Ryde.
I wonder what his last name is.
That's where my thoughts revolve while lying on the bed that night. It's clear he's working for Sky Pearl, a normal employee at that, but I don't really mind what his work is. It's the first time I've liked someone way below my status, and I realize it doesn't matter.
My social circle will definitely disagree with me, and thinking about my friends' reaction once they hear I'm taking a fancy to a kitchen server or whatever his work is, I can't help but giggle.
Goal this summer: Make Ryde my boyfriend!
If my plan succeeds, it will be my first time having a boyfriend who is much older. I've had older boyfriends before, but the age gap was only around 2-4 years. But Ryde, I'm pretty sure he's more than 5 years older.
The thought excites me. It makes me wonder what kind of boyfriend he would be since I don't have experience dating someone his age.
So, I've got my schedule planned for the following week.
Unfortunately, both Monday and Tuesday proved to be disappointing.
When I went to Sky Pearl's main resort, I didn't see him anywhere. I tried the restaurants, the clubs, and the sea area, but for those two days, I didn't see even a glimpse of him. I asked some employees, but they only said that they didn't know an employee named Ryde.
I then wondered if he gave me a false name. He was grumpy that day and kind of hostile, so I wouldn't be surprised if he did.
In the end, I have no choice but to wait until Sunday, hoping that he'll come to the construction site for the weekly lunch buffet.
"I heard from Isabelle that her twins went abroad for their summer vacation. Your father and I are busy, but we won't stop you from having a vacation wherever you choose, honey. I thought you'd go with your friends?"
It's Sunday morning, and my family is having breakfast together. It was my mom who started talking about my vacation.
"Well, coming with the twins was my initial plan, but I realized I don't want that anymore. I decided to stay and have a good time by myself. I can work on my art pieces, and there are nice beaches here in Raven Coast, so I can still wear the bikinis you've bought for me, Mom."
Dad narrows his eyes at me. The doubts in his eyes are screaming on my face, and I smile cutely.
"Are you sure you're staying behind because you want to work on your art, or do you have a new boyfriend?"
"Daddy!" I chuckle and sip my organic orange juice. "I don't have a new boyfriend, okay?"
It's still a work in progress, Daddy. I grin.
But I don't say that, of course. I'd surely be grounded for the whole summer if my dad knew what silly plans were on my mind. The mighty Vincent Avory will undoubtedly lose his mind once he learns that his spoiled-rotten princess is chasing some random guy who does lowly labor work.
"Just make sure you're telling the truth, Blair."
Mom rolls her eyes. "What's so wrong with taking a new boyfriend if she's available? Your daughter is an adult, and she's young and pretty! She can explore, Vincent. It's not as if she doesn't know her boundaries. She's smart, I know she will choose someone better next time."
Why have I become a social butterfly at such a young age? It was because of my mom.
She knows how to maximize my beauty, teach me everything about being a lady, and use it to my advantage. She's taught me almost everything I need to know in the world we live in.
Social connections are important in high society, but she's also taught me how to pick the right people and when to leave if things don't feel right, no matter who I'm dealing with.
After breakfast, I start preparing for my agenda. My parents have left early. Mom has gone to the city for her business, while Dad's going to the construction site of Sky Pearl.
Wearing my outfit for the day, I smile at my reflection.
I'm wearing a white vest-like top with buttons down the front and a flared, pleated skirt, giving me a chic yet elegant look. I match it with a pair of pointed, two-inch heeled shoes. My hair is loose, with soft curls cascading down my shoulders.
My green eyes are the best accessory on my face. They aren't pale, they're deep and darker than the typical green eyes. Bright and lively, like how most people describe them.
When I go outside the mansion, Victor is waiting by my car, wearing a black suit and tie. He's around 40 years old, six feet tall, and he's been serving my family since he was 20, which is why my parents entrust my safety to him. He's loyal and very capable.
"Where are we going, Miss Blair?" he asks in his usual professional tone. His massive body stands erect, like a soldier on standby.
"Sky Pearl's construction site."
He nods and opens the car door for me, but I can see the question in Victor's eyes. He's probably wondering why I'm going there when it's Sunday. I visit Dad at work regularly to bring him home-cooked meals, but ever since he took on the Sky Pearl project, I don't visit him on Sundays because of the lunch buffet.
"I'm actually heading to Sky Pearl's main hotel to have lunch with a friend. So, I'll just be quick at the construction site," I say, almost defensively, because I can see Victor becoming suspicious.
I don't mind if he knows what my business is, though. It's not like he isn't there when I'm hanging out with my friends or boyfriends. He's been there my whole life, so I'm used to his presence.
When we arrive, I enter the building first while Victor parks the car.
On the first floor, my face immediately lights up when I see the buffet table being prepared by Sky Pearl's employees, including Ryde!
He's there in a white long-sleeved uniform with the Sky Pearl logo and black slacks. There are four other men with him, transferring food from the carts to the table.
So handsome... I giggle.