. I made a move. Not a question, a statement - bold. 
Let's see what he says.

Maybe - just maybe - this will give me a bit of clarity. A hint of where his head's at.
Because right now, it feels like I'm stuck in a game I didn't even agree to play.

Donovan 16:02

What time?

Tam 😊 16:06

How about 7 p.m.?
I'll get ready and meet you there.
Bring whoever you want!

Donovan 16:54

Sounds good. See you later, Tam. 😊

Eek! Okay, calm down.
Remember, he's been super hot and cold - probably just friend zoning me anyway.

Wait... What the actual heck am I going to wear tonight?