Painted

Chapter 12

The air hummed with excitement as Rebecca reluctantly climbed into Richard’s sleek sports car, her weekend bag tossed carelessly into the trunk. Richard, already too smug for her liking, adjusted his sunglasses and shot her a grin.

“You know,” he began as Rebecca buckled her seatbelt, “most siblings would kill for a road trip like this with me. Consider yourself lucky.”

Rebecca rolled her eyes and leaned her head against the window. “You’re delusional. Let’s just get this over with before I regret coming.”

Richard laughed, merging onto the highway. “Oh, come on, little sis. It’s not every day we get a paid beach weekend with coworkers. And your favorite coworker, no less...”

Rebecca’s jaw tightened, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. “Just drive, Richie. The sooner we get there, the sooner I can avoid you.”

Meanwhile, Sarocha and Looknam were cruising along the highway in her glossy black SUV. Looknam, fully embracing her role as the designated passenger-seat gremlin, had her feet propped up on the dashboard, sunglasses perched crookedly on her nose.

“So, Freen,” she began, casually flipping through the playlist on Sarocha’s phone. “This weekend… Rebecca’s coming, right?”

Sarocha sighed, keeping her eyes on the road. “Yes, Nam. You know that.”

“I’m just saying,” Looknam continued with a wicked grin. “Beach retreats, shared activities, maybe a little moonlight walk… Sounds romantic.”

“Sounds like you’ve been watching too many Thai dramas,” Sarocha countered, though the slight pink in her cheeks didn’t go unnoticed.

Looknam smirked. “And yet, you’re blushing.”

“Can we just focus on getting there?” Sarocha muttered, turning up the music.

By mid-morning, the team had gathered at a beachfront café, the breeze carrying the scent of saltwater and fresh coffee. Tables were pushed together, and platters of tropical fruit, pastries, and iced drinks were passed around as the group chatted.

Rebecca entered with Richard, already regretting her choice of travel companion. Her gaze immediately found Sarocha, who was seated with Looknam, the two laughing over something. Sarocha’s casual white button-down and khaki shorts made her look effortlessly at ease, a stark contrast to Rebecca’s own slightly frazzled demeanor.

Their eyes met briefly, a flicker of recognition passing between them before Rebecca quickly looked away, pretending to focus on her coffee. It wasn't that she did not want to walk up to Sarocha, to greet her, to let her gaze linger a little too long. But the situation was a little more precarious than allowed Rebecca such freedom, as they mingled among their colleagues.

After brunch, the team was ushered to a shaded pavilion where the facilitator, a chipper woman named Title, stood with a wicker hat full of names.

“Alright, everyone! Time for a partner challenge to kick things off,” Title announced, holding up the hat. “Your names are in here, and I’ll be drawing pairs at random.”

Rebecca stiffened, glancing at Sarocha, who looked as composed as ever.

Title pulled out the first pair. “Rebecca and… Looknam!”

Looknam let out an exaggerated cheer, pumping her fist. “Yes! Partner of the year, right here!” She shot Rebecca a wink, who couldn’t help but smile despite herself.

The next name was drawn. “Richard and… Sarocha!”

Richard, apparently bored up until that point, perked up at the news and leaned back in his chair with a cocky grin. “Well, Sarocha, looks like fate wants us to spend some quality time together.”