The next day was Thursday, and with the weekend trip to the beach just around the corner, Awa knew it was time to go shopping. After a long day at work, she picked up Beatrice from school and decided to head to the mall. It was almost summer break, and Beatrice had outgrown most of her swimming clothes—another reminder of how fast her daughter was growing.
"Mommy, do we really need to go shopping now?" Beatrice asked as they walked through the bustling mall. Her voice carried a hint of exhaustion, but Awa knew better. Beatrice loved new clothes, and as soon as they got inside the trendy boutique, she'd be bouncing with excitement.
"Yup, we do," Awa said with a smile, ruffling Beatrice's hair. "You're growing like a weed, sweetie. Last year's swimsuit probably doesn't fit you anymore. Plus, summer's almost here—you want to look cute for the beach, right?"
Beatrice shrugged, trying to play it cool, but Awa noticed the slight upturn of her lips.
They stopped at a small café for a quick break, treating themselves to some Boba Milk Tea while they waited for Stanley to arrive. He had insisted on coming along, saying it was his "duty" to help Awa pick out the perfect swimsuit. Awa suspected his real motive was more self-serving—Stanley didn't mind shelling out money for a bikini he'd appreciate in private later.
"We all know why he's really coming," Awa thought with a smirk. Stanley was a good guy, though, the type of man who no one could think badly of. He was dependable, steady, and the kind you'd marry and spend the rest of your days with. But sometimes, just sometimes, Awa couldn't help but crave something… more. A little excitement. But then again, excitement wasn't always a good thing, right?
Stanley arrived on time, as always, his warm smile immediately putting Beatrice at ease as he scooped her up for a hug. "Hey, there's my princess," he said, giving her a playful spin before setting her down.
Beatrice giggled, "Mommy says I'm growing too fast."
"Well, you'll be taller than me soon!" Stanley laughed, ruffling her hair before turning his attention to Awa. "Ready for some swimsuit shopping?"
Awa smirked. "Oh, I'm ready. But are you?" she teased, knowing full well what kind of reactions she'd be getting from him once she started trying things on.
They made their way to one of the trendiest boutiques in the mall. It was filled with bright colors, bold patterns, and all the latest summer fashions. Beatrice immediately rushed toward the children's section, pulling out a handful of swimsuits and holding them up for Awa's opinion.
"Mommy, what about this one?" she asked, holding up a bright yellow swimsuit adorned with cute little daisies.
"Oh, that's adorable! You'll look like a little sunshine on the beach," Awa said, her heart warming at how much Beatrice had grown.
Stanley, however, had a different mission in mind. His eyes scanned the adult swimwear section, and when Awa returned with a few selections of her own, his expression shifted from sweet to... excited. Awa had chosen a couple of practical swimsuits and a couple that were more daring.
"Try the red one," Stanley said, his voice a little too eager.
"Of course, you'd pick that one," Awa teased, rolling her eyes but still heading to the dressing room. "Don't drool too much."
Stanley grinned, but his eyes were glued to her every time she came out to model a new suit for him. Awa couldn't help but laugh inwardly. Even after all these years and after having a child, she still had what it took to catch a man's eye—and Stanley's expressions were priceless.
"You look incredible," Stanley said, his eyes wide as she came out in a sleek black bikini that hugged her figure in all the right places.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Awa replied with a mock sigh, spinning around once for effect. "But we're here for Beatrice, not me."
Eventually, they settled on a couple of swimsuits for both Awa and Beatrice, and they decided to grab some dinner afterward. A small restaurant just outside the mall seemed like the perfect place to relax after their shopping spree. Beatrice happily colored in her menu while Awa and Stanley talked about the upcoming weekend plans.
Stanley was his usual charming self, keeping the conversation light, asking about Awa's work, and doting on Beatrice as always. Everything seemed normal, almost too normal, but then something happened that put a small crack in the picture-perfect scene.
While they were waiting for their food, Stanley excused himself to go to the bathroom, leaving his phone on the table. Awa didn't think much of it at first, but then the screen lit up with a message notification.
Her eyes flicked to the phone, and without even intending to, she read the message.
"You got no work next weekend, right? Will be fun."
The casual tone made Awa's brows furrow. It wasn't from a work colleague—she could tell from the wording. It felt... personal. Something wasn't sitting right with her, but before she could dwell on it, Beatrice tugged at her sleeve, asking for some more juice.
By the time Stanley returned, Awa had pushed the thought aside. They finished their dinner in a happy, relaxed atmosphere, Beatrice chattering away about how excited she was for the beach trip.
But on the ride home, as they drove in comfortable silence, Stanley suddenly mentioned something that made Awa's stomach tighten.
"By the way, babe," Stanley began, his tone casual but apologetic, "I've got to go out of town again for work next weekend. I know it's been a lot lately, but I promise I'll make it up to you and Beatrice."
Awa's heart skipped a beat. She remembered the message on his phone, the one that said he didn't have work next weekend. She glanced at him from the passenger seat, her brows furrowing slightly.
"Oh, really? Another work trip?" she asked, trying to keep her tone light, though her mind was spinning.
"Yeah," Stanley sighed, "I know, it sucks. But I'll be back before you know it. We'll plan something special, okay?"
Awa nodded, but a sense of unease settled in her chest. She wasn't the type to jump to conclusions, but something wasn't adding up. The message she saw—it felt like a small crack in the foundation of something she had once thought was solid. She couldn't help but wonder what Stanley was really doing on these "work trips."